Some crossword puzzle clues are more than just a test of vocabulary; they’re an invitation to a history lesson, a peek into the ingenuity that shaped our world. Today’s deep dive comes from a fascinating entry that often leaves solvers pondering: “___ can, item first made and patented in Britain in 1810.” This isn’t just any old crossword clue; it’s a window into a pivotal moment in food technology and human survival.
When you encounter a crossword clue like this, with such precise historical markers – a specific year, a country, and a description of an everyday object – it immediately signals something significant. The very notion of a “can” might seem utterly commonplace to us now, something we hardly give a second thought to as we open our pantry doors. Yet, as a challenging crossword clue reveals, in the early 19th century, its invention was nothing short of revolutionary.
Before 1810, preserving food for extended periods was a constant battle against spoilage. Salting, smoking, pickling, and drying were the primary methods, each with its limitations in terms of taste, nutritional value, and practicality for long journeys or large-scale provisioning. As armies grew, navies sailed further across oceans, and urban populations swelled, the desperate need for reliable, portable, and non-perishable food sources became critical. Scurvy and starvation were ever-present threats on long voyages and military campaigns.
Enter the British innovators of 1810. While the broader concept of sealing food in airtight containers to prevent decay had been explored by others, most famously by Nicolas Appert in France using glass bottles, the specific innovation referred to in this historical crossword clue involved a different material altogether. In that pivotal year, Peter Durand received a patent in Britain for preserving food in “vessels of tin.” This theoretical patent was swiftly followed by the practical application and manufacturing efforts of Bryan Donkin and John Hall. They established the very first commercial preserving factory in Bermondsey, London, focusing on sealed containers made of robust wrought iron, meticulously coated with a thin layer of tin – hence the common name we still use for these ubiquitous items.
Imagine the early versions of this pioneering item. They were far from the lightweight, easily opened containers we know today. These initial iterations were exceptionally robust, often made of thick sheet metal, laboriously soldered by hand, and requiring considerable effort – sometimes a hammer and chisel – to access their contents. Inside, they held vital provisions for the British Army and Navy: preserved meats, vegetables, and even hearty soups. The ability to supply troops and sailors with nutritious food that wouldn’t spoil on long campaigns or voyages was a monumental game-changer, directly impacting military logistics, naval exploration, and the very health of service personnel. Expeditions to the Arctic, for instance, began to rely heavily on these early provisions, allowing explorers to venture further and survive longer in incredibly harsh conditions.
This ingenious invention transformed how food was stored, transported, and consumed across the globe. It democratized access to foods previously out of season or geographically inaccessible. While initially expensive and cumbersome, the technology gradually improved, becoming more affordable and user-friendly over decades. From its crucial military origins, it slowly but surely found its way into civilian kitchens, laying the foundational groundwork for the vast modern food industry we know today.
So, the next time you encounter a crossword clue that seems to combine a mundane object with a precise historical date, remember that there’s often a rich tapestry of human innovation and necessity behind it. This particular “can” isn’t just a container; it’s a testament to a pivotal moment in history, born out of immense necessity and remarkable ingenuity, forever changing how we eat and store food. It truly embodies the spirit of challenging crossword puzzles that make us think beyond the obvious.
Available Answers:
TIN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0821-25 NY Times Crossword 21 Aug 25, Thursday