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  • 2000 B.C.E.: “Here, eat this root”;
  • 1000 C.E.: “That root is heathen. Here, say this prayer”;
  • 1850 C.E.: “That prayer is superstition. Here, drink this potion”;
  • 1940 C.E.: “That potion is snake oil. Here, swallow this pill”;
  • 1985 C.E.: “That pill is ineffective. Here, take this antibiotic”; and
  • 2004 C.E.: “That antibiotic is artificial. Here, eat this root.”