What was it that women used to carry smelling salts, in case someone fainted or passed out?

did people pass out more back then? and what exactly were the ';vapors'; that women got? I know we were a strong people back when times were rough, so maybe it was just a fad?What was it that women used to carry smelling salts, in case someone fainted or passed out?
Yes it was a popular notion that fainting was normal.take into consideration they were not as well fed, and dressed poorly for the hot weather, beaches were full, but even then the women wore fully covered swim suits.What was it that women used to carry smelling salts, in case someone fainted or passed out?
Tell you what, try wrapping your body up in one of those corsets, that compressed your diaphragm making it difficult to breath. Then put on lots of stupid clothes and walk about on a hot day, and see how long you last without feinting.