German chemist and inventor of the drug aspirin.

On finishing school Hoffman intended to become a pharmacist but he also studied chemistry in order to broaden his knowledge. He graduated from the University of Munich in 1891 and two years later earned his doctorate.

In 1894 Hoffman joined Bayer as a research chemist. He began seeking a pain reliever which would help to ease his father's debilitating rheumatism. His father was taking a compound called salicyclic acid which tasted revolting and upset the stomach. On 10 August 1897 Hoffman produced a less toxic replacement, acetylsalicyclic acid, or ASA, the active ingredient in aspirin.

Bayer recognised the potential of Hoffmann's discovery and trademarked 'Aspirin' in 1899. Hoffmann did not receive a monetary reward for his discovery but was made head of the pharmaceutical marketing department.

By the time he retired in 1928 his discovery was already a worldwide success. A lifelong bachelor, Hoffman moved to Switzerland and remained out of the public eye until his death in 1946. It is estimated that more than one trillion aspirin were consumed worldwide in the twentieth century.