An early clinical trial with N=2

In the late 18th century, King Gustav III of Sweden decided that coffee was poison and ordered a clinical trial.

• The King condemned a convicted murderer to drink coffee every day.
• The control was another murderer who was condemned to drink tea daily.
• The outcome measure is 'death'.
• Two physicians were appointed to determine the outcome.

Results:

• The two doctors died first
• The king was murdered
• Both convicts enjoyed long life until the tea drinker died at age 83. (no age was given for the coffee drinker)

J Int Med. Oct 1991:289 - introduction to editorial from Nordic School of Public Health, Goteborg Sweden

Reprinted in Annal of Internal Medicine 1992: 117:30