The first nootropic, piracetam was created in the 1960’s by Romanian psychologist and chemist, Corneliu E. Giurgea. And over the years since, as more nootropics were created they have become more commonly used. But even before the first nootropic creation people tried to enhance their mental abilities through plants, drugs, meditation, religious practices and other means.
Stimulants like caffeine and cocaine were used for centuries to increase focus, wakefulness and memory, whiles opiates like heroin were used to improve mood, relieve stress and reduce anxiety.