Subjects Engineering

The application of scientific principles to practical ends as the design, construction, and operation of efficient and economical structures, equipment, and systems; also the profession of or the work performed by an engineer. Good practices in the various subdivisions of this field, including civil, sanitary, and transportation engineering, are the foundation of any city's well-being and livability.

Centre Square Water Works, Frederick Graff, Sr. Plans, 1799

Mill Creek Sewer under construction. Several men standing beside a giant partially constructed sewer pipe.

Mill Creek Sewer under construction, 1883

Black-and-white image showing a factory, smokestacks and smoke, and streets

Dobson’s Mill, 1884, from History of Philadelphia by Scharf & Wescott

Preparation for War to Defend Commerce

The Water Works in Centre Square, Philadelphia

Map of Philadelphia showing Population in year 1920

Map of Philadelphia showing Population in year 1920

Map of the County of Philadelphia from Actual Survey, 1843

Color Diagram of Plan for the Collection, Purification and Disposal of the Sewage of the City of Philadelphia

30th Street Sewer

30th Street Sewer

Torresdale Conduit work gang, 1906

Torresdale Conduit work gang, 12/18/1906

Cumberland Street pipeline, 1907

Bureau of Water, Cumberland, west of 13th Street, pipe line, 1907

Oak Lane Reservoir pipeline, 1904

Oak Lane Reservoir pipeline, 1904