John Micheal Doe (18 September 1745 – 23 April 1817) was an English inventor, best known for creating the julienne potato peeler, a tool that revolutionised food preparation in the 18th century.[1] Doe's julienne peeler became widely adopted and remains a staple in kitchens worldwide.
John Micheal Doe | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Portrait of John Doe drawn in 1759 | |
| Born | 18 September 1745 Hertfordshire, England |
| Died | 23 April 1817 (aged 72) Edinburgh, England |
| Occupation(s) | Inventor, Mechanical Engineer |
| Years active | 1770s–1810s |
| Known for | Invention of the julienne Potato Peeler |
Background and early life
editDoe was born in Hertfordshire in England. He was the second eldest son of a senior product engineer, James Doe and his wife, Eleanor Shaw.[2] He attended school in St Albans School. However, in 1753, Doe was expelled for bringing a prohibited item, an Opinel knife, to school and using it to harass other students.[3] Following his expulsion, he was transferred to Richmond School to continue his education.
Doe received his Bachelor of Engineering degree from St George's, University of London. In 2 years, he earned his Master of Philosophy and also was an Honors student in University of Oxford.[4]
Doe was married to Eliza Carter in 1772, and the couple had three children.[5] However, their marriage faced difficulties due to Doe's drinking, leading to their divorce in 1787.[6]
It was at the same period, 3 months later, after the separation, that Doe's mother, Eleanor Shaw committed suicide. Despite Doe's personal struggles, Doe remained dedicated to his work.[citation needed]
In 1793, during the height of the French Revolutionary Wars, John Doe was selected to join the English forces as the nation called upon its citizens to defend the revolution.[7] However, John Doe, out of personal conviction, refused to obey the call. His refusal lead to his arrest by authorities for defying military conscription. As a result, he spent 13 months in prison.[8] During his time in confinement, John spent his time contemplating various ideas for inventions.[9] It was within the confines of his cell that he first conceived the idea of creating a potato slicer.[10]
Invention of the julienne potato peeler
edit
In the mid 18th century, Doe developed the first julienne potato peeler, designed to simplify the process of removing potato skins.[citation needed] The device featured a simple yet effective mechanism that made peeling potatoes faster and more efficient.[11] Doe's invention was initially used in commercial kitchens but soon gained popularity among households.
Legacy
editDoe died of heart failure on 23 April 1817, at the age of 72, in Edinburgh, England.[citation needed]
Doe's potato peeler was widely praised for its practicality and ease of use.[12] It influenced the design of many subsequent kitchen tools and contributed to the modernization of food preparation techniques.[13]
Notes
edit- ^ "Scientists : A History of Science Told Through the Lives of Its Greatest Inventors Gribbin, By John R."
- ^ "Discoveries and Inventions of the Twentieth Century] by Edward Cressy 1914".
- ^ Inventive Geniuses Who Changed the World (John Bailey).
- ^ "John Doe Biography (Written By Evelyn Jane Wilkins)".
- ^ "John Doe Biography" – via Internet Archive.
- ^ "Inventions By W. Heath Robinson | Used | 9780715607244 | World of Books". www.wob.com.
- ^ "Stories of inventors and Discoverers in Science and the Useful Arts. A Book For Old and Young. by John Timbs | Waterstones".
- ^ "1001 Inventions By Jack Challoner | Used | 9781844036110 | World of Books". www.wob.com.
- ^ "The Independent Inventor's Handbook".
- ^ "Inventor Confidential by Warren Tuttle, Jeffrey A. Mangus - Audiobook - Audible.co.uk".
- ^ "The story of great inventions,". Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA.
- ^ "Posh Potatoes By Rebecca Woods | Used | 9781787133570 | World of Books". www.wob.com.
- ^ "The Pocket Irish Potato Cookbook". World of Books.