Today in 1881, US Patent 244695 A was issued, an invention of James Walkek, for his “Process of Purification of Hops for Brewing Purposes.” There’s no Abstract, although in the description it includes this summary:

The mode or process of purifying hops for brewing purposes — to wit — by steeping the hops in water at or approximating a temperature of 100 Fahrenheit until the supernatant liquor ceases to be turbid, then drawing off the Water, and finally removing the thus purified hops direct to the brew-kettle, substantially as set forth.