New Chicago Historical Society Exhibit

Altered States: A History of Danger, A Question of Feeling

CHICAGO, April 22 /PRNewswire/ No flora in the world seeds, flowers,
fruits, barks, leaves and roots is without some properties that cater to
what seems to be a worldwide and ageold quest by human beings to flee from
reality. Where Americans have found these things and how they use them is a
long, sometimes a little sordid, and occasionally a history of danger that
will be presented in a new special exhibition opening at the Chicago
Historical Society on Saturday, April 26.

"Altered States: Alcohol and Other Drugs in America" is a look at the
timetable of our progress, successes and failures. Why Americans have sought
some brief breaking of the tempo of life may be purely a question of feeling.
Yet, the urge is imperative, the pattern seems cyclical and the price perhaps
immeasurable.

The exhibition neither condones nor condemns use of these products. It does
point out that any understanding of the problem must distinguish between
habitforming, potentially addictive products and others that are harmless,
pleasant and even beneficial if used in moderation.

Our first medicines were the herbs and roots that were found to contain the
magical properties that ease a fever or relieve pain or transport us from our
everyday reality to an altered state. Exploring our behavior through time
may reveal some solutions to the very real danger of nature's gifts,
especially to the weak.

"Altered States" will be on exhibition through Sunday, September 21, in the
museum's Benjamin Benedict GreenField Gallery. The Chicago exhibition and
special events are sponsored by Baxter International Inc.

The groundbreaking exhibition, "Altered States: Alcohol and Other Drugs in
America," displays drugrelated objects from more than 50 institutions and
private collections from across the country. The exhibition tells a graphic
story of the drugs in this country by featuring a chronological display of
paraphernalia, statistics, photographs, and other artifacts.

SOURCE: Chicago Historical Society

CO: Chicago Historical Society

ST: Illinois

IN:

SU:

04/22/97 13:34 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com