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Toilet Paper

Image copyright: Jonathan Sayles

In the history of man, wiping our rears after defecating has been a very difficult time. The Romans used to use a xylospongium. Sponge on a stick. A sea sponge. The xylospongium was used in public toilets and after someone had used said item, the sponge was washed in salt water or vinegar. Unfortunately this didn`t kill all the bacteria and the xylospongium was responsible for spreading diseases.

Other cultures have used leaves, sticks, fur and pretty much anything that they could get their hands on.

We can thank China again for helping us all out in this delicate area. There are records dating back to the 6th century of the use of paper for wiping the bottom. However it wasn`t until 1857 that the Western world started using this marvellous invention on a regular basis.

I for one am grateful for this soft and gentle invention for when I am perched on my throne.