While quinine was used medicinally for centuries, the first commercial 'Tonic Water' was patented in 1858 by Erasmus Bond in London. He realized that there was a market for a carbonated drink that contained quinine, as British citizens traveling to tropical colonies needed an easy way to consume the anti-malarial substance. His 'Improved Aerated Tonic Water' was a mix of carbonated water, quinine, and flavorings. By the late 19th century, tonic water was a staple for the British in India and Africa. Modern tonic water contains much less quinine and is much sweeter than the original medicinal versions. However, it still retains the chemical property of fluorescence; if you hold a glass of tonic water under a blacklight (UV light), the quinine will cause the liquid to glow a bright, ghostly blue.