1. Introduction : the river pollution dilemma
2. Victorian Britain I : public health and local government
3. Victorian Britain II : river pollution and sanitary engineering
4. Nuisance law and nuisance economics
5. Birmingham, Adderley and the River Tame
6. Delays and contingencies : Leeds and Barnsley
7. The threat of sequestration : Leamington Spa and Tunbridge Wells
8. Negotiation and settlement : Harrogate and the St. Helens Canal
9. The tactic of diversion : Northampton and the Brinsop Hall Coal Company
10. Protection by statutory legislation : Wolverhampton
11. Conclusions.