Friedrich Wilhelm Adam Sertürner

Friedrich Wilhelm Adam Sertürner was a German chemist in the early 19th century who is credited with discovering morphine, the first effective extract of opium. His research revealed that a specific substance in opium could relieve pain and produce euphoria. This discovery marked the beginning of modern pharmacology and pain management. Morphine became widely used for medical purposes, but it also highlighted issues of addiction. Sertürner's work was foundational in understanding how natural substances can be refined into targeted medicines, shaping the development of analgesics and influencing medical treatment practices.