Hektoen International

A Journal of Medical Humanities

Tag: Congo River

  • Quinine and the cinchona plant: Gain or bane for Africa?

    Lom NingBamenda, Republic of Cameroon “The gin and tonic has saved more Englishmen’s lives and minds than all doctors in the Empire.”1 This statement by Winston Churchill referred to the bitter-tasting substance in tonic water, quinine. This antimalarial alkaloid did save lives, but also propelled the economy and prestige of the British Empire as it…