Originally posted by sonhouseSeems that the design and improvement of flushable toilets over the centuries since "1596" must represent some kind of arcane science or maybe even an unrecognized commercial art form worthy of an interesting keynote address at the next international plumbers convention. lol
The original flushable toilet was invented in 1596, believe it or not! John Harrington invented it back then, but it took 7.5 gallons per flush....
Alexander Cumming invented the S shaped pipe we use now which keeps sewer gas from getting into the bathroom.
Thomas Crapper put it together, improved the flush plumbing and such:
http://www.history.com/n ...[text shortened]... pper' was used. Crapper was the brand name and it got that name because there were so many produced.