Mohenjo-daro and Harappa

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It is funny how we human beings never take a second to think about or appreciate the history and aspects of items that we use on a daily basis. An example of such items is a toilet. A toilet is a sanitation structure or system used for the disposal of feces and human urine. Toilets are usually found in a small room known as the lavatory, washroom, or toilet. Modern toilets, especially those in urban areas, comprise of a seat hinged on a bowl connected to an exhaust pipe via which the feces and urine are disposed off (CBC 1). This paper discusses various interesting facts about toilets such as history on invention and technological advancement in toilet making as well as the impact that toilets have had on the society. In addition, it sheds light on the inventions that made it possible to invent toilets.

Ancient civilizations such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa built toilets which were connected to a simple sewage system with flowing water. John Harington was credited for designing the contemporary flush toilet in 1596, but the system became broadly used in the 19th century with Thomas Crapper being recognized among the first creators of the toilet. Unlike what some people tend to believe, Sir Thomas Crapper did not invent the toilet but contributed to design of the flush toilet. Even before the invention of flush toilets, sewers and toilets had been used in several regions of the world. The Mohenjo-Daros were seen to have the most efficient toilets that were built into the outer walls of their homes. The lavatories were created from bricks and wooden seats were placed on top. The first flushing water lavatories were documented over 2800 years ago and used by King Minos. People commonly used chambered bowls during the middle age peri...

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...d as witnessed in Sierra Leone and Guinea. People in the modern world ought to be thankful to the likes of Sir Thomas Crapper and John Harington for inventing such a crucial item to our lives. The two do not get much credit but wherever they are, they should know that they did an excellent job. The brains behind the discovery of toilet papers, ceramics and water recycling systems also did a great job. These discoveries were instrumental in giving us the modern toilets.

Works cited

Blankenbaker, E. Keith. Modern plumbing. Tinley Park, Ill.: Goodheart-Willcox Co., 2010. Print.

CBC. "Latest in toilet technology on display in India." 2014. Web. 15 Apr 2014. .

Horan, Julie L.. The porcelain god: a social history of the toilet. Secaucus, N.J.: Carol Pub. Group, 1996. Print.

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