Abstract: A device for inhaling a mixture of air and vaporized volatile compounds, but without combustion or thermal decomposition of the volatile compounds or of other non-volatile organic matter, as is the case in ordinary smoking methods. The device is intended to be hand-held in a manner similar to that of an ordinary tobacco pipe. It can be used further to administer volatile medications, by route of the respiratory organs, to the bodily system of the user of the device. The device is intended to not achieve uncomfortable surface temperatures while at the same time it will be able to readily and rapidly evaporate compounds and mixtures of such compounds that can achieve a vapor pressure of one atmosphere at temperatures of less than 250.degree. C.