For centuries smokers have been using the same technology. A smoking process in the 18thcentury was much the same as today.
The cigarette was made of dried tobacco wrapped in a special paper. A filter was added at the beginning of 20th century. The cigarette burned whether or not it was actually being smoked.
Technology has changed many habitual activities. The PC and the Internet offered a new way to do work, find out the news, interact, shop, and entertain. A cell phone changed the way we communicate (or fail to communicate). And an e-cigarette changed the way we smoke.
A paradox of technology, a miracle invention, a tech wonder - those are just a few names people give vape mods - you can find out more here. What's so special about vaping and its long and challenging way to recognition?
When was a modern electronic cigarette produced?
We think that vaping is a new unique phenomenon. However, the concept of vaporizing wasn't fresh even for people of ancient Persia and India. It's also known that a hookah was created in the 15th century. But the true innovations in vaping devices started in the 20th century.
1927: Unknown to many, Joseph Robinson was the first person to come up with the concept of an e-cigarette. His patent was approved in 1930, but it isn't clear whether a prototype of that primitive device was made.
The 1960s: Herbert A. Gilbert is commonly called a "grandfather of vaping". The scheme of his "smokeless, non-tobacco cigarette" looks almost exactly like the contemporary e-cig. If you vape, then you know something about e-cigs and will find familiar concepts, like cartridge and heating element.
Gilbert understood that inhaling burnt stuff was harmful. So, he decided to create a smoking alternative that didn't involve combustion. The inventor received a patent in 1965 (filed in 1963) and made prototypes, but the attempts to commercialize it were unsuccessful.
The 1980s: Phil Ray, one of the inventors of the microprocessor and a manager of the Apollo program, and his personal physician Norman Jacobson created the first fake cigarette. These two inventive people were the first to commercialize a variation of the e-cigarette. However, the Favor was not electronic. The product's work based on evaporation of the nicotine.
The duo's idea had some drawbacks. The cigarette consisted of the nicotine-containing liquid infused into the paper and kept in a device shaped like a cigarette. A user inhaled nicotine. There was no heating or vapor. But the device served for the same purpose as today's vape mod kits - it supplied nicotine to the user without any harmful ingredients.
The Flavor also had a short shelf life. So, it didn't become very popular among smokers. Not everyone even remembers it.
In spite of this, we remember Phil Ray and Norman Jacobson for introducing the terms "vaping" and "vaper". It's interesting that vape became the Oxford Dictionary's word of the year only in 2014 when the phenomenon became widespread.
2003: A Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik patented the electronic cigarette and became a "father of vaping". Just in 4 years, his wonder kid was sold all over the world.
As everything truly genius, the device has a simple structure:
● a battery that gives electric charge required to operate the vaporizer;
● a vaporizing atomizer that converts liquid solution to vapor;
● a cartridge (tank) that houses e-liquid.
We've already mentioned that modern cig-a-likes have the construction very similar to Gilbert's scheme. So, why Gilbert failed to bring his idea to life and Hon Lik's invention is now extremely popular?
The previous attempts to produce a good digital smoking device were unsuccessful because they were too innovative for that time. For example, the lithium-ion battery didn't exist when Gilbert wanted to craft his device. Nowadays, various technological components fit into the shape and size of a regular tobacco cigarette. Electronic cigarettes really are a division of modern innovation.
The social factor also played its part. The smoke-hazy Mad Men world of the 1960's wasn't ready for Gilbert's product. Moreover, half a century ago people were not aware of all the risks associated with tobacco smoking. You can find vintage ads of doctors recommending tobacco.
In 1962, the Royal College of Physicians in the U.K. published the first major report warning of dangerous consequences of smoking. Cancer was linked to tobacco in "The 1964 Report on Smoking and Health".
Nowadays, people have grown to realize the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle. They are more willing to kick bad habits. And since quitting is far not easy, they adopt new alternative habits.
Vaping with a Modern Twist
Though the original concept of a digital cigarette stays pretty much the same, vaping has taken a completely new look and utilizes more advanced technology.
Cig-a-likes are still very popular. But a vape pen and a vape box mod are also in demand. The latter has a good reputation for producing the highest vapor quality and overall performance. Garry Dibley became known as "The Modfather". In the beginning, he made 'mods' from household items. It would be strange to see someone with those quirky things in the street.
Up-to-date vaping devices are more powerful and have more features. The designs are really sophisticated.
How E-Liquids Came About
The first electronic cigarettes only came in 2-3 flavors. It's hard to imagine such a poor choice.
Today, the flavorings simulate a variety of fruit, vegetables, dishes, drinks, and even tobacco. But the basic components remain the same: Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerine, and nicotine.
Enthusiastic vapors like to experiment with flavors and create their own e-juices. If you want to try that and make your box mod vape vapor taste like no one else's, download some apps. They have ready recipes and calculators of ingredients that help to create your own.
So, vaping technology has undergone marvelous changes to provide us the e-cigarette as we know it today. There're vape products and e-liquids for every user out there.
About the author:
Margaret Wilson, a blogger who writes about the healthy way of life (healthy food, sports, motivation, etc.)
Now she studies vaping as an alternative for people who are struggling with smoking.
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of foodworldnews.com
