Antique Siegle-Type Steam Spray Inhaler / Medical Nebulizer – Germany, c. 1875–1900 A particularly interesting late-19th-century medical instrument: an early steam-powered spray inhaler or nebulizer constructed according to the Siegle principle, complete with its spirit burner, glass medication reservoir and original glass spray/inhalation attachment. The steam spray inhaler was developed by the Stuttgart physician Dr Emil Siegle during the 1860s and represents an important stage in the development of inhalation therapy. Rather than simply producing medicinal vapour, the Siegle system used a jet of steam to draw medicinal liquid from a separate reservoir and atomise it into a fine spray that could be directed towards the patient's mouth or respiratory tract. Numerous versions based on this principle were subsequently manufactured during the later 19th century. This example retains an unusually good selection of its functional components. The cylindrical metal housing contains the removable spirit/alcohol burner, which heated the boiler above. The upper assembly incorporates the steam outlet and aspiration system together with a turned black wooden handle. A separate clear glass vessel served as the medication reservoir and is held beside the apparatus by its original wire support. The reservoir is marked “30” on its base, probably indicating a capacity of approximately 30 ml. Also preserved is the delicate clear glass spray/inhalation attachment, mounted in its metal holder and fitted with the curved tube. The glass is intact, without visible cracks or chips. The upper assembly and burner are removable, as illustrated in the photographs. The attribution to approximately 1875–1900 is based on the instrument's construction and its close correspondence with documented late-19th-century Siegle-type inhalers. Museum examples from this period show the same characteristic combination of a spirit-heated boiler, metal steam apparatus, separate glass medicine reservoir and mechanical aspiration/atomisation system. The Science Museum Group, for example, dates a Siegle steam spray inhaler in its collection to 1875–1900. No manufacturer's mark has been identified on this example, and it is therefore described as Siegle-type rather than attributed to a specific maker. The construction is consistent with German/Central European medical apparatus of the period. The instrument is preserved in good antique condition with attractive age-related patina, surface wear, oxidation and expected traces of heat and combustion around the burner and heating chamber. These traces are consistent with historical use and have deliberately not been aggressively polished away. The fragile glass components are remarkably well preserved. The apparatus has not been tested operationally and is offered as a historical medical/scientific collectible. - Dimensions: approximately 22 × 18 cm - Weight: approximately 304 g for the inhaler with burner and spray attachment; approximately 360 g total including the glass medication reservoir. An evocative survivor from the early history of aerosol medicine and mechanical inhalation therapy, particularly appealing for a collection of antique medical, pharmaceutical or scientific instruments. The item will be carefully packed, with the removable glass and metal components individually protected, and shipped with tracking.