Mystery Tool - what is it?

Anyone know what this is? Obviously it’s a gasoline torch... But this one has a specific function.
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I don't see one. That tray is to burn gas in to get it started, if I remember right. Until it heats up
Correct, the tray is filled up with gas and lit until the burner Venturi is hot and then the torch is lit. That’s pretty standard on all gasoline torches but this torch has an extra part on it that makes it something different altogether.
 
If it's got a feature that draws off fumes, then it's for cooking....
 
Natural gas line leak detector? Hold a hose next to a connection and watch the flame?
 
What is the name of this tool?
You're all familiar with it.
It was broadly used for decades in hospitals, doctor's offices and psychiatric facilities.
It was quite effective and inexpensive to produce.
It had no substantial side effects.
It was eventually banned for regular use with patients, but continues to this day to be used in research with human beings, but not animals.

This bottle from about the 1930's (with remaining pills inside) is a favorite object in my collection of vintage tools and curiosities.
I rescued it when the nurses at a psychiatric facility were cleaning out their medicine cabinet in the 1970s.

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