00:00 The history of soda, including its impact on America and the world, is explored in this episode of the podcast "Stuff You Should Know."

04:51 The history of soda fountains dates back much further than the 1950s, with the concept originating in Europe as a way to replicate the health benefits of naturally carbonated mineral water.

09:21 The concept of bottling carbonated water originated in the 18th century, with Joseph Priestly fermenting yeast and mash in water to create a semi-carbonated beverage, and Johann Jacob Schwepp using cold temperatures and pressure to successfully carbonate water, but it wasn't until 1813 that Charles Plinth invented the soda siphon, and in 1832, John Matthews made significant advancements in mass-producing carbonated water.

14:16 John Matthews invented a self-contained apparatus to generate CO2 and Charles Plinth invented the soda siphon, which led to the creation of the soda fountain, while Benjamin Silliman, a chemistry professor at Yale, created two soda fountains in New York City based on Matthews' design.

19:24 Soda fountains started popping up in New York and then spread to other cities, becoming a legitimate business tied to pharmacies due to the technical expertise required to properly create carbon dioxide and the association with medicinal properties.

23:44 Soda fountains in the mid-19th century were not only adding alcohol to their drinks, but also drugs like heroin, morphine, opium, and cannabis, as well as medicinal compounds like acid phosphate, all of which were seen as medicine rather than leisurely beverages.

28:27 In the late 1800s, cocaine was considered a wonder drug and was found in various drinks, including Coca-Cola, although the exact amount of cocaine in these drinks is still debated.

33:10 In the late 1800s, a pharmacist named Doc Pemberton created Coca-Cola as a solution for Civil War soldiers addicted to painkillers, and it was originally sold at Jacobs Pharmacy in Atlanta for a nickel.

37:50 During and after prohibition, the soda fountain culture boomed and became a popular place for families to dine out together, leading to a rise in sugar consumption and the popularity of soda floats with ice cream.

42:46 The decline of soda fountains can be attributed to factors such as the rise of car culture and the convenience of bottle caps, which allowed people to enjoy soda at home or on the go.