page_title: Ice cube
section_title: Origin of production
hierarchical_section_title: Ice cube / Origin of production
caption_attribution_description: English: Diagram of John Gorrie's Ice Machine. From U.S. Patent 8080, May 6, 1851.
context_page_description: An ice cube is a small piece of ice, which is typically rectangular as viewed from above and trapezoidal as viewed from the side. Ice cubes are products of mechanical refrigeration and are usually produced to cool beverages. They may be produced at home in a freezer with an ice tray or in an automated ice-making accessory. They may also be produced industrially and sold commercially.
context_section_description: American physician and humanitarian John Gorrie built a refrigerator in 1844 with the purpose of producing ice to cool air. His refrigerator produced ice which he hung from the ceiling in a basin to lower the ambient room temperature. During his time, bad air quality was thought to cause disease. Therefore, in order to help prevent and treat sickness, he pushed for the draining of swamps and the cooling of sickrooms.
caption: Gorrie's ice machine
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