Unusual in that it profited immensely from both professional and commercial networks of acceptance, marketing, distribution and use, the Dr Nelson’s Inhaler enjoyed a remarkably speedy rise to fame in the medical marketplace of the 1860s and 1870s. As such, the Dr Nelson’s Inhaler can be seen as an important milestone in the development of modern outpatient treatment of asthma and other respiratory conditions. This type of inhaler proved so efficient that its design has changed little since Dr Nelson’s Victorian model.

Born in Dublin and educated in Dublin and Oxford, Ramadge was senior physician and lecturer at the Central Infirmary in London, where he specialised in respiratory diseases. For pharmaceutical technology the equivalent acceptance came in the form of recommendations in therapeutic handbooks, scientific studies, and its use in professional practice.

Nelson’s inhalers were used well into the 20th Century and even modern steam inhalation devices differ only slightly.

Medicinal balms such as Friar's Balsam or imported oils such as eucalyptus could be added to the hot water, or to a brewed mixture such as hop water. A ceramic spout is set on one side of the inhaler and the opposite side is printed with black text that reads, "Dr Nelson's Improved Inhaler". There are things you can eat and drink which are good for your voice and there are also things that are bad for your voice. If you would like a high resolution image or wish to seek permission to publish, please get in touch. In ancient times odours, steam and smoke have been inhaled for both medical and non medical purposes.It is difficult to compare an inhaler to products such as pills, tinctures, and tonics, but these may provide a useful point of comparison.