OpiumBayer Heroin AdDiacetylmorphine was first synthesized in 1874 by C.R. Alder Wright. He had been working with finding an non-addictive form of opium. However, he soon found diacetylmorphine was more addictive than morphine and abandoned the drug. In 1897, Felix Hoffman produced two new compounds for the company he worked for, Bayer. These compounds were acetylsalicylic acid and diacetylmorphine. It must be noted that Bayer was not aware that diacetylmorphine had already been synthesized. The Bayer Company worked with acetylsalicylic acid and diacetylmorphine. They noted that acetylsalicylic acid was effective in relieving minor aches and pains and diacetylmorphine was a very effective at relieving moderate pain and alleviating the symptoms of various breathing disorders like asthma, bronchitis, and tuberculosis. In 1898, Bayer registered and marketed diacetylmorphine under the brand name Heroin. It is not known if the name heroin comes from the heroic job the drug did in reducing pain and easing breathing problems or because of the way a person felt when under its effects. The word itself comes from the German word heroisch, meaning heroic. Below is an U.S. ad from the late 1890's or early 1900's, it includes information about both Bayer Aspirin and Bayer Heroin. Aspirin and heroin were both legal at the time and heroin was marketed as a cough suppressant. In 1899, the Bayer company marketed acetylsalicylic acid as Aspirin. Books Opium: A HistoryTraces opium's history from the first evidence of poppy cultivation (possibly as early as 4,000 B.C.) to the drug wars of today. Explores its uses in different cultures, its roles in British and Chinese political affairs, its use by artists and musicians, and its horrifying ramifications for addicts. Written with admirable attention to detail. Informative book details opium and its derivatives such as morphine and heroin. It is fascinating to learn about the effect this drug has had on various cultures such as China and India. Anyone wanting to obtain information for academic purposes or just to learn more about this drug will enjoy this book. Opium: A HistoryOpium: |
