Sir John Harrington - Inventor of "The John"

Sir John Harrington - Inventor of "The John"

In American slang, one of the terms used for toilet is "the john." Although the phrase "the john" was first used in the United States, the origin of the term can be traced back to its roots in England.

Sir John Harrington - Inventor of "The John"

Sir John Harrington - Inventor of "The John"

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Sir John Harrington - Inventor of "The John"

Sir John Harrington - Inventor of "The John"

Sir John Harrington

Sir John Harrington was born in 1561 in Somerset, England. He was a member of Queen Elizabeth I's court and was even identified as the Queen's "saucy grandson." He was also a writer and because of his literary works, his relationship with the Queen and her successor shifts in different directions.

His most famous literary work is "A New Discourse of a Stale Subject, called the Metamorphosis of Ajax." And even though he has established himself as a writer, he is still most known for his invention of the first flushing toilet.

His Family Life

Sir John Harrington is the son of poet John Harrington and his second wife, Isabella Markham. Because his mother was a gentlewoman of the Queen's privy chamber, he became one of the childless Queen's 102 godchildren.

It has not been established if Sir John Harrington is related to John Harrington, the first Baron Harrington of Exton. It is assumed, though, that he also belong to the descendants of the Lord Harrington of Aldingham.

John became attracted to the life at the Queen's court. With his free spirit and his writing talent, he was able to get Queen Elizabeth I's attention.

His Works

His first popular work was his translation of "Orlando Furioso" by Ariosto. Because of the sharpness of his initial translation, the Queen asked him to leave and not to return until he finished his work. The Queen did not expect him to comply because it was a difficult work. However, in 1591, he came back and was praised for the full translation of the poem.

Before he wrote his most popular work, "A New Discourse upon a Stale Subject: The Metamorphosis of Ajax," he invented the first flushing toilet in Britain. It was called "ajax" coming from the old English slang for toilet "a jakes." When he wrote the book, "A New Discourse upon a Stale Subject: The Metamorphosis of Ajax," he was referring to his invention. However, this work have political allusions which caused him to lose the favor of the Queen.

His Life as a Member of the Court

After the Queen's death, he spent time in prison because of his cousins debts. Later, King James I appreciated his loyalty and brought him back to his court as a Knight of the Bath.

It is interesting to find out how the toilet got its name. By knowing the roots of a word, students learn to appreciate the value of the invention and the richness of the language.

Sir John Harrington - Inventor of "The John"

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Renovating Small Bathrooms: 12 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Look Bigger

Wish your small bathroom was large and luxurious? Renovating a small bathroom may be easier than you think. These tips will make your old bathroom look new and, best of all, bigger.

Renovating Small Bathrooms: 12 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Look Bigger

Renovating Small Bathrooms: 12 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Look Bigger

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Renovating Small Bathrooms: 12 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Look Bigger

Renovating Small Bathrooms: 12 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Look Bigger

1. KEEP THE FOOTPRINT You save big bucks when you keep the existing walls and tub. That does not mean you settle for less. ReMove the old tub and replace it with an oval insert or acrylic shower unit.

2. PAINT. Painting a bathroom is the cheapest update. Choose a pale color to reflect Light. According to REPAIR-HOME.COM "the best color is definitely off-white." However, pale blues, greens, and tans are also good color choices.

3. WHITE OUT WOODWORK. The Better Homes and Gardens Web site says painting woodwork the same color as the walls will make your woodwork "disappear." This monochromatic design approach will also unify your bathroom.

4. CLEAR THE WAY. De-clutter the space and get rid of frosted shower doors. Then, "the eye will see all the way to the back of the shower wall and the room will feel a lot bigger than it is," notes http://www.homefocused.com.

5. GET TECHNICAL. In the last few years solid surface technology has improved greatly. New
acrylic surfaces allow you to buff away scratches and sand away stains. Some acrylics are mold-proof, a big plus for small bathrooms.

6. BUILD UP. Bathroom designers tell clients to look upwards for extra space. Install extra shelves on top of a cabinet if possible, or a long shelf along one wall. Adding crown molding will draw the eyes upwards and create the illusion of space.

7. DOWNSIZE. Manufacturers are producing smaller tubs, showers, vanities, and Lights in response to market demands. These items are small in size and big in style.

8. CHANGE MIRRORS. The Home Focused Web site says "two mirrors placed opposite each other can give the illusion of never-ending space!" Framed mirrors are the trend today. If you can't reMove an existing mirror glue a frame around it. You may also hang a long mirror in the bathroom.

9. RE-TILE THE FLOOR. Surprisingly, large floor tiles make a small bathroom look bigger. Choose a textured tile to prevent slipping. Cover the skirt of the bathtub with a smaller version of the floor tile. Lay down an area rug if replacing tile is too costly.

10. USE EVERY INCH. Stick robe hooks and a laundry bag on the back of the bathroom door. Removing cabinet doors also creates the illusion of more space, according to http://www.decoratingyoursmallspace.com.

11. ADD ELEGANCE. One elegant touch -- glass tiles on the vanity, decorative tiles around the tub, a live fern on a stand -- will make the whole bathroom feel elegant. You deserve this elegance.

12. THINK RE-SALE. You never know when you have to Move, so think resale as you make your design decisions. Simple lines and neutral colors will appeal to future buyers.

Copyright 2007 by Harriet Hodgson

Renovating Small Bathrooms: 12 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Look Bigger

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American Standard Soaking Tubs Really Do Set the Standard

When homeowners are considering a new tub, American Standard soaking tubs are at the top of the list. They've been there since1875. That was the year that the Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company was born. Over the years, Standard Sanitary absorbed several smaller plumbing parts manufacturers. Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Co. invented many of the bathroom fixtures that we take for granted today. They include built-in tubs, combination faucets (the type of faucets that mix hot and cold water together), and corrosion proof chrome finishes for brass fittings. In 1929 Standard Sanitary merged with American Radiator company to become the American Radiator and Standard Sanitary Corp. This made them the worlds largest manufacturer of bathroom fixtures. In 1967 the name was changed to what we know today, American Standard.

American Standard Soaking Tubs Really Do Set the Standard

American Standard Soaking Tubs Really Do Set the Standard

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American Standard Soaking Tubs Really Do Set the Standard

American Standard Soaking Tubs Really Do Set the Standard

American Standard makes two models of tubs that are specifically called soaking tubs. One is the Reminiscence Slipper Soaking Tub. It's a claw foot single slipper back model that's made out of acrylic. It features a molded in headrest, arm rest and slip resistant bottom. While not as deep as some of the Asian models on the market today, it has a 34 gallons to overflow capacity with a depth of 14" to overflow. It's a very classic looking free standing tub.

The other designated soaker that American Standard makes is the Green Tea Bathing Pool. This model is a little more reminiscent of an Asian tub. It's made of acrylic backed with fiberglass and comes in both 5' and 6' models. Built into both models are neck rests and arm supports. This bathing pool is one of the bigger models that American Standard makes with a capacity of 79 gallons and 14" to overflow. The floor support where you put this model is a real consideration since the tubs weight with water is 744 lbs.

The final deep soaker in the lineup is the Evolution Bathing Pool. This is a rectangular fiberglass reinforced acrylic tub with built-in neck and headrests. This is the deepest tub in the lineup 18.5" and 54 gallons to overflow. This tub, like the Green Tea Bathing Pool, can be ordered as a therapeutic tub with jets.

While American Standard has a solid reputation overall, there have been problems reported. The primary complaints are that they're easy to chip, and that rust spots frequently occur around the drain. While these problems certainly don't surface with every tub, they are something to take into consideration.

American Standard soaking tubs are worth a close look when you're considering a new tub.

American Standard Soaking Tubs Really Do Set the Standard

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