Re: (erielack) Bidet?

[eljefe3126_@_netscape.net]

Gary,
 
Although most (all?) modern bidets are plumbed for running water, this wasn't always the case.  Bear in mind that they first became popular in Europe when Napoleon's calvary used them to treat saddle sores.  I doubt running water was available at that time.
 
As many 19th century bathtubs were not plumbed for running water, I think it at least plausible that the object is really a bidet that was shipped by the DLW (list content).  I'm having a hard time reconciling the shape of the basin with that of a baby's bathtub.  I suppose there might be other interpretations, though.  I'm hardly an expert on the subject of late 19th century-early 20th century bidets!
 
Jeff Larson
ELHS #2683
 
 
- -----Original Message-----
From: gkazin_@_yahoo.com
To: erielack_@_lists.railfan.net
Sent: Mon, 9 Apr 2007 10:01 PM
Subject: (erielack) Bidet?


I finally got around to looking at the photos of this object on eBay.
 It appears to be a baby's bathtub, given its dimensions and shape. 
It is too small for an adult.

A bidet requires warm running water in order to perform its hygienic
purpose.

The DLW label on the underside was probably applied for shipping it. 
Other labels indicating its destination and origin probably were
removed long ago.  There is an obvious place where a label once WAS.

Gary R. Kazin
DL&W Milepost R35.7
Rockaway, New Jersey
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