Despite its very simple structure (a hydroxyl group placed next to a carboxylic group on a 6-carbon benzene ring), salicylic acid and its derivatives are arguably one of the most popular drugs worldwide. The synthesis of its acetyl derivative (Aspirin) at Bayer, is credited with virtually launching the pharmaceutical industry and, more importantly, introducing humans to countertop inflammation science via antipyretics, analgesia, and antiprostanoids. Salicylic acid is very corrosive, but its acetyl (and other ester derivatives) are agreeably nontoxic. Both salicylate and its various esters are found throughout in higher plants, in particularly high concentrations in willows (Salix), spireas (where the “spirin” comes from), and poplars, to name a few...