Curiosities of Science, Past and Present / A Book for Old and Young

by John Timbs

ELECTRICITY IN BREWING.

Mr. Black, a practical writer upon Brewing, has found that by the practice of imbedding the fermentation-vats in the earth, and connecting them by means of metallic pipes, an electrical current passes through the beer and causes it to turn sour. As a preventive, he proposed to place the vats upon wooden blocks, or on any other non-conductors, so that they may be insulated. It has likewise been ascertained that several brewers who had brewed excellent ale on the south side of the street, on removing to the north have failed to produce good ale.