312.WHEN DID PEOPLE START USING BATHTUBS?
We feel very proud in this country about our national cleanliness. Doesn’t every home have a bathtub? Well, did you know that at one time there were mole homes with radios in this country than with bath tubs.
In spite of all our pride concerning cleanliness, we have never made as big a fuss about bathing and baths as have certain peoples of ancient times! Why right in the heart of Rome, taking up about a square mile, there were the baths of Caracalla that were probably the most luxurious baths man has ever known. There were swimming pools, warm baths, steam baths, and hot-air baths—even libraries, restaurants, and theaters to amuse the people who came to take the baths!
311.WHEN DID MEN BEGIN SHAVING THEIR BEARDS?
When you see a man with a beard, doesn’t he somehow look dignified, or even important’? In the history of man, this has been the usual attitude towards beards. It was a sign of manhood.
That’s why you will find that in ancient times, when an important person was shown, he was usually shown with a beard. The Greek god, Zeus, was shown with a beard; drawings representing God showed a beard; Abraham, King Arthur, Charlemagne were always pictured with beards!
310.WHEN DID MAN BEGIN TO USE SALT?
Different people seem to have different needs for salt. On the whole, most people all over the world today use salt in their food. But what about the people in primitive times who weren’t able to find any salt near them? They simply got along without it!
The fact is, salt was unknown in many parts of America and India until it was introduced by Europeans. There are still parts of central Africa where salt is such a luxury that only the rich can afford it.
