Aspirin®—the Most Used Drug in the History of Mankind®

This book chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the history and development of Aspirin. Starting with the history of the Salix tree and its first use, through to the representation of salicylic acid and its derivatives, particularly acetylsalicylic acid, their chemical properties and medical effects are described. It is shown that the roots of Aspirin lie in ancient Greek medicine, where the fever-reducing effect of willow bark was known. The substance salicin, the active ingredient of willow bark, was isolated in 1828 by Johann Andreas Buchner. Later, Raffaele Piria synthesized salicylic acid from it, the basis of Aspirin. The text covers the economic and scientific developments that led to the discovery and popularity of Aspirin, including the work of Hermann Kolbe and the industrial synthesis of salicylic acid. The contribution of Carl Duisberg, who led to the development of acetylsalicylic acid at Bayer, is highlighted. The complex history of the invention and recognition of Aspirin, including the contributions of Felix Hoffmann, Arthur Eichengrün, and Heinrich Dreser, is detailed. The role of Aspirin within Bayer AG and its worldwide distribution and marketing are also discussed. Overall, the chapter offers a deep insight into the fascinating history of Aspirin, from its beginnings in natural medicine to its role as one of the most important drugs in modern medicine.