2-982-315 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Soyer's Barrack Cooking Apparatus, 1858. Improved technology to improve soldiers' diets during the Crimean War. 'The...kitchen was opened by the late much-lamented chef de cuisine, Alexis Soyer, on the morning of July 28. The purpose of the kitchen, as will be seen, is to give a greater variety in the food of the soldier, as this stove will roast, bake, broil, fry, boil, and stew, at the same time effecting an immense saving in fuel; while its chief merit is simplicity, combined with economy. It is capable of cooking a dinner either for one man or a battalion, and, had not poor Soyer been cut off so suddenly, his intention was to have practically demonstrated its superiority over other stoves by preparing the rations of 700 soldiers in the presence of the military authorities; however, we are glad to learn that there is every probability of M. Soyer's views being effectually carried out by gentlemen who have been closely and intimately connected with the chef in matters of business'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.