Toilet chair: from creation to today

A chair with a slot over a pot of round shape was not always designed to care for the sick. In fact, it looked like an ordinary toilet before the era of our era. Scientists have found similar toilet-stools on excavations, conducting research in the tomb in Ur. It is believed that such a toilet was distributed in ancient Egypt as early as 2100 BC. A wooden portable toilet with a clay pot from the bottom was also found.

The modern toilet, which we now know, was invented by Thomas Krepper - an Englishman who, in the 19th century, issued nine patents for a wide range of plumbing fixtures, including a wheelchair. Here you can also include the "U-knee with a water stopper". However, this information was contested in the archaeological excavations that were conducted in the Chinese province of Hunan. In fact, the round cup belongs to the people of China and it was invented already in the 50th years BC.

However, after the fall of Rome, knowledge of centralized sewerage has sunk along with the republic. And at the same time, the rule of using the toilet in specially designated places has disappeared. Instead of toilet bowls people used all kinds of pots. Of course, it was rather inconvenient to use them. However, despite the inconvenience, the reason, which served to forget pots and remember hygiene, was by no means a desire for more civilized use of the bathroom. The fact is that in the 14th century Europe was struck by the plague. It was then that people began to wash their hands regularly with water and vinegar. And already in the 16th century in each house there was to be a toilet chest of drawers. On top of it was placed a container with water, and under it - dishes for washing hands. By the way, the English word "commode" occurred exactly in this period of time, and it meant "toilet chair".

To date, modern museums store some samples of all kinds of toilets of the 18th century. It is impossible not to note their original decor, because the European nobility especially thoroughly approached the design of its toilet. The most luxurious toilet seat belonged to Ludwig II, who simply adored sitting on it even during business receptions of people. And the courtiers then used toilets of a more simplified type. Today, these toilets are amazing with their beauty and elegance in our museums: the chair was made of mahogany, with carved backs and armrests.

The centralized sewerage and toilets with toilet bowls replaced the armchair-toilet only in the 20th century.

The first person who formally issued a patent for the manufacture of toilets for the disabled was Alfred Kastanien. This event happened in 1935. In this patent, he described a toilet armchair for the disabled as an adaptation with a wooden pedestal on the legs, in which a toilet slot is present. At the same time, the metal demountable vessel was of a traditional shape and was used as a sanitary device. Such toilets even now play an important role. After all, they are simply irreplaceable for people with disabilities.