The History of Vaping

The earliest recorded mention of any device resembling an e-cigarette occurs in the 1920s. In the year 1927, Joseph Robinson got the idea of using an electric vaporizing tool for administering medication. The device featured heating coils and wicks, not dissimilar to the vaping pens and mods of today. The only difference was that Mr. Robinson did not think of this invention as a vehicle for delivering tobacco, as an alternative to regular smoking. 

This, perhaps, can be attributed to the fact that nearly a hundred years ago there was little information about the effects of tobacco. Americans enjoyed their smoke and quitting smoking was not really a priority with people. We know little about what Mr. Robinson did with the device, the patent for which was approved in 1930. In 1965, Herbert A. Gilbert patented the first device, which can be considered as a prototype for e-cigarettes today. It was similar in design to the earlier device, except that it was powered by a battery and was smaller. Any vaping devices from that time, if still out there, would be worth a tidy sum. 

The 60s, too, were not a good time to enthuse the masses about a smoking alternative. The contribution of two men, J. Phillip Ray and Dr. Norman L. Jacobson, during the 80s finally made the world take notice of a very possible alternative to cigarette smoking. These two gents were lucky to be around at the right time, people were beginning to look for ways and means to kick the smoking habit. Through tests and studies, Dr. Jacobson showed the world that the electronic cigarette invented by Mr. Ray offered users the kick of nicotine minus the harmful tar and carbon monoxide. To Dr. Jacobson goes the credit of coming up with the term “vaping”. 

Mr. Ray was no tinkerer; he was involved with the Apollo program and the development of the microprocessor. He was Dr. Jacobson’s patient and managed to enthuse the doctor about a device that allowed users to inhale nicotine vapors. Their e-cigarette, named the Favor Cigarette, produced lower levels of nicotine in the blood and the carbon monoxide levels quickly reached the levels present in non-smokers’ blood. Therein lay the actual beneficial use of this device. 

It could be used to ease oneself off the smoking habit. Dr. Jacobson’s research showed that vaping could be a healthier alternative to cigarette smoking. 

The research found no adverse effects from long-term vaping. The new device allowed users to regulate their nicotine consumption, and over time bring it down to zero. It came also as an alternative to the nicotine chewing gum, which until that time had not been approved for use in America. Thus, the foundation was laid for the arrival of the modern e-cigarette. And this happened in the year 2003. Mr. Hon Lik of China came up with the design of what is today the accepted model of an e-cigarette. Mr. Lik, a pharmacist from China, was struggling to kick the smoking habit and came up with the idea for his e-cigarette in a dream. 

Initially, Mr. Lik experimented with ultrasound for producing the vapors but then discarded the concept in favor of resistance coils. Over time, Mr. Lik achieved a measure of success in arriving at a device that resembled the traditional cigarette and upon use, produced tastes and aromas that cigarette smokers found satisfactory. 

In 2006-2007, Americans were introduced to the phenomenon of vaping. Today, the e-cigarette can be enjoyed in different designs, modifications, and power capabilities. Users can adjust the strength of the hit they want, the density of the vapor, and choose from an endless variety in flavors.