Talk:Toilet paper

this page now contradicts itself ... who invented it? -- Tarquin 17:38 Feb 21, 2003 (UTC)

Good question... The opening sentence ("Toilet paper was invented by Joseph Cayetty in the United States, although some say that toilet paper was originally invented in China") could be interpreted in two ways. Does it mean that Cayetty was the first person in the United States to invent toilet paper, or that he (who happened to be in the United States) was the first person to invent toilet paper anywhere? The latter interpretation implies that those who think it was first invented in China are wrong. Can anyone clarify this?

Furthermore, this bit doesn't make sense: "In parts of Africa, the converse is true, and a left-handed handshake could be considered rude." If these Africans did it the other way round from the Indians, then it would presumably be a right-handed handshake that would be considered rude. -- Oliver P. 12:30 Mar 19, 2003 (UTC)

The article originally had a "Toilet paper was invented in China." sentence at the end of the article. I tried to combine it with the beginning, but I didn't realize that the way I phrased it made it less clear. I've changed that. Also, you're right, it's a right-handed handshake. I've changed that as well. Thanks! Let me know if my revisions are still unclear. -- cprompt

Thank you for editing it! It's very clear now, although I'm not entirely sure about the bit on the use of the bidet. Maybe that can wait until someone writes an article on them... -- Oliver P. 14:19 Mar 20, 2003 (UTC)

There are a lot more locations that use water instead of toilet paper (especially islamic regions). Perhaps increase the list, or create a separate page, for butt washing? What would be the appropriate term? --69.212.102.112 21:13, 10 Apr 2004 (UTC)

Hi, I reverted your edits to the article, I couldn't see why you deleted those bits. As to butt washing.... um we have a page at bidet you might also want to look at. How about toilet habits (not a very good suggestion, I know)? fabiform | talk 21:22, 10 Apr 2004 (UTC)

Paperless toilets

The article says that "The first "paperless" toilet was invented in Japan in 1999." Is this year accurate? I'm sure I saw demonstrations of such toilets on U.S. TV about a decade before then. Haven't they been around longer than five years? --Arteitle 06:34, Sep 1, 2004 (UTC)
I noticed that the bidet article links to the page at [1] (http://web-jpn.org/kidsweb/techno/toilet/bidet.html), which mentions the Washlet, a toilet seat with bidet and dryer dating from 1980. Where did the reference to 1999 come from? --Arteitle 06:44, Sep 1, 2004 (UTC)

The article didn't not refer to Lotas used by South Asian and Middle Eastern peoples to remove feaces from the anus, i added it under Modern Alternatived, also in the Middle East hotels and houses have hoses attached to toilets which are used to remove feaces someone should add something about that (SM)

57 sheets!

Can somebody cite the 57 sheets a day stat? I mean, more specifically than just Charmin'. That seems like a preposterously large amount. Even half that seems like a lot. Tuf-Kat 01:09, Dec 23, 2004 (UTC)

Quran being used?

In some parts of the world, the use of newspaper, or Quran pages were common. - I read that in some countries, even paper bags are not to be used because it could containg pages of the Quran. I don't think that this would be so. Can you please give some references to it? --ReallyNiceGuy 14:49, May 17, 2005 (UTC)

Thanks for the fix. --ReallyNiceGuy 14:59, May 17, 2005 (UTC)