Great thread. OK, The song Minnie the Moocher dates to the early thirties anyway. I do however have references dating to the late 1800s refering to a harlot by the name of "Cokey Flo" For the reason of cocaine use. Sigmund Freud also did research into cocaine both academic and recreational if I recall in the 1890's. Certainly by the turn of the century it was common enough usage for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to mention Sherlock holmes' predeliction for its abuse. Hope this helps, Neil