Wow, what a fascinating passage! I find it interesting on several points, the insight that it gives to spa "culture" and what taking the waters entailed. As well as the contrast of our modern secrecy when it comes to bodily functions as compared to letting it all hang out, as it were, in this passage. I don't know if perhaps the spa was likened in a way to the sick room so special rules as to privacy applied but in any case it is a very interesting quote.