Les boissons gazeuses existent depuis environ 200 ans.2 photos

The secret of this beverage was uncovered by the British chemist Joseph Priestley. Priestley was a highly versatile individual: in addition to studying natural sciences, he also delved into philosophy and theology. Joseph Priestley investigated the process of photosynthesis and discovered oxygen, the so-called “life-giving” gas. Many important discoveries were born out of observations of phenomena that other researchers had overlooked. The same was true in the case of the discovery of carbonated beverages. At a local brewery, Priestley wondered what substance formed the bubbles that appeared during fermentation. He hypothesized that this gas must be highly soluble in water and placed containers filled with water above the beer being brewed. After some time, the water “absorbed” this gas, and Priestley determined that the bubbles contained carbon dioxide. He tasted the solution of carbon dioxide and found it pleasant to drink; in 1767, he thus created the world’s first bottle of carbonated water.