John Matthews (soda water manufacturer)

John Matthews (1808–1870) was an English-born American inventor and soda water manufacturer.

Matthews manufactured carbonating machinery and distributed his product through retail stores.

The tank was rocked for a quarter to a half hour, until the water was impregnated and bubbly.

Matthews created a fountain apparatus that could be positioned on a pharmacist's counter to dispense carbonated drinks, leading to its popularization and rapid growth.

[1] When it rains, excess water drains from the gargoyles' mouths.