Chinese water torture 1169486 224452282 2008-07-08T22:13:26Z 82.5.41.48 /* Evidence of use */ [[Image:Chinesische Wasserfolter - Gedenkstätte Berlin-Hohenschönhausen.jpg|thumb|A reproduction of a Chinese water torture apparatus at [[Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial]]]] '''Chinese water torture''' is the popular name for a method of [[water torture]] in which water is slowly dripped onto a person's forehead, allegedly driving the victim [[insane]]. This form of torture was first described under a different name by [[Hippolytus de Marsiliis]] in [[Italy]] in the 16th century. == Evidence of use == There is no evidence that this form of torture was ever used by the [[China|Chinese]]. The popularity of the term "Chinese water torture" may have arisen from [[Harry Houdini]]'s [[Chinese Water Torture Cell]] (a feat of [[escapology]] introduced in Berlin at Circus Busch [[September 21]][[1912]] <ref>[http://www.mastronet.com/index.cfm?action=DisplayContent&ContentName=Lot%20Information&LotIndex=78310 Mastronet]</ref>; the escape entailed Houdini being bound and suspended upside-down in a locked glass and steel cabinet full to overflowing with water, from which he escaped), together with the [[Fu Manchu]] stories of [[Sax Rohmer]] that were popular in the 1930s (in which the evil Fu Manchu subjected his victims to various ingenious tortures, such as the [[wire jacket]]). Hippolytus de Marsiliis is credited with the invention of a form of water torture. Having observed how drops of water falling one by one on a stone gradually created a hollow, he applied the method to the human body. Other suggestions say that the term, "Chinese Water Torture" was invented merely to grant the method a sense of ominous mystery. "Victims were strapped down so that they could not move, and cold water was then dripped slowly on to a small area of the body. The forehead was found to be the most suitable point for this form of torture: prisoners could see each drop coming, and after long durations were gradually driven frantic as an increasing hollow would form in the centre of the forehead." The Norse legend of [[Loki]] may have also been an inspiration for the Chinese water torture. Loki, who was punished by the Gods for murdering [[Baldr]], was strapped to three slabs of stone, and had a snake placed above him, so that its venom would pour into his eyes. ===''MythBusters''=== The Discovery Channel series ''[[MythBusters]]'' investigated Chinese water torture in the season 3 episode "[[MythBusters (season 3)#Chinese Water Torture|Brown Note, Water Torture]]", and found that dripping water on the forehead, by itself, was not particularly stressful. Immobilizing the subject along with a variable water drop schedule proved the most stressful of the methods they tried, and cold water intensified the effect (the myth was confirmed). The key part of this is that the water drop was made to be randomly timed. Thus, the victim would not know when the next drop would come. ==Claims of actual use == The [[Falun Gong]] claims some of its followers have suffered this torture in China.{{fact|date=March 2008}} Exhibits of this form of torture may also be seen in Vietnamese prison museums, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City's Warcrime museum. <ref>[http://fr.clearharmony.net/articles/200409/15819.html] as seen on May 2, 2007</ref> Another source mentions its use against student demonstrators in Tunisia.<ref>[http://www3.ac-clermont.fr/10-15/ressources/auvergne/Tolerance/mag_c5.html] as seen on May 2, 2007. <!-- Source mentions Amnesty International, which probably has references somewhere of similar incidents --></ref> In both cases, the torture is used along with other techniques, and is rarely the worst. ==See also== *[[Water torture]] *[[Water cure]] ==External links== *[http://mythbusters-wiki.discovery.com/page/Chinese+Water+Torture MythBusters Chinese Water Torture Episode] *[http://members.tripod.com/~Houdinez/hou17.html Houdini's Chinese Water Torture Cell] *[http://www.straightdope.com/columns/010112.html straightdope.com] *[http://www.businessballs.com/clichesorigins.htm Phrases Origins] == References == {{Reflist}} [[Category:Torture in China]] [[Category:Physical torture techniques]] [[Category:Psychological torture techniques]] [[de:Chinesische Wasserfolter]] [[es:Gota china]] [[he:עינוי סיני]] [[pl:Chińska tortura wodna]] [[fi:Kiinalainen vesikidutus]]