Object number
56/48/1-3
Creator
Description
This inhaler was used to assist patients with inhalation problems. The hole in the bottom is for a lamp, and the hole in the lid is possibly meant to allow room for a cork and thermometer. The lamp and thermometer are to maintain inhalation at a constant temperature. It is inscribed 'The Electric Inhaler, // manufactured by S. Mawson // & Thompson, 11. & 12. // Aldergate St. London' and 'Bullock & Reynolds, 3 Hanover St., Hanover // Square, London'
Physical description
1 inhaler: white pottery with blue decoration; fair condition- chippedFollowing inscriptions on exterior of middle section: 'The Eclectic Inhaler, manufactured by S. Mawson & Thompson, 11. & 12. Aldersgate St., London'; 'Bullock & Reynolds, 3. Hanover St., Hanover Square, London'; detailed instructions for inhaler use; maker's name also inscribed on pottery mouthpiece.
Archival history
Letter, A. Duggan to J. Jenkins, 22nd June 1956 - 'Further to my letter of the 9th of April, Dr. Rowbottom has now pronounced upon the pictures of your inhaler, which I return herewith. // The general design of the thing is based upon that of food warmers of the late 18th century. This particular specimen dates, probably, from about 1820 to 1850. THe hole in the bottom is made for a lamp about 1 1/2 inches in diamater. The holes in the lid is a little on the big side but is possibly meant to accommodate a cork and thermometer. The object of the lamp and thermometer is presumably to maintain inhalation at a temperature of 150°, should the inhalant be prescribed for any length of time. The tube is made of non-vulcanised rubber, which indicates a possible date prior to 1840 and is provided with what appears to be a mouth piece. Possibly the air-vent in the mouth-piece is covered when in use so that the proportion of air and inhalant which is inspired can be adjusted to the comfort of the patient. // This is as far as Dr. Rowbottom would go on the basis of these photographs. We undoubtedly have something like it in the store but, as yet, we have not been able to dig one out for more precise comparison. // I hope these jottings will be sufficient for your purpose. The modern equivalent of this apparatus is, of course, an enamel jug, a towel. and a few crystals of menthol. We now know that it was totally unnecessary to prepare complicated apparatus of this kind in order to get steam into the upper respiratory tract, which is the whole purpose of the exercise.'
Production place
Aldergate Street [City of London], Hanover Street [Westminster]
Production date
1820 - 1840
Object name
Material
Technique
Associated subject
Associated person/institution
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_1221.tif - High resolution image
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_1222.tif - High resolution image
