IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRESERVATION OF ANIMAL MATTER FOR FOOD, APPLICABLE ALSO TO THE PRESERVATION OF OTHER PERISHABLE SUBSTANCES
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Edward Gedge, of No. 11, Wellington Street,
Strand, in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRESERVATION OF ANIMAL MATTER FOR FOOD,
APPLICABLE ALSO TO THE PRESERVATION OF OTHER PERISHABLE SUBSTANCES."
A communication from abroad by George Washington Scollay, of St. Louis,
State of Missouri. United States of America.
ealed the 17th April 1877, and dated the 21st October 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Edward Gedge at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st October 1876.
WILLIAM EDWARD GEDGE, of No. 11, Wellington Street, Strand, in the County
of Middlesex, Patent Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRESERVATION OF ANIMAL
MATTER FOR FOOD, APPLICABLE ALSO TO THE PRESERVATION OF OTHER PERISHABLE
SUBSTANCES." A communication from abroad by George Washington Scollay, of
St. Louis, State of Missouri, United States of America.
The object of my Invention is to provide means for preserving from decay, and in
a natural and fresh state, meat and animal matter for food, and other perishable
substances which fall within its scope.
My Invention consists of a chemical and mechanical method of reducing the
temperature, first, of the carcass; secondly, of the apartment or chamber in which
the meat is to be stored, for the purpose of securing more perfect permeation with
infiltration through the vascular system in combination with moderate reduction of
temperature and chemical maintenance of pure air kept constantly in motion in the
apartment in which the meat is kept, using each separately or as a whole; thirdly,
in the combination of a series of separate steps by which the object as a whole is
attained, as herein-after fully described.
The operation is as follows:-First, the animal is slaughtered in the usual
manner; after the blood has ceased to flow a connection is made between one of the
larger arteries or the heart and a tank or receiver containing highly compressed or
liquified gas or gases, which are allowed to escape in a globe or second receiver,
expand, and to pass freely into and through the vascular system. Any gas or gases,
not otherwise objectionable, may be used for the reduction of temperature in the
carcass and the mechanical purpose of distending the blood vessels and aiding the

page_text: infiltration; care should be taken to so regulate the flow of the gas as to avoid
rupturing the vessels through which it is made to permeate all and every part of
the carcass, removing obstructions in and distending the vessels for the reception of
the solution which is to follow. The reduction of the temperature is governed by
the capacity of the gas to absorb heat. The carcass being now reduced in tem-
perature and the vessels cleared and distended by means of the introduction of the
gas, is thouroughly infiltrated with a solution of prepared sugar from a reservoir
placed at an elevation sufficient to produce the necessary head to insure a thorough
permeation of the solution through the carcass, which permeation may be further
perfected by the use of the gas after the solution, if necessary.
The sugar is prepared and treated substantially as follows:-To every seven and
one-half pounds (7 lbs.) of white or best brown sugar, add ten (10) drams of
pulverized carbon and one-half (1/2) oz. each of benzoic, salicylic, and boracic acids
pulverized; mix and thorougly incorporate these with the sugar. This mixture is
then placed in a closed or tight box or other suitable vessel provided with the means
of stirring the compound or mixture, and subjected to the action of sulphurous acid
gas and the vapor of hydrate of phenyle, using sixteen (16) ounces of the former to
thirty grains of the latter; next take eight (8) pounds of alkali which is to form a
triple base composed of the carbonate of ammonia, potash, and soda mixed in their
equivalent proportions, using two equivalents of soda and dissolving in thirty-two
(32) pounds of pure water, and then subjected to the action of the vapor of hydrate
of phenyle C, H, O × HO and sulphurous acid S O₂, using one and one-half (1)
drams of the former and continuing the flow of the gas until a neutral solution is
formed of a specific gravity of 1,200. The ammonia should be dissolved separately
and added to the double alkali while receiving the acid. The sugar compound is
further treated by being mixed with this neutral solution raised to the boiling point,
in the proportion of seventy-five (75) pounds of sugar to one hundred (100) gallons
of the solution. This mixture is now left to cool and settle when it is strained and
tested, and if it is found to contain an excess of acid, as is the case, it is reduced by
adding choleate of soda until it shows a faint acid reaction.
In preparing the above compound solution the proportions may be varied and are
to suit the season of the year and object for which it is to be used, and the alkaline
solution may be either single, double, or triple, the latter however gives the best
result or product. This compound solution although intended for use in and
through the vascular system, may also be used as a bath for the immersion of the
flesh and other substances.
Having described the first and second steps in the operation and the plan of
preparing the substances used in and for the purpose described, the third step is
accomplished as follows:-To avoid all forms of deterioration during transportation
between distant points or in keeping at any given point, the meat is placed in an
apartment or other suitable chamber or receiver in which the air is kept pure by
the escape therein of ammoniacal and sulphurous acid gases or other suitable gases.
These gases may be generated in the apartment or allowed to flow into it from the
exterior by means of suitable connections with the receivers or generators of the
gases. In either case these gases should escape in the chamber in equivalent
quantities by volume, thereby diffusing through the apartment a neutral gaseous
product, except when from any cause carbonic acid may abound, then the
ammoniacal gas may be slightly in excess.
The fourth and last step completes the process for practical and commercial uses
at all seasons of the year and is a part of the Invention, it is substantially as
follows: A reduced or temperate temperature not exceeding fifty-five (55°) or
sixty (60°) degrees of Fahrenheit is maintained by providing two or more suitable
receivers of such capacity and strength as may be required for the purpose, filled
with ammoniacal and sulphurous acid gases in a highly compressed or liquified
state. These receivers are to be fitted with suitable means for allowing the gases to
escape in their equivalents by volume, and are to be placed in different or opposite
parts of the apartment or connected with it from without and arranged to discharge

page_text: against metallic plates, thereby diffusing the cold produced, while the gases
themselves as they come in contact with each other are instantly neutralized with
the effect upon the air above stated.
In the practice of this step in the process I do not confine myself to the above-
named gas or gases to obtain a reduction of the temperature in the chamber, as other
gas or gases may be used not otherwise objectionable, and where the object is
inerely to reduce the temperature other suitable means may be employed without or
with ventilation in the apartment or storing chamber.
The advantages of this Invention are many and may be briefly though generally
stated to be, the perfecting of a complete plan for keeping and transporting for
commercial purposes meat and animal matter fresh for food at all seasons of the
year without loss or deterioration,
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Edward Gedge, in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
17th April 1877.
WILLIAM EDWARD GEDGE, of No. 11, Wellington Street, Strand, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRESERVATION OF ANIMAL
MATTER FOR FOOD, APPLICABLE ALSO TO THE PRESERVATION OF OTHER PERISHABLE
SUBSTANCES." A communication from abroad by George Washington Scollay, of
St. Louis, State of Missouri, United States of America.
The object of this Invention is to provide means for preserving from decay, and in
a natural and fresh state, meat and animal matter for food, and other perishable
substances which fall within its scope.
My Invention consists of a chemical and mechanical method of reducing the
temperature, first, of the carcass; secondly, of the apartment or chamber in which
the meat is to be stored, for the purpose of securing more perfect permeation with
infiltration through the vascular system in combination with moderate reduction of
temperature and chemical maintainance of pure air kept constantly in motion in
the apartment in which the neat is kept using each separately or as a whole;
thirdly, in the combination of a series of separate steps by which the object as a
whole is attained, as herein-after fully described.
The operation is as follows:-First, the animal is slaughtered in the usual
manner; after the blood has ceased to flow a connection is made between one of the
larger arteries or the heart and a tank or receiver containing highly compressed or
liquefied gas or gases, which are allowed to escape in a globe or second receiver,
expand, and to pass freely into and through the vascular system. Any gas or gases,
not otherwise objectionable, may be used for the reduction of temperature in the
carcass and the mechanical purpose of distending the blood vessels and aiding
the infiltration; care should be taken to so regulate the flow of gas as to avoid
rupturing the vessels through which it is made to permeate all and every part of
the carcass, removing obstructions in and distending the vessels for the reception of
the solution which is to follow. The reduction of the temperature is governed by
the capacity of the gas to absorb heat. The carcass being now reduced in tem-
perature and the vessels cleared and distended by means of the introduction of the
gas, is thoroughly infiltrated with a solution of prepared sugar from a reservoir
placed at an elevation sufficient to produce the necessary heat to insure a thorough
permeation of the solution through the carcass, which permeation may be further
perfected by the use of the gas after the solution, if necessary.
The sugar is prepared and treated substantially as follows:-To every seven and
one-half pounds (71/2 lbs.) of white or best brown sugar, add ten (10) drams
of pulverized carbon and one-half ounce each of benzoic, salicylic, and boracic
acids pulverized; mix and thoroughly incorprate these with the sugar. This

page_text: mixture is then placed in a closed or tight box or other suitable vessel provided
with the means of stirring the compound or mixture, and subjected to the action of
sulphurous acid gas and the vapor of hydrate of phenyle, using sixteen (16) ounces
of the former to thirty grains of the latter; next take eight pounds of alkali which
is to form a triple base composed of the carbonate of ammonia, potash, and soda
mixed in their equivalent proportions, using two equivalents of soda and dissolving
in thirty-two (32) pounds of pure water, and then subjected to the action of the
vapor of hydrate of phenyle C₁, H, O+HO and sulphurous acid S O₂, using one and
one-half (1/2) drams of the former and continuing the flow of gas until a neutral
solution is formed of a specific gravity of 1.200. The ammonia should be dissolved
separately and added to the double alkali while receiving the acid. The sugar
compound is further treated by being mixed with this neutral solution raised to the
boiling point, in the proportion of seventy-five (75) pounds of sugar to one hundred
gallons of the solution. This mixture is now left to cool and settle when it is
strained and tested, and if found to contain an excess of acid, as is the case, it is
reduced by adding choleate of soda until it shows a faint acid reaction.
In preparing the above compound solution the proportions may be varied and are
to suit the season of the year and object for which it is to be used, and the alkaline
solution may be either single, double, or triple, the latter however gives the best
result or product. This compound solution although intended for use in and
through the vascular system, may also be used as a bath for the immersion of flesh
and other substances.
Having described the first and second steps in the operation and the plan of
preparing the substances used in and for the purpose described, the third step is
accomplished as follows:-To avoid all forms of deterioration during transportation
between distant points or in keeping at any given point, the meat is placed in an
apartment or other suitable chamber or receiver in which the air is kept pure by
the escape therein of ammoniacal and sulphurous acid gases or other suitable gases.
These gases may be generated in the apartment or allowed to flow into it from the
exterior by means of suitable connections with the receivers or genetrators of the
gases. In either case these gases should escape in the chamber in equivalent
quantities by volume, thereby diffusing through the apartment a neutral gaseous
product, except when from any cause carbonic acid may abound, then the
ammoniacal gas may be slightly in excess.
The fourth and last step completes the process for practical and commercial uses
at all seasons of the year and is a part of the Invention, it is substantially as
follows-A reduced or temperate temperature not exceeding fifty-five (55°) or
sixty (60) degrees of "Fahrenheit" is maintained by providing two or more suitable
receivers of such capacity and strength as may be required for the purpose, filled
with ammonical and sulphurous acid gases in a highly compressed or liquefied
state. These receivers are to be fitted with suitable means for allowing the gases to
escape in their equivalents by volume and are to be placed in different or opposite
parts of the apartment or connected with it from without and arranged to discharge
against metallic plates, thereby diffusing the cold produced, while the gases
themselves as they come in contact with each other are instantly neutralized with
the effect upon the air above stated.
In the practice of this step in the process I do not confine myself to the above-
named gas or gases to obtain a reduction of temperature in the chamber, as other
gas or gases may be used not otherwise objectionable, and where the object is
merely to reduce the temperature other suitable means may be employed without or
with ventilation in the apartment or storing chamber.
The advantages of this Invention are many and may be briefly though generally
stated to be, the perfecting of a complete plan for keeping and transporting for
cominercial purposes meat and animal matter fresh for food at all seasons of the
year without loss or deterioration.
Having now described and ascertained the nature of the said Invention com-

page_text: municated to me as aforesaid, what I claim as secured to me by the herein-before in
part recited Letters Patent is,-
Firstly. In preserving meat fresh, the process of preparing the carcass for
infiltration and permeation, which consists in introducing compressed or liquified
gas or gases into the arterial and nervous system, as described, whereby the blood
vessels are cleared and the temperature of the carcass reduced, as set forth.
Secondly. The process of preparing a composition, as set forth, to be used in the
preservation of the meat fresh, and which consists of mixing with sugar, pulverized
carbon, benzoic, salicylic, and boracic acid gas, stirring in a tight or closed box, then
treating with sulphurous acid gas and the vapor of hydrate of phenyle, and then
adding a neutral solution consisting of the alkaline, carbonates, aminonia, potash,
and soda, subjected to the action of hydrate of phenyle and sulphurous acid gas.
Thirdly. The process of preventing deterioration by becoming mouldy or other-
wise of preserved fresh meats, which consists in subjecting such meats in suitable
compartments to an atmosphere resulting from the introduction therein of an
alkaline and an acid gas or gases in their equivalent quantities by volume,
substantially as described.
Fourthly. The process of preserving the prepared meat, whereby it is subjected
at once to the action of an antiseptic atmosphere and to a refrigerating influence or
moderately low temperature, which consists in introducing sulphurous acid and
ammonical gases or other suitable gases in their equivalent quantities by volume
under suitable pressure, and in the manner substantially as described.
Fifthly. The process of preserving fresh meat or animal matter, which consists of
subjecting it to successive antiseptic influences, as follows:-First, by infiltrating or
treating it with an antiseptic that leaves it fresh; second, by storing it in a
compartment having its temperature reduced and kept from raising above sixty
(60°) degrees of "Fahrenheit."
In witness whereof, I, the said William Edward Gedge, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Eighteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
W. E. GEDGE. (L.S.)