Tuesday, June 4, 2013

How to Test Water Quality, c. 15 BC

"Springs should be tried and tested like this: if they flow freely in the open, one should take a good look at the physiques of the people who live in their vicinity before one starts to take water from them: if the locals have robust bodies, fresh complexions, sound legs and eyes without inflammation, then the springs will have passed the test with flying colours."
Vitruvius, On Architecture (c. 15 BC)

When the locals tell you to stop ogling their limbs, tell them you're just testing the water. 

1 comment:

  1. While this one seems a bit silly at first, its still good advice. Several parasite infections are contracted through water and the symptoms include sores and swellings on the legs! Love this blog by the way! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracunculiasis.

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.