another quote, on spas and privies

[bunnyjadwiga]

From The Dirt on Clean by Katherine Ashenburg (North Point Press, 2007), p. 119.

Quick-acting Spa Water
"After drinking, you go for a walk in the countryside. Ladies of elegance walk leaning on the arms of their servants, or of their gallants; and as the water acts promptly, and causes abundant stools, it is a curious spectacle to see everyone firing off in full view, and even vying with each other; for there is no bush or tree to give cover." -- Thomas Platter, Balaruc, near Montpellier, 1595.

Comments

[iasmin.livejournal.com]

Well then. That's quite graphic now isn't it?

[amaebi.livejournal.com]

Wow.

You make my day-- did you know that?

[lucianus.livejournal.com]

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.

[dr-zrfq.livejournal.com]

Wow, I wonder what sort of laxative mineral salts were in that spring...

[lady-guenievre.livejournal.com]

::blink:: Oh my. That's sort of disturbing. Obviously I have THAT modern taboo pretty thoroughly ingrained...

[iasmin.livejournal.com]

I'm okay with that. I think you are too. :)