Bad Drains; and How to Test Them: With notes on the ventilation of sewers, drains, and sanitary fittings, and the origin and transmission of zymotic disease

“Bad Drains; and How to Test Them” by R. Harris Reeves is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The book addresses the serious public health issues stemming from poorly constructed drains and sanitary systems, detailing methods for testing their efficacy and flaws. It emphasizes the impact of these defects on the transmission of diseases and outlines the importance of proper engineering practices in maintaining sanitary conditions. At the start of the book, the author discusses the motivations behind the publication, highlighting the urgent need for improvement in sanitary engineering following widespread health-related issues attributed to drainage failures. He critiques past practices by engineers and builders that have endangered public health, asserting a need for a systematic approach to identify and rectify defects in drainage systems. Reeves introduces his innovative methods for testing the integrity of drains without extensive excavation, setting the stage for detailed discussions on sanitation practices and their implications for disease prevention as the book progresses.