A history of syringes

The Collins English Dictionary defines a syringe as "An instrument such as a hypodermic syringe, or a rubber ball with a slender nozzle for use in drawing or injecting fluids, cleansing wounds etc."

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The Oxford English Dictionary presents two definitions of a syringe and cites the earliest reference in English literature in 1425 AD. This reference discusses John of Ardene's treatment of fistulas. Later, in 1541, Copeland mentions Galen and describes a brass syringe.

During Roman times, nasal syringes were commonly used and typically had an outer metal case with a tow or flax plunger. In the 17th century, English syringes were often made from pewter or silver, with barrels and heads extending up to 20cm in length, indicating use for rectal or vaginal applications.

In 1693, John Moyle used wine in an ear syringe, and Dominique Anel devised a suction syringe for treating infected wounds. Larger syringes were employed for irrigation and almost all bodily ducts, including the lachrymal duct, were cannulated. By the mid-19th century, a small syringe featuring a screw mechanism that released a single drop was invented. Patents for syringes were awarded to John and Frederick Weiss in 1824 and 1851, respectively. Additionally, John Read (1760-1847) patented a stomach pump, and his enema syringe, constructed from brass with ivory attachments, became noted.

Enema syringes circa 1800 (Musee d'Histoire des Sciences Geneva)

Novels from the 19th century indicate that enemas were utilized not only by the ill but also by the generally healthy. A myriad of inventive apparatuses was available. Maw's 1868 catalogue featured 39 varieties of equipment for colonic irrigation, crafted from various materials, some of which were elaborately decorated.

Smaller syringes were made from brass, pewter, or glass, with plungers bound in rubber or twine, and came with a silk-covered rubber tube and an ivory plug for rectal irrigation, or a rubber-bound brass tube for vaginal use. Larger models, functioning as brass pumps, had independent reservoirs. One introduced in 1830 was marketed as "Maw's Domestic Medical Machine."

Large brass syringe. 1820 (College of Physicians Philadelphia)

Modern glass & plastic syringes

The "MB" medical instrument company emerged in 1897 following a meeting between M. W. Becton and F.S. Dickinson. They sold their first "Luer" all-glass syringe for $2.50 that October. By the following year, they gained a half-interest in the patent rights of an existing French manufacturer, H. Wulfing Luer.

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Becton, Dickinson and Company (B.D.) was incorporated in 1906, producing various medical instruments, including thermometers, syringes, and hypodermic needles. In 1913, after merging with O.O. Swidetzky, they began producing ASEPTU bulb syringes.

The company developed and distributed a syringe for diabetics in 1924. As it expanded, B.D. became active in several countries: Canada (1951), Mexico (1952), France (1955), and Brazil (1956). It was listed among the "Fortune 500" companies in 1970. The disposable plastic syringe was introduced in 1961.

In Australia, the "Terumo Group" is a major producer of plastic syringes. Initially a thermometer manufacturer, Terumo began producing fully metallic needles in 1962. In 1964, they introduced plastic polypropylene syringes and needles with plastic bases. These "single-use" syringes were crucial in preventing the transmission of Hepatitis B and other serious infections.

Modern plastic syringes for one-time use

Old special purpose syringes

Below are two examples of special-purpose syringes owned by the Department of Surgery at the Royal Hospital Adelaide.

Caption reads "Bladder syringe with accessories. Note ivory handle and attachments (1940)"

Caption reads "Aspiration set in metal case circa 1935"

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