The History of Aspirin: IELTS Reading Passage with Questions and Answers

Aspirin, a medication known for its pain-relieving properties, has a rich and intricate history that spans centuries. This article delves into the journey of aspirin from its early discovery to its modern-day applications, offering a compelling narrative for learners and IELTS candidates.

Passage:The History of Aspirin

Introduction

Aspirin, one of the most widely recognized and used medications in the world, has a history that is as complex as it is long. From ancient natural remedies to a modern pharmaceutical staple, the journey of aspirin is a fascinating story of scientific discovery, medical advancement, and commercial success. This comprehensive exploration offers IELTS candidates and learners an in-depth understanding of aspirin's historical and medical significance.

Expanded Passage

The tale of aspirin begins not in a laboratory, but in the annals of ancient history. Long before the concept of modern medicine, ancient civilizations were using natural substances containing salicylate, a compound known for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. The earliest recorded use dates back over 3,500 years to the Sumerians and Egyptians, who utilized the extracts of willow leaves and bark for alleviating pain and fever. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, also wrote about the use of willow bark for treating childbirth pains in ancient Greece around 400 BC.

Despite its ancient roots, the true scientific journey of aspirin began in the 19th century. During this period, scientists sought to isolate and study the compounds responsible for the medicinal properties of traditional remedies. In 1828, a significant breakthrough occurred when German chemist Johann Buchner successfully isolated a bitter substance from willow bark, which he named salicin. This discovery sparked a wave of research into salicylate compounds, leading to the creation of salicylic acid, a precursor to aspirin, by Italian chemist Raffaele Piria in 1838.

However, salicylic acid had its limitations. While effective, it was harsh on the stomach and difficult to ingest. The quest for a more tolerable form of the medication led to a pivotal moment in 1897. Felix Hoffmann, a chemist at the German company Bayer, synthesized acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in a stable and more palatable form. Hoffmann's motivation was partly personal; he sought a medication that could alleviate his father's rheumatism without causing the gastrointestinal side effects of salicylic acid. His successful synthesis marked the birth of aspirin as we know it today.

Bayer began mass-producing aspirin in 1899, making it one of the first drugs to be sold as a tablet. This marked not just a triumph in pharmacology but also a significant commercial success. Aspirin quickly became a household name, used for relieving pain, fever, and inflammation. Its popularity soared in the early 20th century, especially after the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, where it was used extensively to reduce fever and alleviate aches.

The story of aspirin took another turn in the mid-20th century when new medical uses for the drug were discovered. In the 1950s and 1960s, studies began to reveal aspirin's anticoagulant properties, indicating its potential in preventing blood clots. This discovery expanded its use significantly, particularly in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes. By inhibiting the production of thromboxane, a substance that encourages platelet aggregation, aspirin reduced the risk of clots forming in blood vessels. This was a major development in cardiovascular medicine and significantly broadened the therapeutic scope of aspirin.

The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a continued expansion in the use of aspirin. Studies suggested its potential role in reducing the risk of certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer. However, the medical community remains cautious, balancing the benefits against the risks, such as gastrointestinal bleeding.

Today, aspirin's role in medicine is multifaceted. It remains a primary treatment for pain and fever and is widely used as a preventive measure against heart attacks and strokes. Its journey from a natural remedy to a cornerstone of modern medicine is a testament to the enduring human quest for knowledge and advancement in healthcare.

Questions & Answers

Q1. What was the primary use of substances containing salicylate in ancient times?

1. Cooking
2. Pain relief
3. Building materials
4. Clothing dye

A1. b. Pain relief - The passage states that substances containing salicylate, like those from the willow tree, were used for alleviating pain and fever in ancient times.

Q2. Who synthesized acetylsalicylic acid in a stable form, and in what year?

1. Felix Hoffmann, 1897
2. Albert Einstein, 1905
3. Alexander Fleming, 1928
4. Marie Curie, 1903

A2. a. Felix Hoffmann, 1897 - Felix Hoffmann, working for Bayer, successfully synthesized acetylsalicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin, in 1897.

Q3. True or False: Aspirin was one of the first drugs to be sold in tablet form.

1. True
2. False

A3. a. True - According to the passage, Bayer began mass-producing aspirin as a tablet in 1899, making it one of the first drugs available in this form.

Q4. Fill in the blank: Aspirin was found to have ________ properties, which helped in preventing heart attacks and strokes.

1. Antibiotic
2. Anticoagulant
3. Antiviral
4. Anti-inflammatory

A4. b. Anticoagulant - The passage mentions that aspirin was discovered to have anticoagulant properties by the mid-20th century, aiding in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes.

Q5. Which civilization is credited with the earliest known use of substances containing salicylate for pain relief?

1. Egyptians
2. Romans
3. Sumerians
4. Greeks

A5. c. Sumerians - The Sumerians were mentioned in the passage as the earliest known users of substances containing salicylate, like willow tree leaves and bark, for pain relief.

Q6. True or False: Aspirin is only used for pain relief in modern medicine.

1. True
2. False

A6. b. False - As per the passage, aspirin's uses today extend beyond pain relief, including as a preventive measure for heart diseases.

Q7. In what year did Bayer begin mass-producing aspirin?

1. 1897
2. 1899
3. 1901
4. 1905

A7. b. 1899 - Bayer started mass-producing aspirin in 1899, as stated in the passage.

Q8. The synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid marked a significant advancement in:

1. Agriculture
2. Automotive industry
3. Medicine
4. Space exploration

A8. c. Medicine - The synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid by Felix Hoffmann was a notable advancement in the field of medicine.

Q9. Fill in the blank: Aspirin's discovery as an effective treatment for heart attacks and strokes occurred in the ________ century.

1. 17th
2. 18th
3. 19th
4. 20th

A9. d. 20th - The passage indicates that aspirin's role in preventing heart attacks and strokes was discovered in the mid-20th century.

Q10. Which company was responsible for the commercial production of aspirin?

1. Pfizer
2. Bayer
3. Merck
4. Johnson & Johnson

A10. b. Bayer - Bayer is the company mentioned in the passage that synthesized and began the commercial production of aspirin.

Conclusion

The history of aspirin is a remarkable chronicle of human ingenuity and scientific inquiry. From ancient remedies to a modern-day pharmaceutical marvel, aspirin's journey illustrates the evolution of medicine and the impact of scientific discovery on human health. For IELTS candidates and learners, understanding this history offers not just insight into a medical breakthrough but also a reflection on the progression of human knowledge and its application for the betterment of society.