Advantages Of My Method


The first of all, is derived from the composition of a vinous liquor,

richer, and more proper to raise a vigorous fermentation, than that

which is obtained by the usual method. Now, as it is proved that the

quantity of spirit is in proportion to the richness of the fermenting

liquor, mine therefore yields a great deal more spirit than any other.



2dly. We have seen that a heat of 75 deg. or 80 deg. must be kept up in t
e

fermenting room: this being summer heat, proves that such a rich vinous

liquor runs no risk of passing to the acid state with as much rapidity

as that of the common distillers; and, consequently, that he who will

follow my method can work all the year round without fear of losing the

fruits of his labor, as it often happens--an advantage precious for him

who makes it his sole business. The only change he has to make, is to

suppress the heat of the stove, when the temperature of the atmosphere

is sufficient to keep up a good fermentation in the liquor.



As to my distilling apparatus, this is not a new idea. I present it to

the public under the sanction of experience. I had it executed in

Philadelphia eight years ago, after having obtained a patent. It was

made for a rum distillery, where they still continue to use it. It

presents the greatest advantages.



The first is, that with a single fire, and a single workman, I distil

and rectify the spirit three times, and bring it to the

degree of alcohol; that is, to the greatest purity, and almost to the

highest degree of concentration.



2dly. It lowers the cost of transportation, by two-thirds; because one

gallon at 35 deg. represents three gallons at the usual degree. The

merchant, being arrived at the place of his destination, has only to add

2 gallons of water to 1 gallon of this alcohol, in order to have 3

gallons of whiskey; which is of a considerable advantage, either for

land or sea carriage.



3dly. As the price of spirits is, in trade, in proportion to their

degree of concentration, those made with my apparatus being at a very

high degree, need no more rectifying, either for the retailer, the

apothecary, or the painter; and the considerable expenses of that

operation turn entirely to the profit of the distiller, as they are

totally suppressed. Distillers may hereafter sell spirits of all degrees

of concentration.



Such are the advantages of my processes. I offer them the more willingly

to the public, as they are founded upon the most approved principles of

natural philosophy: by reflecting upon them, distillers will be easily

convinced of it.



* * * * *



However perfect the description of a new thing may be, our ideas of it

are always defective, until we have seen it put into practical use. Few

men have the means of establishing a distillery on a new plan, and even

the most enlightened may make notable errors. Few, besides, are bold

enough to undertake, at their own risks, the trial of a new fabrication:

they are afraid of losing, and of being blamed for having too lightly

yielded to the persuasion of new projectors. Hence it follows that a

useful discovery falls into oblivion, instead of doing any good.



But no discovery of general utility ought to experience that fate in a

republic. Government itself ought to promote the first undertaking, or a

certain number of citizens ought to join in order to give it a start. It

is the more easy in this case, as my apparatus requires very little

expense.



If a distillery according to my directions, was established in some of

the principal towns of the state, my method would then make rapid

progress, and thus prove the truth of the principle which I have

advanced; and the distillers, after having meditated upon my method in

this book, would come and satisfy themselves of its goodness, by seeing

it put into practice, and yielding the most perfect results, with all

the advantages for trade that may be expected: hence would naturally

ensue the rapid increase of distillation, and consequently that of

agriculture and commerce.



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