LETTER : The truth about castrati
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.WITH respect to Joan Smith's medical friend (12 November), the consequences of castrating a male are most reliably documented by Dr Rodolfo Celletti, the leading Italian "vociologist" of our time.
A castrato was capable of coitus, but not insemination - hence in part the popularity of castrati as lovers. The case she quotes may have been due to Tenducci's having recessed testicles which had not properly dropped. As I understand it, such recessing is still practised by Japanese Sumo wrestlers to protect those "exquisitely masculine" organs.
Philip G Gormley
Magherafelt, Co Derry
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments