Pan closet design circa 1881. "A copper pot of one or two quart's capacity is hung under the bowl, on a pivot, so that when level and full of water, this water stands two or three inches deep in the bowl, and forms there a second trap..."

Source: Edward S. Philbrick, "Lecture XI: Apparatus Used for House Drainage," American Sanitary Engineering (New York: The Sanitary Engineer, 1881), p. 117.

Early vent tube design for a toilet, circa 1881. A flat galvanized-iron annular tube was placed under the seat, with slots around the inner edge, to vent to the kitchen chimney.

Source: Edward S. Philbrick, "Lecture XI: Apparatus Used for House Drainage," American Sanitary Engineering (New York: The Sanitary Engineer, 1881), p. 119.

Designs of midden closets, circa 1884 in England.

Samuel M. Gray, Proposed Plan for a Sewerage System, and for the Disposal of the Sewage of the City of Providence (Providence: Providence Press Company, Printers to the City, 1884), Plate 1, opposite page 14.

Excrement pail, circa 1884 in England.

Samuel M. Gray, Proposed Plan for a Sewerage System, and for the Disposal of the Sewage of the City of Providence (Providence: Providence Press Company, Printers to the City, 1884), Plate 2, opposite page 16.

Pail closet and dry ash closet, circa 1884.

Samuel M. Gray, Proposed Plan for a Sewerage System, and for the Disposal of the Sewage of the City of Providence (Providence: Providence Press Company, Printers to the City, 1884), Plate 3, opposite page 16.

Night soil van, circa 1884.

Samuel M. Gray, Proposed Plan for a Sewerage System, and for the Disposal of the Sewage of the City of Providence (Providence: Providence Press Company, Printers to the City, 1884), Plate 4, opposite page 16.

Source: Cyrenus Wheeler, Jr. (Mayor of Auburn, New York), “Sewers: Ancient and Modern; with an Appendix,” a paper read before the Cayuga County Historical Society on December 14, 1886. From the Collections of the Cayuga County Historical Society, 5 (1887).

Source: Colonel E. C. S. Moore, Sanitary Engineering, Volume I, 3rd Edition revised by E. J. Silcock (Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Company, 1909), pp. 8, 9.

Source: Colonel E. C. S. Moore, Sanitary Engineering, Volume I, 3rd Edition revised by E. J. Silcock (Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Company, 1909), p. 10.