Abstract
The engineers responsible for invention and mechanization in agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation are prominent historical figures, but few people are aware of the men who pioneered the sanitation systems so crucial to urbanization. As cities grew, their initial approaches to waste disposal and water supply proved unacceptable. As early as 1798 Benjamin Latrobe noted in his journal that the fresh groundwater which located the site of Philadelphia was befouled by the city's increasing population concentration. In Latrobe's opinion, Philadelphia's existing water-supply strategy was a major source of disease. Even before he assumed the responsibility for the city's new waterworks, Latrobe was convinced of the project's utility: The great scheme of bringing the water of the Schuylkill to Philadelphia to supply the city is now become an object of immense importance, . . . though it is at present neglected from a failure of funds. The evil, however, which it is intended collaterally to correct is so serious and of such magnitude as to call loudly upon all who are inhabitants of Philadelphia for their utmost exertions to complete it.1
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