Science: Peppo

It has been learned (by Science Service) that the “secret chemical” rumored during the War to have been given German soldiers to endow them with supernormal energy was sodium dihydrogen phosphate. This salt was administered in the form of a drink to the shock troops as they entered battle or during long marches. For psychological reasons other battalions were served with a sham stimulant at the same time, acidulated with tartaric instead of phosphoric acid.

Scientists say the new stimulant has the advantage, over alcohol and alkaloids, of being a natural factor in bodily processes. It is non-intoxicating and non-habit-forming. Since the War ” it has been given to miners, laborers (up to a quarter ounce per day), horses, oxen with good effect.”