Toilet

A toilet is a plumbing fixture and a disposal system primarily intended for the disposal of bodily wastes such as urine and feces. In addition to this primary purpose, it is frequently used to dispose of other bodily wastes such as menses, semen, and vomit, small items such as cigarette ash, cockroaches, dead fishes and other small pets, and in a pinch, contraband.

History

Toilets appeared early in history. In the year 2500 BCE, the people of Harappa in India had water borne toilets in each house that were linked with drains covered with burnt clay bricks. There were also toilets in ancient Egypt and China. In Roman civilization, toilets were sometimes part of public bath houses where men and women were together in mixed company.

Related Topics:
2500 BCE - Harappa - India - Egypt - China - Roman - Bath house

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The invention of the flush toilet is credited to Sir John Harington in 1596, though it took improvements in the Victorian era (likely spearheaded by Alexander Cummings rather than Thomas Crapper as is commonly stated) for flushing toilets to become widely used. Before and during this transitional period (which extended well into the 20th century in some regions), many people used outdoor outhouses instead, particularly in rural areas.

Related Topics:
John Harington - 1596 - Victorian era - Alexander Cummings - Thomas Crapper - 20th century - Outhouse

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