Note 163 — APPENDIX TO CHAPTER IV. PART I. THE NINE AQUEDUCTS IN THE TIME OF FRONTINUS.

The division of the surface water from the sewerage, in the question of the drainage of large towns, is meeting with much favour, as it appeals to reason that what is good for the purposes of manure, is destructive to the healthy condition of the river, while the surface water, which finds its proper place in the river, interferes with the proper distribution of sewage. In Rome, there is frequently a small specus or channel for pure water, contrived in the vault or upper part of the great cloacæ or drains for the refuse water. Could not the same plan be adopted in London with advantage? But while this is canvassed, it seems singular that we hear little of the division of the supply, which, on the same principle, should certainly be divided. There are several towns so situated, that a fair supply of pure water might be brought very acceptable for drinking, but not in sufficient quantities to be applicable to other offices. The words of Frontinus are very concise and pointed:—

“Marciam ut ipsam, splendore et frigore gratissimam, balneis ac fullonibus et relatu quoque fœdis ministeriis deprehenderimus servientem. Omnes ergo discerni placuit, tum singulas ita ordinari, ut in primis Marcia potui tota serviret, et deinceps reliquæ secundum suam quæque qualitatem aptis usibus assignarentur, sicut Anio Vetus pluribus ex causis, quo inferior excipitur minus salubris, in hortorum rigationem atque in ipsius urbis sordidiora exiret ministeria.” (Frontinus, c. 91, 92.)