Mudge Inhaler, early 1800’s inhaler, made of Pewter, in absolutely mint condition. Dr. John Mudge invented this apparatus in 1778 and described in his book “A Radical and Expeditious Cure for a Recent Catarrhous Cough”.  This item was used at home and hospitals and was used in any treatment of any illness caused by cough. A spectacular example of medical history.

Here is a detailed history for those interested:

In 1778, English physician and astronomer, John Mudge (1721-1793) published a book in which he described this modified beer tankard, and coined the word “inhaler”. The book was titled, A Radical and Expeditious Cure for a Recent Catarrhous Cough. Used at home and in hospitals, the Mudge Inhaler became popular for the treatment of any illness that caused a cough.
For use, hot water was poured into the bottom of the mug, the lid was closed, and a flexible leather or textile breathing tube was attached to the opening in the cover. The patient would tuck the device under his arm to retain its warmth, and inhale the steam through the tube. Holes were drilled into the top of the hollow handle, mixing fresh air with the steam. Exhaled air passed through the valve in the lid. Herbs and other medicinals, such as opium, or ether, could be added to the water.
When news of Morton’s use of ether for surgical anesthesia first arrived in the United Kingdom, in December 1846, the Mudge Inhaler was a natural choice for administering ether. It was soon replaced by inhalers made specifically for that purpose. Humidification remains a part of the today’s respiratory therapies, and of the mechanical ventilation of surgical and intensive care patients.

In the 1800s, they did not have the classic asthma or COPD inhalers like albuterol we are familiar with in the 21 st century which have a pressurized cartridge which, when pressed, emits the medicine. In the 1800s, hot steaming hot water vapor and any sometimes additional medicine the doctor prescribed was placed in these inhaler and the patient would breathe in these “therapeutic” vapors, not just for lung disease but for other ailments like mercury vapor for syphilis.