Others have called it the British Museum’s ‘porn room’, but the title it was originally given is a little more salubrious: the Secretum. Opened in 1865, following the publication of the Obscene Publications Act (1857), the Secretum contained around 200 objects, labeled (possibly with the curator’s tongue firmly in cheek?) as ‘abominable monuments to human licentiousness’. Anyone who wanted to get in for an afternoon of fun and games and serious study required a special permit. Strictly for gentlemen only, one needed to demonstrate ‘mature years and sound morals’ to qualify. Details on how this was decided have not been recorded…
Related Facts
Malta has three official languages.
Each Time They Shed, They Add a Rattle Segment.
They Possess Venom
The asteroid belt has never contained a planet.
Do you Know? What happens once the guests are inside?
Cities are forced to dispose the snow off in different ways.
The Venus flytrap was chosen as North Carolina's state carnivorous plant.
Quebec City was established in 1608.
Did you Know? The capital of Greece is named after the goddess Athena
They work well as a baking ingredient!
The Antarctic environment depends on krill as a food supply.
The ball was a no -show on New Year's Eve 1942 and 1943
METALS WERE USED IN TRUMPETS AS EARLY AS 1500 BCE.
Like tattoos? Get one in braille!
One million to ten million dust mites may reside in your mattress.
The Horo Is Bulgaria's National Dance.
Because of the live audience, Brad Pitt almost rejected the show.
In 1978, anti-lock brakes were developed particularly for the S-Class.
Moonstone, the stone of peace
Did you Know? St. Valentine wasn't just one person.
The world's shortest train track
The average customer goes to Starbucks six times a month.
Did you Know? Nail Paint has a long history.
Those who drink chamomile tea on a daily basis may benefit from it.
Indonesia is the only spot on the planet where you may see the Komodo dragon in the wild.