John Micheal Doe
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 |
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.
Background and early life
[edit]Doe 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
[edit]Doe 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.