About Colin Murdoch
Colin Albert Murdoch was a New Zealand pharmacist and veterinarian who made a number of significant inventions, in particular the tranquilliser gun, the disposable hypodermic syringe and the child-proof medicine container. He had a total of 46 patents registered in his name. Wanting to eliminate these risks, and needing a more effective vaccination for his animal patients, Murdoch designed and invented the disposable hypodermic syringe, a plastic version of its glass predecessor. At the age of 13 he was awarded the Royal Humane Society Medal for saving a drowning man in the New Brighton estuary. Eventually, when he was granted both patents, Murdoch’s syringe became hugely successful, with millions used throughout the world every day. Murdoch became experienced with repairing and modifying guns during World War II, as rifles and shotguns were not being imported into New Zealand at that time.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.