Note 52 — XX. LATRINES.
Reading edition
There is a reference in Martial to this use of the sponge and stick (see Epigram XLVIII., in English translation, edition of London, 1871). Martial also speaks of a Roman lady whose close-stool was of gold, but her drinking-cup of glass,—
“Ventris onus puro, nec te pudet excipis auro; Sed bibis in vitreo, chareus, ergo cacas.”— (Epigram XXXVI., quoted by Harington, “Ajax,” p. 37.)
High officials of Corea urinate in public into brass bowls, which are carried by attendants in a sort of net or fillet and presented when required.—(Mr. W. W. Rockhill.)
The monasteries and nunneries of Thibet were provided with latrines. Among the sins against which the nuns (Bhikshuni) were warned were, “Si une bhikshuni va seule aux lieux, et est,” etc.—(“Pratimoksha Sutra,” Thibetan version, translated by W. W. Rockhill, Paris, 1884, p. 44, “École des langues Orientales vivantes.”)