Last week we covered some of the challenges experienced by Lab researchers and how one of the researchers, Heinrich Schnitger, modified the Pipette to overcome some of those challenges. In this article we jump to 1974 where there are rapid jumps in scientific technology and skills which required the Pippete to measure and dispense more accurately than ever before.

Evolution of the Pipette – 1974

Gilson Pipetman

With analytical instruments in the fields of microanalysis and biotechnology requiring more accurate measurement of liquid volume and variable sample sizes, pipetting apparatuses of the time did not meet researchers’ needs.

Warren Gilson, M.D., founder of Gilson Medical Electronics, who 23 years prior manufactured a modified Warburg respirator that included a circular format and digital readout, invented and successfully patented the first mechanical adjustable pipette, which bears a strong resemblance to the one you use in your lab today.

Gilson accomplished this by building upon previous German pipette designs but providing increased accuracy, comfort, digital display and variable volume adjustments; the result was the Gilson Pipetman.