Morphine Syrette

Background of Morphine:

 

Before WWII and the medical use of morphine, opium gained popularity through smoking and swallowing, particularly in China (17^th century). Opium results in strong side-effects including slowed breathing and heart rate, restricted pupils and a warm and fuzzy feeling. It is a strong narcotic analgesic (pain relieving) drug and through misuse causes strong addiction, overdose and even death by acting on the central nervous system.

Morphine in WWII

After many trials and errors opium was soon manufactured to morphine and distributed in the mid-19^th century. Medical use of morphine involves the relief of moderate to severe pain by injecting into loose skin which is easily exposed, sending the liquid straight into the bloodstream. The full effects or morphine are generally felt after 20-30 minutes. With the necessity of heavy pain relievers in WWII, a company called Squibb produced a miniature toothpaste shaped tube filled with morphine, fastened to a needle for easy injection. This invention was called the Morphine Syrette. The Syrettes were either stored in a separate box or a box of 5 separated by cardboard dividers. The creation of this Morphine Syrette is loosely associated to 1953, meaning it was introduced towards the end of WWII.

How did the Morphine Syrette Work?

If and when an injured soldier was found by a medic, it was quickly decided whether to give the patient a morphine dose straight away or to delay until soldier was taken to a designated collecting station. When the Morphine Syrette was to be injected the transparent protective casing (shown in both image 2 and 3) is removed and patients skin is pierced with a small needle (seen in image 4). The tube would be squeezed to release the morphine into bloodstream. It is said that the dose of morphine as well as exhaustion was enough to knock out soldiers until the possibility of surgery. In order to avoid overdosing, the empty syrette is then attached to patients collar to notify others of their dosage. Squibb and their invention lead to great success in WWII, bringing relief to those in severe pain from casualties on the front line.


Morphine Syrette in Todays Society

Today, morphine is medically administered for hundreds of conditions, all varying in severity. Morphine is now kept securely in glass viles, injected with a hypodermic needle and syringe (shown in image 5) or IV therapy (a.k.a drips). Though times have changed, the morphine syrette was still is an important part of medical history and has saved the lives of many during WWII. Squibb's invention is still given recognition by being displayed in museums and replicas being created.

From the above research it is clear that the Morphine Syrette has been an important technological advancement in WWII. The Syrette brought a positive impact on the war, allowing the survival on many injured soldiers.

Linked below is a video of a man’s collection of WWII medical gear. From 0:24-0:51 seconds the Morphine Syrette is shown and its appearance is briefly described. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcTHnQmlK5M