A 19th Century Experiment that Proves Absinthe is Beneficial to Frogs...

Scientists have been trying to understand the effects of the green fairy for centuries. Here's a bizarre account of an experiment involving fish, frogs and absinthe, as performed by a 19th century scientist named Van Helmont.

Tank A was filled with three litres of distilled water, chemically pure, boiled and allowed to cool at air temperature; the bottom of the tank was filled with gravel sterilized at 130 degrees Celsius; in the tank were placed two freshwater fish, two saltwater fish, and a frog; a little wooden ladder (sterilized at the same time as the gravel) would permit the frog to leave his tank.

Tank B was filled with three litres of sea water (gathered at Trouville, at the end of the jetty-promenade) and lined with gravel and a ladder as before, and in this tank were put two freshwater fish and a frog.

Tank C was filled with three litres of spring water (Dhuys), gravel and a ladder, and in it were placed two saltwater fish and a frog.

Tank D was filled with three litres of spring water (Dhuys) and one centilitre of sixty degree commercial absinthe. No special brand name. Only a frog was placed in this tank with a ladder and the gravel.

These were the results:

1. The four fish in tank A died; the frog left to lodge himself in tank D.
2. The two fish in tank B died; this frog also went to tank D
3. The two fish in tank C died; the third frog joined his colleagues in tank D.

Van Helmont concluded:

1. Distilled water, chemically pure and boiled, is a poison since the four fish plunged in it died quickly; the frog did not give his last salute because he climbed the ladder in a lively manner and took refuge in Tank D.
2. Sea water is a poison, since the two fish placed in it died quickly; the frog left hastily.
3. Spring water is a poison, since the two fish put in it also died.
4. Spring water with a small quantity of absinthe spirits is a very clean environment because the two frogs took refuge there and seemed to stay there with pleasure.'

Posted: 01 November 1999
Revised: 28 June 2004