Advocate For Safer Drugs

Edward Robinson Squibb was a U.S. Navy medical officer and chemist concerned about the generally poor quality of drugs being made during the 19th century. A life-long crusader for the cause of safer drugs, Squibb persuaded the Navy to make its own drugs rather than buying them from the lowest bidders. He also discovered safe ways to make ether, chloroform, bismuth salts, fluid extracts and other medications. On this date in 1857, Squibb left the Navy to set up a reliable, alternative supply of prescription drugs for the military. Bankrolled with thirteen hundred dollars borrowed from a friend, Squibb set up a lab in Brooklyn. By 1883, Squibb manufactured more than 324 preparations, which he sold internationally. In 1892, his sons Charles and Edward joined his crusade for safe medicines, and the company was eventually known as E.R. Squibb & Sons.