Posted by Dave Thewlis on November 09, 2002 at 14:34:43 from 148.78.249.10 user dthewlis.
In Reply to: Re: Taking the waters posted by Alan Hakim on November 08, 2002 at 19:01:18:
So far we haven't addressed what people actually DID in "taking the waters" however. I'd always assumed the reference was to soaking or bathing, especially as we have spas of the hot springs variety in Northern California and generally that is what one does. However I have come across references in the Regency period to people actually drinking the (usually rather nasty) water as a restorative. Still I think usually it means a restorative soak. Although it's hard to imagine the Great Aunt doing anything half so undignified. [It is harder to imagine her bathing costume.]