Disposable plastic syringe by Harry Whillis and Charles Rothauser
Object No. 95/131/1
By 1949 penicillin injections were being used to treat most bacterial infections, but penicillin tended to clog up glass syringes and make them hard to clean. To solve the problem, Austrian immigrant, Charles Rothauser created the world's first plastic, disposable hypodermic syringe at his Adelaide factory. He made the first syringes in polyethylene. However, because polyethylene softens with heat, the syringes had to be chemically sterilised prior to packaging, which made them expensive. In 1951 Rothauser produced the first injection- moulded syringes made of polypropylene, a plastic that can be heat-sterilised. Millions were made for Australian and export markets. A pioneer of injection-moulded plastics, Rothauser's other achievements included founding the Caroma bathroom accessories company, and in 1945 converting a war-surplus explosives press to mould 12-litre polyethylene acid jars, at the time the world's largest plastic bottles.
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Summary
Object Statement
Hypodermic syringe, disposable, opaque polyethylene / metal, designed by Harry Willis, made by Charles Rothauser, Industrial Products Limited, Australia, 1949
Physical Description
Hypodermic syringe, disposable, opaque polyethylene/metal, designed by Harry Willis, made by Charles Rothauser, Industrial Products Limited, Australia, 1949. Opaque plastic syringe with plunger, needle & sheath for the needle.
DIMENSIONS
Height
140 mm
Width
20 mm
Depth
25 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
Mr. Whillis designed the first polyetheylene disposable hypodermic syringe in the world. From 1943 penicillin was used by injection, and it tended to clog up glass & metal syringes. Mr Rothauser manufactured disposable syringes for a company called Bickfords. He went on to establish the Caroma range of bathroom products.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Charles Rothauser AO
Acquisition Date
12 May 1995
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