1. Education and Early Career: Born on January 21, 1868, in Ludwigsburg, Germany, Hoffmann studied at the University of Munich and later at the University of Munich. He pursued a degree in pharmacy and completed his doctoral studies in 1895. 2. Joining Bayer: After completing his education, Hoffmann joined the pharmaceutical company Friedrich Bayer & Co., now known as Bayer AG, in 1894. He worked at the company's pharmaceutical-chemical research department in Elberfeld (now a part of Wuppertal). 3. Discovery of Aspirin: One of Hoffmann's most significant achievements was the discovery of acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin. In 1897, he synthesized this compound by acetylating salicylic acid, a derivative of willow bark extract used for pain relief. Aspirin was patented by Bayer in 1899 and introduced as a medicine. 4. Other Contributions: Hoffmann made several other notable contributions during his career. He played a role in the development of diacetylmorphine, which was marketed as heroin by Bayer in 1898 as a cough suppressant and pain reliever. However, he later distanced himself from heroin due to its addictive properties.

5. Later Life and Legacy: Hoffmann continued working at Bayer until his retirement in 1928. During his career, he obtained over 100 patents and made numerous significant contributions to pharmaceutical chemistry. He spent his later years pursuing personal interests in music and literature. 6. Recognition: While Hoffmann's contributions to the field of pharmacy were highly significant, he did not receive immediate recognition for his work on aspirin. It was only in the late 20th century that his contribution was widely acknowledged. Today, he is regarded as one of the pioneering figures in the pharmaceutical industry. Felix Hoffmann's discovery of aspirin revolutionized the field of medicine, providing a safe and effective drug for pain relief and reducing inflammation. His contributions continue to impact millions of lives worldwide, making him an influential figure in the history of pharmaceutical development.