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More toilets in India: the Museum of Toilets
Martha's post on the World Toilet Summit in New Delhi reminded me of the one museum I wanted to go to in New Delhi, but never took the time. The Museum of Toilets is wonderful, according to a good friend of mine. He went on and on about it. The museum is a lot more than one toilet after another. As you might imagine, there's a huge history about toilets that dates back to 2500 B.C. when the world's first drainage system was put in. Taxes on toilets first happened in 69 A.D. and the first public toilet showed up in 1214 A.D.
And if you've ever been to a bathroom showroom, even today, there are many ways for a toilet to flush. I remember when I went to Denmark, my first experience living in another country, I was intrigued by the way the toilets flushed there and by the rules of toilet use. In Denmark you put the lid down when you're done. The Museum of Toilets also gets into toilet use etiquette along with toilet design. Toilet politics is another big topic--who gets to use them and who doesn't. Who cleans them. I don't know if this is included in the subject matter, but I just thought of it. How many bathrooms are in a house? Over three and the assumption is that homeowner has some serious cash. Two and a half is a luxury. (The one in the photo is a replica of King Louis IIIV from the museum's Web page.)
If you can't make it to the museum, the Web site is fascinating read. Along with the overview of toilet use and societies there's a section that highlights the history of particular toilets, photographs included. There is even poetry. This verse was written in the Middle Ages about Paris.
"My shoes my stockings, my overcoat
My collar, my glove, my hat
Have all been soiled by the same substance
I would mistake myself rubbish"
With what to do with human waste a large part of every society's problems, the museum's subject is a serious one to consider.
Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Photos, Stories, India
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Gene Zack Oct 22nd 2007 10:10AM
My concern & need is of the anti-gore tiolet that really can flush all necessary W/3 gal. of water & has the higher base for elders. To date I only know of the TOTO unit only sold in Canada [thanks to Gore]. As I live in FL. total costs would prohibit. Suggestions any-one ?? GCZ
Gene Zack Oct 22nd 2007 10:16AM
I repeat, I am interested in a new tiolet that can flush superior to the GORE standard. A "TOTO" is the only one I know & sold only in Canada [due to Gore]. As I live in FL cost & S&H is prohibitive. The hieght of unit base should favor seniors now days. Avise anyone ??
GCZ
Janelle Oct 22nd 2007 12:18PM
Another good website to visit before you travel is the Bathroom Diaries (http://www.thebathroomdiaries.com/) which has reviewed over 8,000 of the world's public toilets and is currently accepting nominations for the 2007 World's Best Bathroom competition. National Geographic's Intelligent Travel blog enumerates a few of last years winners of The Golden Plunger here:
http://intelligenttravel.typepad.com/it/2006/12/royal_flush_the.html
Jamie Rhein Oct 22nd 2007 12:20PM
Terrific tip about the contest, Janelle and also the other bathroom resource. Gene, I'm not sure about the toilet you mentioned. I hope someone else can put you in the right direction.