Casgliadau Arlein

white earthenware jar with cork stopper pierced by glass tube to which is attached a rubber tube and mask, if required; spout to side; inscribed with makers' name Dr NELSON'S IMPROVED INHALER

Faced with this deadly epidemic, physicians experimented with inhalers as a treatment for TB during this period to alleviate symptoms and deliver medication straight to the lungs. Usually the vapour of hot water medicated with iodine and hemlock were inhaled three times a day for 15-20 minutes from a kettle such as this. In 1865 the Nelson inhaler was invented for this purpose and is still manufactured to this day with very few modifications. Some people used their own teapots and improvised a spout out of brown paper. However, there was no cure and TB in this period killed over 80% of its victims.