BATHROOM HISTORY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21573, 8 February 1940, Page 10

BATHROOM HISTORY

MILLIONAIRE’S TUB Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen, used to bathe in the milk of asses. Ancient recorders have left a note that the milk was warm and steaming, rich with the fragrance of roses and lilies. In fashionable London during the 18th century private bathrooms were still unknown, although those who could afford the luxury visited the spas oi watering places for medicinal treatment. Underclothing was seldom changed, but oerfumery was used lavishly. Hair, which occupied hours in the dressing, remained uncombed for weeks. These were the days when the bath as a means of cleanliness was unknown.

During the 18th century “scratchers” were the vogue. These were long sticks, with tiny ivory hands attached to the ends. According to “Civilite,” a writer of the period, it was not good form for a guest to scratch himself in company, nor to return meat to the serving dish. Until well into the middle of the 19th century the bath was practically unknown. About the year 1850 bathing was made illegal in Boston, U.S.A., except by the consent of a physician. In England, however, Lord John Russell, who was Prime Minister, did much to popularise baths among the 'aristocracy by inviting his male friends to see him in his bath. The tub was filled with water heated by gas. which was only then coming into general use. The increasing popularity of gas, incidentally, helped in the somewhat slow process of. popularising the bath. In due course the funny old hip bath came into fashion, and was carried into the kitchen on Saturday nights for most of the family to have a bath. To-day every house or flat, however small, has its bathroom, even though bedroom, living room and kitchen are combined in one. A millionaire’s bathroom in Honolulu was recently the subject of much American newspaper space. It is made of glass, and is sunk into the emerald sea, so that the millionaire’s family may enjoy their bath and, at the same time, admire the tropic fish which peer at them from the depths of the sea.