Fundamentals of Pharmacology
https://www.amazon.com.au/Fundamentals-Pharmacology-eBook-Shane-Bullock-ebook/dp/B07D6RXQK5
Don't buy it this is the only good part
the example about Alexander Fleming reminded me of Albert Hofmann but they wouldn't mention that haha...
An Historical Perspective
Pharmacology is a branch of medical science which deals with the properties and characteristics of drugs. It is particularly interested in the actions and effects of these chemicals in the human body.
The use of drugs for medicinal and social purposes mirrors the course of human history itself. In fact, it probably even pre-dates human history, as evidence of drug use seems apparent among other animals (particularly chimpanzees). The methods used to identify useful pharmacological agents involve trial and error as well as careful observation. Indeed, many valuable therapeutic agents were discovered serendipitously during a scientific investigation carried out for other purposes. A famous example of this is the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming.
From the most primitive human communities to the most civilised, there exists a drug culture. Drugs are used for recreational, religious and medical purposes. The first systemic register of medicines dates back to the ancient Greek and Egyptian civilisations. In all societies, it is apparent that the individuals who make and administer these agents posses power and influence over their fellows.
The age of natural substances
Probably the earliest known substance used because of its profound effects on the human body is alcohol. In fact, the process of fermentation is illustrated on pottery from Mesopotamia made around 4200BC. While the Mesopotamians would have been aware of the physiological effects of fermented beverages , it is a matter for conjecture as to whether or not alcohol was ascribed any medicinal properties. We had to wait a couple of millennia before medicinal uses were documented. Alcohol has been used as a skin antiseptic, rubiefacient, an appetite stimulant, a gastric acid stimulant, an analgesic, an anaesthetic and a tocolytic agent. One famous literary example of alcohol's medicinal use is in the Bible in a letter from St Paul to Timothy: "...use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thin often infirmities." Today, while the social use of alcohol dominates any therapeutic applications that might remain, there is some evidence that St Paul's words contain and element of truth.
The period in which therapeutic agents were derived from plants is by far the longest, the first recorded use dating back to around 2700 BC. Every culture throughout history has used plant derivatives such as the leaves , fruit, bark, roots, flowers and sap as a means to heal.
Drugs such as atropine, ergotamine, curare, morphine, reserpine, cocaine, marijuana, and many others were extracted from such sources. Indeed, the origins and uses of just a few of these substances broadens the view of pharmacology, and reminds us that there is more to this area of study than simply popping pills into sick people's mouths.