76 Hev, J. Barlow on the application [March 30, 



been immersed since December 1st, 1854, in alcohol, in pyroxy- 

 lic spirit, and in fusel-oil, as well as other similar specimens, 

 which had been suspended, for an equal period of time, in the 

 vapours of the same liquids. The antiseptic effects of creosote, 

 the active principle of wood-smoke, (which is almost the only 

 substance whose chemical reaction on the albuminous constituent of 

 organic matter is employed for the preservation of food,) were then 

 noticed. 



(2.) Coagulation of the albuminous constituent bi/ heat. 



The identity of the antiseptic effect of heat with that of a 

 strongly coagulating reagent, as corrosive sublimate, was shown by 

 exhibiting — (a) Two pieces of flesh, one of which had been thoroughly 

 cooked and dried, and the other washed over with a solution of 

 sublimate. Both had been kept dry : the surface of both was 

 hard and dark, (b) Two similar pieces of flesh, similarly pre- 

 pared, but exposed to a damp atmosphere : both were in a mouldy, 

 but neither of them in a putrescent condition. 



Dr. Verdeil has applied the coagulating effect of heat to the pre- 

 servation of vegetables and of meat. He directs that green {i. e, 

 unripe) vegetables, such as cabbages, carrots, green peas, French 

 beans, should be submitted to the action of high-pressure steam of 

 the temperature of about 300° Fah., and then dried as quickly as 

 possible. 



Specimens of vegetables prepared by this process were exhibited. 

 Although kept in paper envelopes they appeared to have suffered 

 no change from the effect of air. The aromatic oils being retained 

 in the coagulated albumen, imparted its characteristic flavour to 

 the cooked vegetable, which, retaining the minutest details of its 

 structure, resumed its original form and size on being steeped in 

 water.* 



The sanje principle has been applied by Dr. Yerdeil to the pre- 

 servation of meat. 



Edwards's potatoes, belonging to the same class of preparations, 

 claim notice from the rapidity and facility with which they can be 

 dressed. 



D. The Principle of Coagulation of Albumen by Heat, 



BUT WITHOUT DESICCATION, THE PROVISIONS BEING 

 ISOLATED FROM AlR AND EXTERNAL MoiSTURE. 



This seems to be the principle of the well-known processes both 

 of Appert and of Goldner. The former aims at the combination of 

 whatever oxygen may be present in the vessel containing the pre- 



* This was illustrated by the expansion of a cauliflower, an artichoke, and 

 of Brussels sprouts, and by the odour and flavour of carrots, turnips, onions, 

 &c. all prepared by Dr. Verdeil, which were cooked during the evening in the 

 presence of the Members and visitors. 



