Antique inhaler, medical device. This is a large inhaler standing 16cm high and dating from 1870, known as a Nelson Type Inhaler. 

As  well as cigarettes, cigars and pipes, the Victorians treated breathing difficulties with inhalers such as this one. These inhalers were recommended to treat all kinds of lung conditions and were widely available from most local chemists. Boiling water could be mixed with medicines and the steam inhaled. This example is in excellent condition with the manufacturers details and instructions for useage. We include a picture from the Maw & Thompson catalogue from 1870 showing the product.

Unveiled at the conclusion of a meeting of the Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society in 1861, ‘Dr Nelson’s Improved Inhaler’ was one of the most important milestones in the genesis of reliable treatment of respiratory ailments in the modern era. Affordable and suitable for self-medication, the Dr Nelson’s Inhaler offered simple and reliable relief for patients with respiratory and pulmonary ailments. 

We include an extract from the Maw & Thompson 1870 catalogue showing a similar example.

Prop's shown for context and size.

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