Colin Murdoch (6 February, 1929 - ) is the inventor of the disposable plastic syringe. Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Murdoch's interest and talents for chemistry were apparent at an early age. Though he struggled with schoolwork because he was dyslexic, at ten he was attempting to make gunpowder and realized ignition was caused by mixing certain nitrates with sulphuric acid. With this knowledge he fashioned himself a muzzle-loading gun. Murdoch overcame his dyslexia and followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a pharmacist. Later on he felt drawn to becoming a veterinarian because of his interest in hunting and animal welfare. His most important patents have meant increased safety for both humans and animals. As a pharmacist in 1956, he knew that glass syringes could cause cross-infection if they weren’t sterilized well. He presented the concept of a disposable pre-filled plastic syringe to the New Zealand Health Department, when he was just 27 years old. They told him his idea was “too futuristic” and could never be used by humans. Undaunted, Murdoch sought a patent, but was unable to develop his invention for some years due to a lack of funding. Later on when he held the New Zealand and Australian patents, a New Zealand firm then marketed the syringes. His syringes are used worldwide and have probably saved millions of lives by stopping the spread of infectious diseases. Murdoch turned his attention to developing a tranquilizing gun improving the safety for vets, conservation department workers and animal, bird and reptilian life. As well as running his Timaru pharmacy, Murdoch started his own company - Paxarms Limited, which has a range of pistols and rifles capable of administering veterinary products over a wide range of animals. Colin Murdoch has been acknowledged for his life's work. In 1976 he won three gold medals and a bronze at the World Inventions Fair in Brussels. The New Zealand Design Council has also honoured him and in 2000 he was made a member of the Order of New Zealand. Today he is living quietly in Timaru where he is being treated for cancer.
