From Adam Hart-Davis
The review of David Bellamy’s book on poo perpetrates the myth that Thomas
Crapper invented the flushing cistern
(25 July, p 60).
Crapper (1836-1910) was a Victorian plumber. His company, Thomas Crapper
& Co, did make flushing toilets and he did lodge a number of patents, but he
did not invent anything important. Flushing cisterns had been around for
hundreds of years before he set up his business in Chelsea in 1861.
ahd@dial.pipex.com
