The Nelson’s inhaler

ARTEFACTS FROM THE HONG KONG MUSEUM OF MEDICAL SCIENCES The Nelson's inhaler Rose HL Mak, FHKAM (Paediatrics) Director, Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences Society Full paper in PDF The Nelson's inhaler is an earthenware vessel that enables inhalation of the vapour of water and medicinal substances (Fig 1). The purpose of his invention was to provide a ‘radical and expeditious cure for a recent catarrhous cough' using hot water and added herbs or medicinal products (such as opium).2 The inhaler became popular and was used both in hospitals and by patients at home, but those with respiratory ailments struggled to inhale against the pressure of the water.3 In 1865, S Maw [and] Son, a prominent medical equipment manufacturer, launched the Dr Nelson's improved earthenware inhaler with a notice in The Lancet. In 1867, five vapour medications (eg, vapor creasoti and vapor iodi) were incorporated into the British Pharmacopoeia for the first time.5In 1870, the inhaler was advertised in the British Medical Journal as ‘a most efficient apparatus for the inhalation of the vapour of hot water, either alone or impregnated with ether, chloroform, henbane, creosote, vinegar, etc., in affections of the throat and bronchial tubes, asthma, consumption, etc.'6 The new inhaler was also well received by patients and self-medicators.