The study of these airs interfaced with phlogiston theory.
The therapeutic potential of factitious airs were widely investigated with significant contributions by Thomas Beddoes, James Watt, James Lind, Humphry Davy, and others at the Pneumatic Institution. Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire (related to Henry through marriage) had a profound interest in chemistry with interest in Henry's research in pneumatic chemistry. She played a pivotal role in advancing the study of factitious airs through partnering with Thomas Beddoes to establish the Pneumatic Institution.
Tuberculosis was a primary disease physicians had attempted to treat with factitious airs, particularly since James Watts daughter died of the disease. John Carmichael had reported successfully treating a patient suffering from tuberculosis using hydrocarbonate. This application of factitious air was pioneering research relevant to the modern era as carbon monoxide currently has preclinical evidence of treating Mycobacterium tuberculosis' infection progression by inducing dormancy, stimulating host immune response, and ameliorating host inflammation.