marcellus gilmore edson (february 7, 1849 – march 6, 1940) was a canadian chemist (pharmacist) of montreal, born in bedford (québec), who patented peanut butter in 1884. his cooled product had "a consistency like that of butter, lard, or ointment", according to his patent application. he included the mixing of sugar into the paste to harden its consistency.