Who Invented Aspirin?
According to the Bayer Co., no single person invented aspirin; it just evolved through research and necessity. This proves the adage that necessity really is the mother of invention.
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Origin and Early Uses
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In 400 B.C., the Greek physician Hippocrates prescribed a new discovery. It was the bark and leaves of the willow tree, and he gave it to patients to relieve pain and fever. The willow tree is rich in a substance called salicin, the key ingredient in aspirin. It wasn't until 1832 that German chemist Felix Hoffmann made salicin into a powder. In 1899, Bayer distributed aspirin powder to physicians, and in 1915, aspirin became available without a prescription.
Aspirin as Heart Attack Preventive
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In 1948, Dr. Lawrence Craven of California began prescribing aspirin to 400 male patients. He then realized those men hadn't suffered from any heart attacks and began prescribing it to all of his patients.
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Aspirin Goes Out of This World
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In 1969, aspirin went where no aspirin had gone before when it was included in the self-medication kits taken to the moon by the Apollo astronauts.
Wonder Drug
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In the 1970s, doctors realized aspirin could be used successfully to treat inflammation caused by, among other things, osteoarthritis.
Most Popular Drug
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Aspirin now is considered the most popular drug in the world.
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References
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