On the Main Drainage of London, and the Interception of the Sewage from the River Thames
On the Main Drainage of London, and the Interception of the Sewage from the River Thames

Author: Sir Joseph William Bazalgette

Publisher: Theclassics.Us

Published: 2013-09

Total Pages: 18

ISBN-13: 9781230418971

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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...

The Great Stink of London
The Great Stink of London

Author: Stephen Halliday

Publisher: The History Press

Published: 2001-02-15

Total Pages: 359

ISBN-13: 0752493787

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'An extraordinary history' PETER ACKROYD, The Times 'A lively account of (Bazalgette's) magnificent achievements. . . graphically illustrated' HERMIONE HOBHOUSE 'Halliday is good on sanitary engineering and even better on cloaca, crud and putrefaction . . . (he) writes with the relish of one who savours his subject and has deeply researched it. . . splendidly illustrated' RUTH RENDELL In the sweltering summer of 1858, sewage generated by over two million Londoners was pouring into the Thames, producing a stink so offensive that it drove Members of Parliament from the chamber of the House of Commons. The Times called the crisis 'The Great Stink'. Parliament had to act – drastic measures were required to clean the Thames and to improve London's primitive system of sanitation. The great engineer entrusted with this enormous task was Sir Joseph Bazalgette, who rose to the challenge and built the system of intercepting sewers, pumping stations and treatment works that serves London to this day. In the process, he cleansed the Thames and helped banish cholera. The Great Stink of London offers a vivid insight into Bazalgette's achievements and the era in which he worked and lived, including his heroic battles with politicians and bureaucrats that would transform the face and health of the world's then largest city.