The glass can and other jar etymology

[Fat Guy]

Two questions to get this started:

A can is metal, right? So how come when you put up preserves in a Mason jar they call it canning?

And, is Mason a brand or a generic name?

[srhcb]

see next post

SB (oops!)

Edited March 17, 2007 by srhcb (log)

[srhcb]

A can is metal, right? So how come when you put up preserves in a Mason jar they call it canning?

Gleaned mostly from Wikipedia sources:

"Canning" food for preservation in glass jars was around before metal cannisters were developed.

Food preserved in cans is properly called "Tinned", a term not used much any more.

And, is Mason a brand or a generic name?

←

John Mason developed the glass canning jar, but apparently didn't avail himself of a good intellectual property attorney. "mason jar" appears to have become a generic term.

"Ball", on the other hand, is trademarked.

SB (knows the value of a good IP attorney )

[JasonTrue]

good point... it's a glass canister, right?

Edited March 17, 2007 by JasonTrue (log)