What was 'BZ', purchased in drugstores in the 1930's?

My friend transcribes them (there are three, from different people/different years), and only posts photos if there is something she can’t read. I will check to see if the first mention of BZ was shown, but here is a sample of the text:

Gladys’ diary, January 1 1939: “Sunday. Bought B.Z. I’m afraid we started something to day. Had some whiskie at Mom’s to nite. Stayed home all day. Ate at Moms”

My friend types exactly what she sees - and we followers sometimes hash it out in the comments if the diary writer wasn’t clear or left a word out. This one has become pretty boring, but has it’s odd surprises, like when Gladys’ husband gave her the gift that keeps on giving on their first anniversary: crabs. She went to the drugstore for something other than B.Z. that time.

I’d vote for “BZ” being a code for Benzedrine. This blog even refers to it as “Vitamin BZ”.

Just what this world needs, beer with speed in it.

That link led me to Mad Dog | Ol' Hound Dog Beer

It was the Merkin Muffley connection mostly. That made me think of http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0036986/?ref_=fn_al_ch_1

I’ve heard of caffeinated beer, and even chocolate flavored beer.

:eek: