spiroscope developed by Ardèche doctor Jos Jullien

In 1934, Ardèche doctor Jos Jullien developed a water spiroscope, a simple and ingenious medical device for "monitoring, training, and respiratory exercises," as a means of combating the pulmonary symptoms of brucellosis. Better known as Malta fever, this disease, characterized by feverish attacks and generalized infection, was then very prevalent around the Mediterranean. As a skilled and astute businessman, Jos Jullien designed his device, the "SPIRO," not for healthcare professionals, but for patients. Easy to use and inexpensive, it allowed patients to perform training and respiratory rehabilitation exercises under the guidance of a doctor. The marketing of his invention was initially entrusted to the famous mail-order company Manufrance, before being managed by a company specially created for this purpose. Gradually, perceptions of Jos Jullien's spiroscope changed until it was finally seen as a consumer product. Thus, from a medical device, it gradually became a product dedicated to well-being and fitness.