Well, chances are quite a few things were ground up and dissolved in water over the eons and centuries, but coffee with its stimulating effect and medicinal uses coupled with the fact it is appealing...
With standard drip filter coffee makers 1/4 to 1/2 oz of coffee is recommended per 6 floz of water so 16oz of coffee will make between 12 and 24 pints of coffee or 24 to 48 cups (standard measuring...