Box of five ampoules of Prontosil

Made:
1936-1940 in Leverkusen
maker:
Bayer

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Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Box of 5 Prontosil ampoules, by Bayer, Germany, 1936-1940, free sample, probably for Middle Eastern market

Prontosil was the first commercial sulphonamide antibacterial, available from 1935 onwards. For the first time some of the serious problems caused by bacteria, such as blood infections, tonsillitis and puerperal fever, could be cured. At first, there was scepticism surrounding the drug but it was embraced wholeheartedly after some famous success stories. Prontosil started a race to find similar chemicals to tackle other infections.

It is believed that these ampoules, which are used to inject the antibiotic, were intended for use in the Middle East during the Second World War. The label on the base of the box reads “Sample for Physicians NOT FOR SALE” and is translated into Arabic.

Details

Category:
Materia Medica & Pharmacology
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A675820
Materials:
ampoule, glass, box, beech and box, cardboard
Measurements:
overall: 28 mm x 95 mm x 71 mm, .04kg
ampoule: 63 mm 18 mm,
type:
sulphanilamide
taxonomy:
  • furnishing and equipment
  • container - receptacle
  • vessel
credit:
Hovis, G.C.R.