Question of the Day: What the Blazes are Smelling Salts and How do they Work?

So, I was working on my steam punk story, and the opportunity came up for the use of smelling salts. Who am I to say no to opportunity, but the question presented itself: What are smelling salts, and how do they work?

I came across my answer on Wise Geek

a website I heartily enjoy. To summarize, smelling salts, or sal volitale, are a mixture of ammonium carbonate and perfume. The unholy stink irritates mucous membranes of your nose, throat and lungs stimulating deeper breathing.

So, that's today's answer. Just don't go out playing with smelling salts because the fumes are toxic!