History and Story Behind Inventions: Soft Drinks and Sodas

About the story behind the invention of soft drinks and sodas, history and biography of inventor Joseph Priestley.

INVENTION: Soft Drink

INVENTOR: Joseph Priestley, G.B.

YEAR: 1767

HOW INVENTED: The British clergyman who discovered oxygen concocted the 1st glass of carbonated water. It tasted awful and could not be marketed. Forty years later, in 1807, Townsend Speakman, a Philadelphia, Pa., druggist, took Priestley's carbonated water, mixed fruit flavors with it, and turned out the world's 1st marketed soda pop, which he called Nephite Julep.