Coca-Cola is one of the most recognizable drinks in the world, but its story began in a pharmacy. In 1886, pharmacist John Pemberton created the original syrup in Atlanta, Georgia. It was mixed with carbonated water and sold by the glass. At first, only a small number of servings were purchased each day. Few people could have guessed that the new drink would eventually become a familiar sight in shops, restaurants, cinemas, and homes across the globe.
Over the following decades, Coke developed into far more than a fizzy beverage. Its curved bottles, red branding, and closely guarded recipe became famous. People began sharing unusual claims about what the drink could supposedly do beyond quenching thirst. Some used it in experiments, while others tested it on everyday objects. The mixture of sugar, carbonation, and mild acids gave curious people plenty of reasons to wonder whether the contents of the bottle had unexpected properties.
One woman decided to carry out a particularly strange test of her own. She took an ordinary bottle into her bathroom and stood beside the toilet. There was nothing obviously wrong with the drink, and she had not taken a sip. Instead, she unscrewed the cap of a half-liter bottle. Then she lifted the bottle over the open bowl and started pouring...