"Arteries of Civilization," a one-hour presentation on plumbing history that was aired Sept. 2 on the History Channel's "Modern Marvels" series, is available on videotape for $19.95. Call 800-708-1776.
The story was told in a technique made popular by Ken Burns' acclaimed "Civil War" series on PBS a few years ago. It features rapidly edited still images and film clips with background narration interspersed with interviews of prominent plumbing industry and academic spokespersons. PM Engineer editor Jim Olsztynski was among those interviewed on camera.
As former editor of PME's sibling publication for contractors, Plumbing & Mechanical, Jim presided over an annual series on plumbing history that spanned from 1986 to 1996. That series was used as prime source material for the History Channel program.
