Author: Sir Joseph William Bazalgette

Publisher: Theclassics.Us

Published: 2013-09

Total Pages: 18

ISBN-13: 9781230418971

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1865 edition. Excerpt: ... No. 1,125.--" On the Main Drainage of London, and the Interception of the Sewage from the liiver Thames." By Joseph "william Bazalgette, M. Inst. C.E. The majority of the inhabitants of cities and towns are frequently unconscious of the magnitude, intricacy, and extent of the underground works, which have been designed and constructed at great cost, and are necessary for the maintenance of their health and comfort. It is, however, impossible for largeN numbers of the human species to congregate and live upon a limited space, without provision being made for the rapid removal of the refuse thereby produced. This necessity is perhaps most forcibly illustrated, by the fearful destruction of life from malaria, produced amongst troops suddenly encamped upon ground not previously so prepared for human habitation. The ravages of disease, thus engendered, became a subject of serious alarm amongst the allied troops in the Crimea; and there are many instances of the mortality in armies arising from this cause, having far exceeded the deaths from actual warfare. Various methods have been, and still are, adopted in different parts of the globe, for obviating the dangers which thus force themselves upon the attention of mankind. The Jews, it is known, kept a furnace called " Gehenna," or " Hell-fire," constantly burning in the Valley of Hinnom, into which the refuse of the city of Jerusalem was daily cast, as well as the dead bodies of crimimals; and even the most savage nations are unable entirely to neglect these considerations. The Chinese, sacrificing to a large extent the delicacy and comfort so highly prized by more civilized nations, but with a sound appreciation of the value of town refuse, apply it in the most direct and rude manner to the...