Alexander Cummings

Alexander Cummings was a Scottish-born American engineer and inventor who lived in the 18th century. He is best known for improving the design of the flushing toilet, creating the first practical siphon-based toilet in 1775. His innovation included a water trap that prevented foul odors from escaping—an important development for sanitation. Cummings’s work significantly influenced modern plumbing systems, making indoor toilets more functional, hygienic, and widely accessible. His contributions laid foundational principles for contemporary bathroom fixtures, highlighting the importance of effective waste removal in public health and lifestyle.