Inhalation (from the Latin inhalo — ‘inhale’) — this is a method of administering medicines through the respiratory tract. One can use gas, vapor, or smoke. Inhalation can be natural — at sea resorts, in the forest — and artificial, with the use of special devices — inhalers. This method of treatment was used even in the distant past. The ancient Roman physician and philosopher Galen first described the benefits of sea air containing salt particles. Mint and eucalyptus vapors were popular means for inhalation at that time as well.
The first pressurized inhaler was created much later — in 1858 in France. In it, the manual pump worked on the principle of a bicycle pump. Then, an inhaler with a steam drive was invented in Germany. A blast of steam was a source of energy for the operation of the device, and it was used to treat tuberculosis patients with resins and antiseptics. Of course, such inhalers were bulky and not very convenient. In the 1930s, a professional glassblower Oskar Makhold from Germany created a portable inhaler to improve the functioning of the respiratory system and prevent the diseases, because the lungs are a working tool of a glassblower.
In configuration Makhold’s inhaler is similar to a small saxophone, only instead of keys it has an expansion tube, and instead of a bell from which the sound comes, there is a funnel for supplying medicinal brew. The design of Makhold’s inhaler is simple and therefore easy to operate.
Oskar Makhold received the patent in 1932, and almost 20 years later, in 1954, his son Walter founded the company in Thuringia. Together with his brother Kurt, he finalized the design of the inhaler: it was possible now to use both herbal infusions, and essential oils with it. The company still exists today, it is managed by the third generation of Makholds. Today, such inhaler is produced by many enterprises. Just like 100 years ago, each inhaler is blown by a master glassblower manually from heat-resistant impact-resistant glass. The package consists of an inhaler, an adapter for breathing through the nose, several capsules with essential oils, and a pipette. It is also used for aromatherapy. Makhold’s invention can still be purchased in pharmacies.
