In the past, I’ve suggested it’s not wise to trust the government or drug companies to inform you of what is safe and what is not. And despite recent cases (Vioxx, Celebrex) where dangerous drugs were marketed to the public and taken by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, some folks persist in their folly.

But this is nothing new. The government is particularly prone to making bad recommendations, as are drug companies that are often blinded by greed. And the public at large has particularly poor judgment.

For instance, did you know heroin used to be sold as an over-the-counter drug from 1898 to 1910? And did you know it used to be marketed as a cough medicine for young children?

I can see it now: “Hey Johnny, you don’t feel so well, do you? Here, have some smack…”

Next time you consider blindly trusting so-called “authorities,” remember the history of heroin–and do your own due diligence.