Colin Murdoch
Colin Murdoch ONZM | |
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Born | Colin Albert Murdoch 6 February 1929 Christchurch, New Zealand |
Died | 4 May 2008 (aged 79) , New Zealand |
Occupations |
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Known for | The invention of the tranquilliser gun Invention of the disposable syringe |
Parents |
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Colin Albert Murdoch
Biographical background
Born in
At the age of 13 he was awarded the Royal Humane Society Medal for saving a drowning man in the
Murdoch later came to outgrow his dyslexia and went on to study at The College of Pharmacy in
Disposable hypodermic syringe
Both a
Tranquilliser gun
In the 1950s, while working with colleagues who were studying introduced wild goat, deer and tahr populations in New Zealand, Murdoch had the idea that the animals would be much easier to catch, examine and release if a dose of tranquilliser could be administered by projection from afar. 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. With both motive and experience, Murdoch went on to develop a range of rifles, darts and pistols, which have had an enormous impact on the treatment and study of animals around the world.
At the time Murdoch started testing his tranquilliser gun, the only tranquilliser drugs available were curare and alkaloids of nicotine, both of which tended to have fatal reactions in a high percentage of animals. In partnership with pharmaceutical companies, he helped develop more sophisticated drugs with precise and safe reactions.
Paxarms Limited (which stands for peace and arms), Murdoch’s own company, has developed various systems for administering veterinary products to a range of animals.[3]
Recognition
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 the
Despite the relative ubiquity of his inventions, Murdoch did not become rich because of them. He deliberately chose not to sue companies that violated his patents, satisfied instead that they were being put to good use.
In his final years he lived quietly in Timaru until his death from cancer.
References
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (May 2008) |
- ^ Timaru Herald, 6 May 2008
- ^ a b NZ Edge Heroes biography Archived July 13, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Paxarms Archived April 2, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Queen's Birthday honours list 2000 (including special list for East Timor)". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 5 June 2000. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- Bridges, J. Downs, D. No. 8 Wire: The Best of Kiwi Ingenuity. Auckland: Hodder Moa Beckett,2003.
- Riley, B. Kiwi ingenuity: A book of New Zealand ideas and inventions. Auckland: AIT Press, 1995.
- Moldofsky, L. Time magazine, 03 Nov. 1999. Innovators.
- Sweeny, B. 1998-2007. Colin Murdoch: Dreamer for Millions.
- Swanepoel, D. (n.d.) The History of Syringes.