List Verse: 10 Overlooked Inventors of the Gilded Age: Thomas Elkins – The Modern Toilet and Improved Refrigeration

 

Thomas Elkins – The Modern Toilet and Improved Refrigeration




Thomas Elkins’ Gilded Age patents included improvements to the basic refrigeration units at the time and improvements to commodes that eventually formed the basis of modern bathroom fixtures. Taken on their own, they were impressive upgrades to objects that were rapidly becoming increasingly important parts of everyday life.

However, Elkin’s broader contributions are arguably more important than his specific inventions. As a surgeon, dentist, and pharmacist, Elkins focused on engineering improvements that enhanced daily hygiene and food safety. Those areas were often tragically underserved then, and Elkins helped pave the way for a better and safer future.


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