*gasp* ladybits!
from flow: the cultural history of menstruation
hysteria: going to the doctor's for such a treatment was nothing like putting on an oversize gown that ties in front and scooting your bare butt down to the end of a table where the stirrups are. back then, a woman remained not only standing, but fully clothed; the doctor would have to bend down and reach up under all of her heavy draperies in order to locate the right spot, working completely by feel. not surprisingly, the treatment was incredibly taxing; it probably took the hapless doctor time to even *find* the clitoris, and after that up to a full hour to achieve the desired result. plus it was difficult; one doctor back in 1660 ruefully compared the technique to rubbing one's stomach with one hand while patting one's head with the other. as a result, midwives were often employed to do the actual handiwork.
(hah, the fumbling, complaining, and giving up combo is nothing new, ladies!)
most of this book wasn't news...some interesting methods pre-belts, some hilariously pithy ads, same old myths our mothers grew up believing. overall a little ...pushy? propaganda wise. but an interesting read :)
i'd like to dedicate this post to cubby's exciting tampon discovery. and to the newly redesigned instead softcups. sanguis vita est?
hysteria: going to the doctor's for such a treatment was nothing like putting on an oversize gown that ties in front and scooting your bare butt down to the end of a table where the stirrups are. back then, a woman remained not only standing, but fully clothed; the doctor would have to bend down and reach up under all of her heavy draperies in order to locate the right spot, working completely by feel. not surprisingly, the treatment was incredibly taxing; it probably took the hapless doctor time to even *find* the clitoris, and after that up to a full hour to achieve the desired result. plus it was difficult; one doctor back in 1660 ruefully compared the technique to rubbing one's stomach with one hand while patting one's head with the other. as a result, midwives were often employed to do the actual handiwork.
(hah, the fumbling, complaining, and giving up combo is nothing new, ladies!)
most of this book wasn't news...some interesting methods pre-belts, some hilariously pithy ads, same old myths our mothers grew up believing. overall a little ...pushy? propaganda wise. but an interesting read :)
i'd like to dedicate this post to cubby's exciting tampon discovery. and to the newly redesigned instead softcups. sanguis vita est?