In 1671, the chief butler to the prince de Conde, Francois Vatel, was charged with overseeing a feast in honor of the visiting Louis XIV. Forgoing 12 days of sleep for the feast preparation, when Vatel discovered he lacked two roasts he said, “I have lost my honor. . . This is a disgrace which is more than I can bear (105).” The lack of sleep and missing roasts proved too much for Vatel when he stabbed himself with his own sword when his fish did not come in time to prepare for the feast. On the road to the church, his corpse passed the cart delivering the fish.
In the 1600s, “[r]edheads were thought to be the product of sex during menstruation and were believed to exhibit the lack of sexual self-discipline inherent in the ill-timed copulation of their parents (109).”
The the Middle ages, after monks were forbidden to practice medicine and dentistry any more, barbers began to assume medical roles. A common practice of the time was bloodletting. Barbers advertised their bloodletting services by displaying "buckets of fresh blood in their windows. When the blood congealed, it was poured into the street, where it spoiled." (34)
Sources for first two: "Sex With Kings" by Eleanor Herman." Sources for third: "Toothworms spider juice and illustrated history of dentistry."
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14 comments:
Seriously, where are you coming up with this stuff? Its too awesome to make up. :)
Oh the poor redheads.
'The lack of sleep and missing roasts proved too much for Vatel when he stabbed himself with his own sword when his fish did not come in time to prepare for the feast. On the road to the church, his corpse passed the cart delivering the fish.'
Foolish.
'In the 1600s, “[r]edheads were thought to be the product of sex during menstruation and were believed to exhibit the lack of sexual self-discipline inherent in the ill-timed copulation of their parents (109).”'
Oh, I thought the red meant they were satanic...
Russ;)
ay@tes: Thank you! :) That's what I love about writing this blog, I am constantly being surprised.
satire and theology: people do foolish things when they lack sleep.
True...me too, to a point.
Thanks Ms. Facts for the comments and agreement as there is some disagreement with my latest.;)
I tend to get really irritable. Instead of killing myself, I would be more likely to kill someone else!
And thank you for YOUR comments. Your blog is always a pleasure to visit.
Ms. Facts, thanks very much for the essay. Always appreciated. I will work on a reply.
wow. awkward..
Yah. Sorry. I realize my last few posts have been a bit awkward. I didn't plan it that way, but the next few posts are a bit more normal.
there we are...even more fodder for those that consider us "red-headed step children"...
ur all just jealous....
Your essay in comments has generated some interest.
Happy Weekend.
Bummer for that cook.
Peter: What?! No "bummer" for the poor King who didn't get his roast?!
so fascinating all your material !!
Thank you. It helps give the appearance I live an interesting life.
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