Hygiene Throughout History

Ancient Roman Emperors were known for their unique hygiene habits. Julius Caesar, for example, popularized shorter hair and was self-conscious about his balding, often resorting to a combover and wearing hats. Emperors, along with Greek Barbers, maintained cleanly shaven appearances, with only a few exceptions over a span of 70 years. Roman bathing practices were consistent across all classes, with the use of strigils to scrape off oil after bathing is a common practice. However, poor individuals had to do the scraping themselves, which could lead to negative consequences. Private baths and toilets provided a more sanitary option compared to public Roman bathhouses. Wealthy Romans, such as Emperor Hadrien, even had private toilets installed in their Villas with luxurious marble seats and footrests. Public Roman bathhouses were often infested with parasites and diseases, while larger public bathing facilities offered pools of warm, hot, and cold water, saunas, and gymnasiums. The eating habits of Roman emperors varied greatly, with some like Claudius being known for their constant indulgence in food and drink. On the other hand, emperors like Caligula and Elagabalus were infamous for their extravagant and poorly hosted meals, where high-ranking Senators were forced to run in their Togas or enjoy lavish dishes while others received only embroidered napkins. Jewish hygiene practices were credited with lower mortality rates during the plague, although some Christians wrongly accused them of spreading the disease through tainted wells.

This led to the persecution and false accusations of Jews by Christian communities, resulting in tragic consequences. During the 14th century, Europe faced a sanitation crisis that led to the establishment of policies for burying infected bodies in Mass Graves outside of towns. Improper waste disposal resulted in Public Health crises, attracting rats and facilitating disease transmission. Medical treatments during this time were primitive and often harmful, with doctors resorting to bleeding to treat fevers in the belief that it would remove heat and disease from the body. Venice implemented a 30-40-day isolation period for ships and travelers to prevent the spread of the plague, giving rise to the term quarantine. Quarantine measures and bonfires were used to keep the Pope free from the plague, with the Pope sitting between bonfires to cleanse the air and prevent infection. Surprisingly, the Black Plague improved survivors' health and lifespan for the next 200 years. Poor sanitation practices at Versailles Palace led to unsanitary conditions with urine and feces in hallways, courtyards, and public areas. Attempts to mask the stench with excessive perfume only worsened the situation. King Louis enforced regulations on sex workers while maintaining numerous mistresses, displaying inconsistency in his public stance on morality. Dental issues were common due to the widespread consumption of decadent treats.

The color Peuse, named after a flea at Versailles, became popular at court, with every lady wearing peuse-colored gowns. Another color, Kaka Doon, was named after infant excrement and worn to mark special occasions. Women soldiers disguised themselves as men to enlist during conflicts, while soldiers from rural areas were at higher risk of succumbing to common childhood diseases due to lack of exposure. The lack of proper clothing and footwear posed significant health risks to soldiers during conflicts. Inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene practices were prevalent in Civil War camps, with reports of trash, discarded food, and waste disposal pits. Contaminated water and unsanitary conditions led to health hazards and diseases. Medical treatments during that era were often risky and unhygienic, such as using mercury mixed with chalk as a laxative despite its toxicity. Surgeons frequently use unsterilized equipment, resulting in high infection rates. The Civil War underscored the necessity for improved hygiene standards, prompting the establishment of the US Sanitary Commission in 1861 to oversee infection prevention in camps and hospitals. The Commission's efforts influenced post-war health initiatives, particularly in urban areas like New York. Living conditions in the American West were unhygienic and uncomfortable, with basic outhouses attracting insects and bedding materials like hay causing infestations. Saloons with poor hygiene practices facilitated the spread of germs and diseases, as unwashed towels and lack of bathing contributed to unhygienic environments.

The Old West saw outbreaks of diseases due to shared water sources for various purposes, including drinking. Cholera outbreaks among different communities, including Mormons, resulted in numerous deaths and the scapegoating of unpopular groups. Victorian dental and sanitation practices involved homemade toothpaste made from chalk, soot, or cuttlefish powder, while toothbrushes had wooden handles and harsh bristles. Celery was even used as a tooth-cleaning substitute. Bathing and hair-cleaning methods in the Victorian era were also unique. During the Victorian era, individuals were instructed in unscientific bathing customs, such as refraining from bathing within four hours of consuming a large meal and utilizing extremely hot and cold water for facial cleansing. Hair care practices involved the use of eggs, vinegar, rum, black tea, and rosemary as popular pre-shampoo treatments. Wood pulp was found to have various unconventional applications throughout history, including the use of wood pulp bandages for treating soldier wounds and menstrual care. Additionally, wood pulp was employed to combat the foul odors in London during the Great Stink of 1858. Sexually transmitted diseases were prevalent in impoverished London neighborhoods, with sex workers transmitting STDs to clients who then spread them to others.

Legislation was enacted to detain and provide treatment for escorts with STDs. The Titanic offered different restroom facilities based on passenger class, with first-class passengers enjoying luxurious amenities and third-class passengers having access to automatic toilets and a toilet instructor for guidance. Third-class passengers underwent medical examinations before boarding, while first and second-class passengers were exempt, only requiring ticket verification. The ship's hospital was well-equipped with medical supplies and a dedicated medical team to ensure passenger health. Pomeranians and their owners were among those who boarded lifeboats during the Titanic disaster, highlighting the care given to pets on the ship. The ship's fancy cutlery, cookware, and laundry services were meticulously maintained. In space, maintaining basic hygiene poses challenges, with astronauts using waterless shampoo and a rinse-less soap and water mixture for showering. Special equipment, such as clippers with a vacuum, is utilized for haircuts to prevent hair from floating in the space station.

Astronauts use a metallic base with a suction feature for bathroom needs in space, undergoing a unique form of potty training. While NASA recycles urine into drinking water, solid waste is not yet recyclable. Solid waste is stored in airtight sealed bags and sent into space to be burned up in the atmosphere. Researchers are exploring ways to utilize solid human waste, such as using it to line spacecraft walls for protection. Anderson efficiently completes cleaning tasks in the space station, including wiping down handrails and equipment, as well as vacuuming filters and vents to maintain airflow.