Image: vogue.com Smelling salts were made from various preparations of ammonium carbonate (NH4)2CO3H2O), a compound which provoked an inhalation reflex by irritating the linings of the airways. This substance was used in the classical era to prompt vigorous breathing and restore consciousness to the diseased, injured and the fainting woman. Which there were a lot of. Vinaigrette was also used in this way. It was housed in many forms of containers: Nathan Mills Vinaigrette Box