"In October 1909, Dr. Alexander Lambert boldly announced to a New York Times reporter that he had found a surefire cure for alcoholism and drug addiction. Even more astounding, he stated that the treatment required 'less than five days.' The therapy consisted of an odd mixture of belladonna (deadly nightshade), along with the fluid extracts of xanthoxylum (prickly ash) and hyoscyamus (henbane)…. The Towns Hospital attracted only the wealthiest alcoholics and addicts… The cost upon admission was steep: up to $350 (roughly $5,610 today) for a four- to five-day stay."

State of technology in 1910: the ability to instantly transmit electrical impulses into type on paper across vast reaches. State of technology in 2009: the ability to do the same in 4 to 6 business days.