“A new abattoir is being created at the foot of East 106th Road, New York. It is supposed to supersede the current slaughter residences, which result in a good deal of sickness and mortality in sizzling weather conditions amongst individuals who stay in proximity. The wooden building is created facing the river, on piles pushed into the floor under high-h2o mark. It has a platform on the river facet with gutters and gratings to carry off refuse to under the reduced h2o mark. The blood from slaughter will be applied for fertilizing uses, the fats melted and bought, and all other make a difference drained off.”

Scientific American, August 1866

More gems from Scientific American’s initially 175 years can be located on our shiny anniversary site.