Thanks Rich...I found the site interesting. I did chuckle when I read formaldehyde is used in permanent press clothing. Do you think that has anything to do with calling a dead body a stiff?
When I was in Vietnam, sometimes on patrol we would drink the local beer (33). Eventually the Regimental Commander banned the practice citing high levels of formaldehyde in the beer. Someone familiar with brewing told me years later that formaldehyde is a component in many beers and other alcoholic beverages. Maybe that is how the term pickled became associated with over indulgence of adult beverages.