Doc Recap: Minister of Interior of France to Nicolas Appert

In 1810, the Minister of Interior of the Napoleonic regime, Jean-Pierre, Count of Montalivet wrote a letter to Nicolas Appert, a famous confectioner turned preserver of meat, fruits and vegetables. 

Napoleon Bonaparte

Paris, January 30, 1810

Second Division

Bureau of Arts and Manufactures.

The Consulting Buereau of  Arts and Manufactures, had rendered an account to me, Sir, of the examination that it has made of your processes for the preservation of fruits, vegetables, meats, broths, milk, etc.; after this report one cannot doubt the reality of these processes. As the preservation of animal and vegetable substances can be of the greatest usefulness in sea voyages, in hospitals, and in domestic economy, I have felt that your discovery merited a special testimonial of the good-will of the Government. I have, in consequence, welcomed the proposition that has been made to me by the consulting bureau  of according to you a reward of 12,000 francs. In making this decision, I have had in view, at first, of awarding to you the recompense due to those who are originators of useful processes; afterwards to indemnify you for the expenses that you have obliged to make to establish your workrooms, to devote yourself to the necessary experiments to verify the results of your methods. You shall immediately inform the chief of the division of accounts of my department the day when you desire to present yourself at the public treasury to receive the 12,000 francs that I have accorded to you.

It has appeared to me, Sir, that it is important to spread the knowledge of your processes for the preservation of animal and vegetable substances. I desire, therefore, conformably to the proposal that you have made, that you write an exact and detailed description of these processes, that you deliver this description to the Consulting Bureau of Arts and Manufactures to be printed at your expense. After that it will be examined and reviewed. You are then to send 200 copies to me. The delivery of these copies being the only condition that I place on the payment of the 12,000 francs that you have been granted. I doubt not but that you will comply with this readily. I desire, Sir, that, you acknowledge the receipt of my letter.

Accept the assurance of my distinguished sentiments.

(Signed)

Montalivet

Source:

Appert, N. trans. by K.G. Bitting. The Book for all Households; or, The Art of Preserving Animal and Vegetable Substances for Many Years. Chicago, Illinois: n.a., 1920.