Happy(?) Broad Street Pump Handle Removal Day!

[wolffyluna]

Today is the 169th anniversary of the removal of the Broad Street Pump handle.

In September of 1854, a cholera outbreak in London occurred, killing 616 people. Pioneering epidemiologist and anaesthisiologist worked to prove that the outbreak was caused by contaminated water and not miasma/"bad air." He was able to trace the source of infection to the Broad Street well, and while the local parish authorities were doubtful, he managed to convince them to remove the handle from the pump, preventing people from drawing water from it.

On this day, pour out a non-alcoholic one for teetotaller John Snow, consider what models you believe in that may be flawed, thank a plumber, and if you can, give money to charity help more people have access to clean water. (I am partial to Dispenser For Safe Water.)

Comments

[lb_lee]

I love that you made this post, even though I am very late to see it! Here's to disease prevention!

[wolffyluna]

Here's to disease prevention!