A description of a process, by which corn tainted with must may be completely purified. By Charles Hatchett, Esq. F. R. S. In a letter addressed to the Right Honourable Sir Joseph Banks, Bart. G. C. B. P. R. S. & c. &c. Read December 5, 1816. [Phil. Trans. 1817, p. 36.]
The great loss formerly experienced by the mustiness of imported grain, led the author, some years ago, to the means now described of removing the taint, and which he conceives may be advantageously applied to the large quantities of corn which were unavoidably housed in a damp state, in consequence of the unpropitious weather, during the late harvest. The author considers the mustiness to be confined principally to the exterior amylaceous part of the grain, and the process proposed consists in pouring upon the tainted grain thrice its quantity of boiling water. When cold, the water and floating grains are to be poured off; the corn is to be washed with cold water, drained, and carefully kiln-dried. It will be found perfectly sweet, and the loss of weight is inconsiderable. The advantages of this process are its simplicity and cheapness; and although the author has hitherto only applied it to wheat, there can, he observes, be little doubt that oats and other grain may be deprived of must with equal success.