11 Facts About Alexander Cumming

Alexander Cumming FRSE was a Scottish watchmaker and instrument inventor, who was the first to patent a design of the flush toilet in 1775, which had been pioneered by Sir John Harington, but without solving the problem of foul smells.

Alexander Cumming was a mathematician and mechanic as well as a watchmaker.

Alexander Cumming was born in Edinburgh in 1733, the son of James Cumming of Duthil.

Alexander Cumming is recorded as having been apprenticed to an Edinburgh watchmaker.

Alexander Cumming made a barometrical clock for King George III, who paid him an annual retainer for its maintenance.

Alexander Cumming wrote books about watch and clock work, about the effect on roads of carriage wheels with rims of various shapes, and on the influence of gravity.

Alexander Cumming linked the water inlet valve to the flush mechanism to allow the pan to be emptied and refilled by pulling a single handle.

Alexander Cumming had a house in the district and an organ shop.

In 1788 Alexander Cumming is recorded as a watch and clock-maker on Bond Street in London, responsible for the design and manufacture of a church organ for the Church of the Holy Trinity in Christchurch, Cambridgeshire, having earlier created a "self-acting mechanism" already used for an organ for the Earl of Bute in 1787.

Alexander Cumming died on 8 March 1814, in Pentonville, England.

Alexander Cumming was buried in the graveyard of St James' Chapel, Pentonville, in what is Joseph Grimaldi Park, where the famous clown was buried.