Danchell-type water testing kit, England, 1867-1904

Danchell patent water testing apparatus, in case, made by London and General Water Purifying Co., English, 1867-1904

Frederick Danchell introduced his water testing kit in the 1860s to test for organic matter and chemical pollutants. Although John Snow (1813-58) believed from 1849 onwards that cholera was a water-borne disease, he did not have the support of the medical profession. They preferred an explanation of multiple causes, such as bad diet combined with poor ventilation,, living conditions and hygiene. The kit was made by the London and General Water Purifying Co Ltd.