In 1853, a French chemist called Charles Frederic Gerhard was able to neutralize the acid. He added an ingredient that reduced the irritation caused by the acid. Fortunately, this ingredient did not diminish its healing power, but Gerhard had no interest in marketing his discovery. In 1899, a German chemist named Felix Hoffmann became interested in the willow bark medicine. Hoffman's father suffered from arthritis, and he found that the acid of the willow bark relieved his pain. Hoffman convinced his employer, Bayer, to market the acid. Bayer agreed, and in 1900, aspirin was patented and sold to the public. Veure cured!