No, I can't imagine how that would have been. They must have had a different mindset than we have today. I remember when I visited the London Dungeoun (recommended!)I kept thinking, - how on earth did humans even manage to think of all of these devices! No less invent them, and actually USE them. I guess maybe in a couple of centuries they'll say the same thing about our punishment methods.. I dunno. Maygen, - yes, they ARE cool museums. The one we have here in St. Augustine is actually the original one. That Mr. Ripley must have had quite a mind. And I envy his travels! I wish I could make travels my living! :) gunsan... :) the story was pretty short. It only said that this is a genuine mask, - and it HAS been in use. Britt