John Chassar Moir (1900-1977) and the discovery of ergometrine.

Abstract

Chassar Moir led the research in the early 1930s that resulted in the discovery and identification of ergometrine, the active water soluble component of ergot of rye. Its use in preventing and controlling postpartum haemorrhage has saved countless lives in the years since. As professor of obstetrics and gynaecology in Oxford, he achieved distinction for his repair of vesicovaginal fistulae.