Tin of "Vaporole" aromatic ammonia capsules, prepared by Burroughs Wellcome and Co., London, 1924-1940

‘Vaporole’ was a trademark name coined by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co for their aromatic smelling salts. Once the silk-covered glass capsules were snapped open, the strong smell and vapours of ammonia combined with lemon and lavender oil were inhaled and shocked the body into action.

The smelling salts were used by those in danger of fainting and also those recovering from post anaesthetic shock, especially when using chloroform. Burroughs, Wellcome & Co advertised their product as being more “superior in pungency and portability” than the ordinary capsule while adding that they could be bought in ‘“dainty boxes of twelve”.