Collections record Beta

Inhaler

2011-141-1

Pewter inhaler with maker's mark below rim. Ear shaped handle with three holes on top. One hold at bottom of handle on the interior of the tankard. Pewter lid with spout in center. Small cup with porous cover next to spout in lid.. Object was used for the inhalation of opium in the treatment of "catarrhous cough". Opium placed in the small cup in the lid would infuse into the heated water in the inhaler. Suction applied to the spout, via a flexible tube would draw air through holes in the hollow handle and through a single hole at its base which would buble in the infusion. Covering some or all of the holes in the handle would decrease the amount of air drawn through the infusion, and increase the more heavily laden opium vapors via the perfurated hole in the cup section.

mid 19th century

5 1/2" H, 3 1/2" at rim, 4" at base

• pewter