Origins & Early Life

Nicolas Appert (17 November 1749 – 1 June 1841) was a French confectioner and inventor who, in the early 19th century, invented airtight food preservation. Appert, known as the "father of food science", described his invention as a way "of conserving all kinds of food substances in containers". Appert was born in Châlons-en-Champagne, the ninth of eleven children. His family ran an inn in the town and he worked in the family business until the age of twenty, when he opened a brewery with one of his brothers.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He then served as head chef to Christian IV, Count Palatine of Zweibrücken for thirteen years. Appert was a confectioner and chef in Paris from 1784 to 1795. During this period, he married Elisabeth Benoist and the couple had four children. Appert was active during the French Revolution and took part in the execution of King Louis XVI. However, he fell under suspicion during the subsequent Reign of Terror and was arrested in April 1794, but he was able to avoid being executed himself.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1795, he began experimenting with ways to preserve foodstuffs, succeeding with soups, vegetables, juices, dairy products, jellies, jams, and syrups. He placed the food in glass...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alexander Radishchev — Contemporary (Born in 1749) (1749): Pioneering Russian social critic whose work exposed the harsh realities of Tsarist Russia.
• Domenico Cimarosa — Contemporary (Born in 1749) (1749): Master of the Neapolitan School, renowned for his comic operas.
• Edward Jenner — Contemporary (Born in 1749) (1749): Pioneering physician credited with developing the world's first vaccine against smallpox.
• Antonín Dvořák — Contemporary (Born in 1841) (1841): Master Czech composer blending folk rhythms with grand symphonic tradition.
• Berthe Morisot — Contemporary (Born in 1841) (1841): Pioneering French painter and key figure among the Impressionists.
• Georges Clemenceau — Contemporary (Born in 1841) (1841): Influential French statesman, Prime Minister, and fierce advocate for national victory.
• Abba Eban — Shared historical date (11-17 · Died) (2002): Israeli diplomat, politician, and scholar of Arabic and Hebrew languages.
• Auguste Rodin — Shared historical date (11-17 · Died) (1917): Founder of modern sculpture, celebrated for naturalism and emotional depth.
• Alanis Morissette — Shared historical date (06-01 · Born) (1974): Iconic singer-songwriter known for raw emotion and confessional alt-rock anthems.
• Brandi Carlile — Shared historical date (06-01 · Born) (1981): Acclaimed American singer-songwriter known for folk rock and Americana artistry.
• 1749 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1749
• November 17 (11-17) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 17
• 1841 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1841
• June 1 (06-01) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 1