Pharmaceutical ampules are scored on the neck so the top can easily be
broken off without having to crush the entire ampule.  In that way, a
syringe can be inserted into the ampule to withdraw the contents.
Having two tapered ends would certainly endanger the contents, as either
end could easily be broken off.  Having two tapered ends would make it
difficult to hold onto the ampule while breaking off the top.  If the
ampule is designed to be crushed for purposes of an inhalant, there is
no reason to have either end tapered.  

I've worked with both these types of ampules, albeit in the later 20th
century.


Jane

Jane L. Brown
Anthropology/Sociology
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee NC 28723-9646
 
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