IN 1849, A German scientist demonstrated that the regression of a castrated rooster's comb, wattles and behavior could be reversed by placing a testis in the rooster's abdominal cavity. The testis returned necessary hormones to the blood supply of the rooster and restored its male characteristics. Related studies continued for several decades, and by the mid 30's it was determined that the male body produced several compounds with hormone-like activity. These various compounds were given the name androgens (from the Greek, andro for male, and gen for produce).
The use of steroids in athletics is generally attributed to the Soviet weight lifting team in the early 50's. In '54 at the world weight lifting championships in Vienna, Dr. John Ziegler, the U.S. team physician, reportedly discovered that the Soviets were taking testosterone. Dr. Ziegler returned to the U.S. and experimented with testosterone on himself and other weight lifters, several of which quickly obtained championship status. In '56, Dr. Ziegler, with assistance of Ciba Labs, developed a very effective and perhaps the most well known anabolic steroid, Dianabol, brand name for methandrostenolone.
Source: Drug I.D. Bible 2003
Just ran across this at my house and thought someone might be interested.
