In May of 1876 there was a case in court called, "The State of Vermont vs. One Keg Of Lager Beer."
The question at the heart of the case was whether or not people would get intoxicated on this beverage, which was considered low alcohol compared to other drinks. Several defense witnesses were doctors, one of whom testified that the lager contained 4.6 percent alcohol.
Dr. E.A. Pond told the judge and jury that "lager beer was a powerful diuretic and, taken in large amounts, was cathartic, quite nutritious and non-intoxicating. His closing remarks were that a man may drink 15 to 20 glasses, and aside from feeling a little sleepy or stupid, feel no effects from it; it is carried away before the system has time to absorb alcohol enough to intoxicate.'"
