The current and popular incarnation of the electronic cigarette was born in the early 2000s but did you know that the original e cig can trace its roots back more than half a decade?
In 1963, scientist Herbert A. Gilbert patented a device that he described as a smokeless, non-tobacco cigarette. Many of the principles of this innovative design are incredibly similar to those that vapers enjoy all around the world today. Even if he never saw his dream materialise; Gilbert has significantly impacted upon the lives of millions.
Two years after filing for the patent, the electronic cigarette was accepted by the United States Patent Office. The patent referred to the product as:
“The present invention relates to a smokeless non-tobacco cigarette and has for an object to provide a safe and harmless means for and method of smoking by replacing burning tobacco and paper with heated, moist, flavored air; or by inhaling warm medication into the lungs in case of a respiratory ailment under direction of a physician.”
Gilbert’s ambition to replace tobacco with heated, moist, flavoured air bears an uncanny resemblance to the modern electronic cigarette. Like Leonardo da Vinci’s unrealised propelled flying machine’s similarities to the modern helicopter; Gilbert had created a prototype that future generations would perfect. With a long body tapered into a lip for drawing upon; Gilbert’s design is instantly recognisable as an e cig.
The scientist was a very popular man by 1967 when a number of different companies approached him with an interest in mass-producing his invention. Unfortunately for Gilbert and would-be vapers of the 1960s, the technological restraints of the era meant that commercialisation of the product was never realised.
Although the product had disappeared from the public by the end of the 1960s, it remained in the consciousness of manufacturers during the subsequent decades. Between 1978 and 1999 more than 50 additional patents were registered relating to electronic cigarettes. The potential of e cigs had been recognised and it only seemed a matter of time until the problems were ironed out and the industry exploded.
Electronic cigarettes and e liquids continue to develop as innovators like Gilbert work tirelessly to continue the industry’s revolution.
The 50 Year Old Electronic Cigarette / E Cigarettes and E Liquid from Totally Wicked
In 1963, scientist Herbert A. Gilbert patented a device that he described as a smokeless, non-tobacco cigarette. Many of the principles of this innovative design are incredibly similar to those that vapers enjoy all around the world today. Even if he never saw his dream materialise; Gilbert has significantly impacted upon the lives of millions.
Two years after filing for the patent, the electronic cigarette was accepted by the United States Patent Office. The patent referred to the product as:
“The present invention relates to a smokeless non-tobacco cigarette and has for an object to provide a safe and harmless means for and method of smoking by replacing burning tobacco and paper with heated, moist, flavored air; or by inhaling warm medication into the lungs in case of a respiratory ailment under direction of a physician.”
Gilbert’s ambition to replace tobacco with heated, moist, flavoured air bears an uncanny resemblance to the modern electronic cigarette. Like Leonardo da Vinci’s unrealised propelled flying machine’s similarities to the modern helicopter; Gilbert had created a prototype that future generations would perfect. With a long body tapered into a lip for drawing upon; Gilbert’s design is instantly recognisable as an e cig.
The scientist was a very popular man by 1967 when a number of different companies approached him with an interest in mass-producing his invention. Unfortunately for Gilbert and would-be vapers of the 1960s, the technological restraints of the era meant that commercialisation of the product was never realised.
Although the product had disappeared from the public by the end of the 1960s, it remained in the consciousness of manufacturers during the subsequent decades. Between 1978 and 1999 more than 50 additional patents were registered relating to electronic cigarettes. The potential of e cigs had been recognised and it only seemed a matter of time until the problems were ironed out and the industry exploded.
Electronic cigarettes and e liquids continue to develop as innovators like Gilbert work tirelessly to continue the industry’s revolution.
The 50 Year Old Electronic Cigarette / E Cigarettes and E Liquid from Totally Wicked
