Colin Murdoch
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Colin Murdoch
Born on the 6th of February 1929 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, his first invention.
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. Luckily Murdoch wasn’t a quitter and refusing to take no for an answer sought a patent. But he soon became aware of the cost involved and knew he couldn’t afford it, so he shelved the idea until funds became available.
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 most important animal, bird and reptilian life. In developing this type of gun he had to reconsider the drugs used - including how much is required - and the power of the gun. This invention has saved countless numbers of animals both domestic and wild, by administering vaccinations and tranquilizers humanely and safely to sick animals, and attaching tracers on endangered species.
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 hard 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.
Although he does not immediately come to mind when listing famous New Zealanders, Colin Murdoch’s work has been significant because of its ingenuity and practical application in the modern world, a quality that New Zealanders are renowned for.
Today he is living quietly in Timaru where he is being treated for cancer.
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