by Colleen Ranney

Created on: January 29, 2009   Last Updated: October 15, 2011

J'apprcie le caf chaque matin
Dr Ernest Illy of France invented the first automatic espresso machine in the year 1822. That's a total of 187 years ago. Dr Ernest received a lifetime coffee achievement award from the specialty coffee industry, but before this the tales of coffee stretch as far pack as the 8th century.

But where did coffee begin?
A goat herder apparently out and about one day noticed his goats were dancing around a bush. The goat herder seen the goats were actually eating the berries off the bush and decided to try them himself.

In 1777 Just three years prior to the first percolator being invented Fredrick the Great bans coffee from all commoners. Today coffee is one of life's day to day things we have with very little question of its history. It's interesting to know how even seeds were secretly hidden and taken from Arabia and planted in the soils of India. Perhaps it took mankind a while to understand that people themselves are responsible for bad behaviors'.: Which makes sense why the Pope in 1594 blessed a cup of coffee and stated that they would not allow coffee to remain a property of Satan

But what about the coffee maker we now use, where did this come from and when?

The kitchen appliance first made its appearance in France in the 19th century was a drip brew and a new modern way of making coffee. These were known to brew a clear coffee and were quite popular up until the 20th century. Basically resembling one pot for brewing that rested on top another pot and drained the brewed drink.

On to the 1900's the coffee machine filter was patented by a housewife from Germany. She experimented different ways to drain coffee but still contain the grinds. She was successful in her endeavors and was a hit at a fair in Germany. Mellitta Bentz went from ordinary housewife to a stature in the business world opening with her husband The Melitta Bentz Company.

Coffee has been around for 100's of years but it is only in the last 100 years inventions have made it possible for us to make that cup of coffee with as little effort on our part as possible. No more standing over hot stoves with coffee in pan of hot water waiting for it to brew. Even more convenient ways are possible. I find it funny to know in 1940 advertisements of this new household appliance the coffee maker referred to it as being "the chemist's way of making coffee."

However you make your coffee I hope you enjoy each drop.

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