If ever I had combined my interest in science with that in mediaeval history, this wonderful-sounding conference, taking place in Helsinki this April, would have provided the ideal vehicle. Its topic is “awkward objects” associated with the body; “including, but not limited to: undergarments; torture devices; codpieces;; pessaries; wigs; condoms; dildos; prosthetics, surgical, mortuary and dental implements …”.
As it happens, I may have had something to contribute, in the form of penile splints made from bamboo for the treatment of erectile disfunction. I wrote about them in post 54 of my Mini Stories from Science. But too late, too late; the submission deadline is passed. Maybe I’ll go along just for the interest.