The origin of vaping dates back to 1963 when Herbert A Gilbert created the first electronic cigarette. 

“I’m a logical guy, and logic told me to define the problem and then develop a solution…” Herbert wrote about his invention “I had to find a way to replace burning tobacco and paper with heated, moist, flavored air.” 

However, there were no major developments in the history of vaping until 2003 when Hon Lik, a pharmacist, feeling anguish over the loss of his father to cancer, conceived the idea to make an electronic cigarette. Hon allegedly got inspiration to create the device after accidentally sleeping without taking his nicotine patch off. He had a dream that he was drowning, but the water changed to vapor allowing him to breathe. The device Hon made consisted of an ultrasonic atomizer, a battery, and a nicotine cartridge. The device allowed the user to inhale a vaporized liquid solution. He patented his invention the same year and introduced it into the Chinese domestic market in 2004. However, it was not until 2006 that the device entered the US and the European market.

Since 2006, there have been many developments in vaping history. Over the years, e-liquids with different flavors have been introduced as well as vaping devices with a variety of features. 

Modern Vaping Devices

There are all types of vaping devices on the market today. Hon’s device was commercialized by the company he worked for – Ruyan. Soon, manufacturers in the US and other countries started making electronic cigarettes.

The first generation of e-cigs, known as cartomizers, was released in 2007. The device was created by two British entrepreneurs, Umer and Tariq Sheikh. From the cartomizer, the next step in the history of vaping is vape mods. The first mod hit the market in 2008. It was created by Ted and Matt Rogers. Over the years, there have been improvements to mods to improve their aesthetic appeal and functionality. There have been other inventions since including variable voltage batteries, rebuildable coils, and more.

The quest for customer satisfaction prompted manufacturers to produce devices that are customizable and include interchangeable components. The first eGo-style vaporizer by Joyetech entered the market in 2009. The year 2009 also saw the invention of the clearomizer. The clearomizer includes an e-liquid chamber, wicking material, and an atomizer coil. 

Vaping continues to gain popularity throughout the world. Some international tobacco companies have even voiced their intention to enter the vaping industry.

What to Expect in the Coming Years

There is no denying the popularity of vaping. You’ll find some of the best modern devices and e-liquids on the market at Slim’s E-Juice.

Vaping is quickly becoming a way of life. There are cloud chasing competitions and other vaping social events. Also, vaping devices are becoming more sophisticated. While devices are getting more powerful, they are also becoming smaller.

It should be noted that although the modern history of vaping dates back to 2003, vaping is a practice that goes back to ancient times. The Egyptians used hot stones to vape herbs. The first shisha was introduced thousands of years ago in India. These inventions led to the first electronic cigarette as we know it.

It must be mentioned that the idea of an electronic cigarette was first conceived in 1927 by Joseph Robinson, long before Herbert Gilbert made his invention in 1963 or Hon Lik in 2003.