At 08:16 18/07/97 -0700, Tom wrote:
>WASTE ELIMINATION AND THE WELLES STEP

>The most natural position for defecation is probably squatting. Squatting
>is the standard practice in countries where the toilets are in-floor (or in
>any location that lacks toilets). However, the Western toilet is designed for
>sitting, rather than squatting. This may reduce the efficiency of defecation,
>and promote hemorrhoids.

> Ravizza recommends that one should actually squat (and balance!)
>on the toilet bowl rim. The advantages of this method are that it is fully
>portable, and costs nothing. The disadvantage is that it requires some
>flexibility and balance (hence, those who cannot squat on the rim might want
>to use a footstool/Welles Step or similar device).

'since altitude still scares me' ;-} , i found that squatting on the floor,
poised above a doubled over strip of double-ply toilet paper works for me.
there can be the need for a bit of clean-up if the stool is unexpectedly
"moist" :-o, but generally i can tell, and use the bowl "normally".
i stll have hemorrhoids.tho. :-?

thanks, Peter, for the url for Soaring Bear.
this migration of minerals into and out of the tooth, presumably it goes via
the blood, not the saliva?

regards to all,

Lynton.