Kerosene-fueled vaporizer c. 1880-1900 has original box with descriptions how to use, line drawing of item in use & lithograph of child sleeping & vaporizer on; ornate cast-iron stand is painted gold with attached metal receptacle on top to hold basin of medicine; kerosene fuel recommended; spare w…
Kerosene-fueled vaporizer c. 1880-1900 has original box with descriptions how to use, line drawing of item in use & lithograph of child sleeping & vaporizer on; ornate cast-iron stand is painted gold with attached metal receptacle on top to hold basin of medicine; kerosene fuel recommended; spare wicks and new wick inserted in lamp; box is in poor condition; previously inside was completely covered in masking tape to hold loose pieces on. Travill Catalogue: "original cost 1.75; 1 scoop for dipping Cresolene out; extra wick; includes box with complete directions on use of this vaporizer; box repaired with masking tape 20 June 1984.
Number Of Parts
6
Part Names
a - box - Size: Length 16.5 cm. x Width 9.5 cm. x Depth 7.8 cm.
b - stand - Size: Length 10.0 cm. x Diameter7.8
c - lamp - Size: x Diameter5.0
d - basin - Size: x Depth 1.3 cm. x Diameter7.3
e - spare wick - Size: Length 10.0 cm. x Diameter0.2
Vapo-Cresolene Co. // 62 Cortland Str., New York, N.Y., U.S.A.; paper label on bottom lists price in pencil: 175 // label states: Jury & Peacock // DISPENSING CHEMISTS // 185 PRINCESS ST. PHONE 343 // KINGSTON, ONT
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0007
0007-H2-4
Temporary Location
On display: "Vaccines and Immunization: Epidemics, Prevention, and Canadian Innovation"; Museum of Health Care, 29 February 2024.
Condition Remarks
box falling apart; cleaning needed
Research Facts
Coal tar is one of the byproducts of industrial processes that convert coal into coke or gas. Coal tar and its derivatives have been used in ointments, shampoos, analgesic drugs, and disinfectants. One of its forms, cresol, was marketed as "Vapo-Cresolene" beginning in 1879. The Vapo-Cresolene vaporizer was sometimes called a lamp because it is similar in appearance to a kerosene lamp, and used the same fuel to heat the liquid cresol with an open flame. The company claimed that inhaling the resulting fumes would cure numerous respiratory diseases, including pneumonia, whooping cough and diphtheria. These claims were debunked by a report of the American Medical Association in 1908. Despite this, the product and its vaporizers continued to be sold as late as the 1950s.
Exhibit History
On loan for exhibit "Clean up your Act - S Sanitization Methods Over Time" Kingston Association of Museums, Art Galleries and Historic Sites Inc. on display at the Kingston Frontenac Public Library Central Branch 6 April – 8 July, 2022.
To display in Museum: Potions, Pills and Prescriptions; May 1, 2000 - 28 Jan 2017.