on this date in 1861

On this date in 1861 plumber Thomas Crapper perfected his version of the flushable toilet. I say perfected because, while he is given credit for inventing the flushing toilet which is is often affectionately called by his name, he did not invent it. The flushable toilet was actually invented by John Harrington in 1596, which is maybe why it is called the john sometimes. Crapper did make several improvements in the original design by adding the water tank perched high above the seat and the floaty thing called the ballcock which helps the tank refill with water (cool hunh?)
The toilet then went through several changes, notice the fancy models on display here, but his basic design has changed very little otherwise. Here's to you Mr. Crapper for improving households all over the world!!!!