Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 14, 2026

Construction of Vapor Chambers Used to Expose Mice to Alcohol During the Equivalent of all Three Trimesters of Human Development
Published on: July 13, 2014
Was the fetal alcohol syndrome recognized by the Greeks and Romans?
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
Abstract:
Ancient Greek and Roman philosophers/scientists are frequently quoted as expressing an awareness of potential harm associated with drinking during pregnancy. However, the statements attributed to these authors were not made by them. Instead, they are interpretations, presented in the form of verbatim statements, of their views relating to procreation. Although they did have something to say about the role of alcohol in procreation, it was the effects of drinking on the male body at the time of conception, and especially alcohol's effects on male body temperature, that concerned them. A cold body at the time of conception was believed to enhance the likelihood of conceiving a female, which to the Greeks and Romans was a 'deformity'.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Oxidation of Alcohols
The process of oxidation in a chemical reaction is observed in any of the three forms:
Aldehydes and Ketones with Alcohols: Hemiacetal Formation
Acid Halides to Esters: Alcoholysis
Teratogenicity
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
Inborn Errors of Metabolism

