Chemical Formulations: Solid Liquids

Chemical formulations.

‘Solid liquids’.

Mr. Reginald Lockwood, a budding British Inventor, has created an item that will be of Great Utility to All Travellers from mere walkers to Exploratory Expeditions.

The first ‘Solid Liquid’ to be produced commercially will be Solid or Condensed Beer.  In Lockwood’s process, the best of beers has its alcohol content removed by gentle distillation in a vacuum column. The remaining liquid is then concentrated into a solid using a vacuum pan. At this point, the alcoholic portion is returned to the beer and acts as a preservative. The finished product is then packaged in hermetically sealed jars, much like those used for potted meats. To reconstitute the solid liquid, you just add the listed quantity of water. If effervescence is required, carbonated water can be added instead to provide a foaming tankard of beer.

Mr. Lockwood plans to manufacture a range of such drinks including beer, coffee, hot chocolate, lemonade, wine and even champagne!  We are sure that these lightweight essentials will add to tinned Australian mutton and bottled peas to give a Fine Repast to any Far-flung Traveller!

Host’s Notes:                                                                                                                                  This item was inspired by a short article in the 1875 edition of Cassell’s Magazine. This is, more or less, the way that instant coffee and soups are made today by vacuum freeze-drying.