Siphon: Simple and brilliant
Date
On May 3, 1775, the Scottish clockmaker Alexander Cumming registered patent number 814 for the siphon, a milestone for the water closet. This invention revolutionized hygiene and laid the foundation for modern sanitary systems. Before Cumming’s innovation, wastewater disposal in many European cities was rudimentary – also in Versailles, where human waste was often disposed of directly in the palace park1.
Cumming developed an S-shaped pipe construction that prevented unpleasant odors and formed the basis for today’s toilet systems. This technical improvement was not only a step forward in terms of comfort, but also a significant step for public health. The British quickly recognized the benefits and spread the water closet in their cities1.
Today, Alexander Cumming’s invention is a natural part of everyday life. His patent marked the beginning of a new era in sanitary facilities and continues to influence architecture and urban planning worldwide. A true milestone in the art of engineering!
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Photo: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geruchsverschluss#/media/Datei:Siphon_(fcm).jpg
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