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August 16, 2009
Dental Patent: 1891 - The Eucalyptus Lady
This is one of the weirdest patents I've ever seen. Yes, it was 1891, but I still have trouble understanding how this patent was ever awarded. Near as I can figure out, Elizabeth Dean said she could imagine all kinds of things people might do with eucalyptus and they gave her a patent! Well, perhaps I exaggerate. Judge for yourself.
Since it is so short, it is actually reasonable to transcribe it. Take a look.
A New or Improved Manufacture of Eucalyptus Products for Various Useful Purposes
I, Elizabeth Dean, of Glenthorne, Worple Road, Epsom, in the County of Surrey, Widow, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement: —
It is well known that the Eucalyptus genus of trees possesses valuable antiseptic and medicinal properties, and is supposed to destroy microbes in the atmosphere. It is sometimes called the Fever Tree, as it has been found beneficial in reducing fever when put in the rooms of patients suffering from that disease. I propose to prepare and use the leaves and other parts of Eucalyptus trees, in a convenient manner, so that the above named valuable natural properties may be more conveniently applied for the relief of mankind than has hitherto been done.
My invention consists in applying the leaves, seeds, gums, fibre and other parts of the tree to various articles of common use as follows. The leaves are dried in the sun or by artificial heat, and are then selected cut or wrapped to be used as a substitute for tobacco, for smoking in pipes, or in the form of cigars, or cigarettes. This has been found to be a not unpleasant substitute for tobacco, and — unlike the latter — it leaves a clean and rather pleasant flavour in the mouth. The leaves and fibre may also be used in making the stuffing of beds, mattresses, bolsters, pillows, and the cushions of chairs and sofas. Furthermore, the leaves may be used for fumigating rooms, as a tea or combined with the leaves of the tea plant, or — when ground — used as a snuff, for tooth powder, or combined with the fats employed in making soap and candles.
I propose also to form the gum into lozenges for the throat and chest, and to use it for plasters and poultices. The seed is ground and used with or without ground gum and leaves in making bread, or in other culinary operations.
For any of the above named purposes, the leaves or other products of Eucalyptus may be made up into convenient parcels or packages for ready use.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is: —
A new or improved manufacture of Eucalyptus products, prepared and packed in suitable parcels in the manner and for the purpose herein described.
This 5th day of October 1891.
FAIRFAX & WETTER
Per E.C.B.
Posted by pfa at August 16, 2009 09:10 PM