INHALATION, in medicine, a terip used to signify the breathing into the lungs of vapors or gases for anmsthesm, or for more strictly curative purposes. The inhalation may be accomplished in a variety of ways. The ordinary manner of admin istering chloroform or ether is to fold a napkin in the form of a funnel and moisten the interior with a dram of chloroform or a half ounce of sulphuric ether, and apply it to the nostrils and mouth of the patient, admitting a certain quantity of fresh air at the same time. The napkin may be folded in such a manner as to accomplish this, or it may be occasionally partially removed. The quantity of the anaisthetic may be renewed when necessary. There are various forms of apparatus rendering the operation more certain for those whose experience is not great, and, as a rule. they are to be considered desirable. The inhalation of nitrous oxide gas should always be performed with well made apparatus, and this substance should lie carefully purified before it is taken into the lungs. The steam, or rather the vapor of hot water, is employed in throat diseases, often affording great relief; and medicinal substances, such as iodine, chlorine, and camphor are sometimes used in conjunction, but it is often desirable to rise the watery vapor without any combination. A very convenient, and, in the absence of other
apparatus, the only available way, is to place a funnel over an open vessel containing hot water, and inhale the hot vapor through the spout. A deep vessel, such as a two quart earthen pitcher, may be used, holding a pint of boiling water—the patient breathing from the open mouth, putting his face close over the vessel, with care to moderate the heat of the contents. Tire vapor of iodine is often found beneficial in affections of the throat or lungs, and tins may be inhaled by using the alcoholic tincture, or the solid substance may be put into a wide-mouth bottle, from which the patient may inhale the vapor, which, if the quantity is sufficient. will he afforded rapidly enough at ordinary to nperature. If the quantity used is small, it•inity be slightty warmed. The vapor of carbolic acid is often beneficial as an inhalant, and may be administered in a similar manner. There are various kinds of apparatus for inhalation, with the common object of introducing vapor to the lungs in the proper strength or temperature, and due admix ture of air.