This Day In History

On this day in 1845 the world lost a great statesman, philanthropist, and some would say rogue.
Robert Ross was an Irishman by birth who went on to become a high ranking member of the British army and a veteran of the Napoleonic campaigns. He was reknowned as a master swordsman and was reputed to have quite the way with many a comely lass and tankard of guinness.
You may have noticed the sash around Ross' waist. Interestingly enough this was not a typical part of the military uniform but rather a clever solution to a nagging medical problem. It seems that Ross suffered from genital hyperhydrosis (excessive ball sweat) and would actually soak right through his undergarments and pantaloons much to his great embarrasment. The only known cure at the time was evaporation so a slit was cut where today the zipper would be and his scrotum was left to air dry covered only by a carefully placed kerchief. This fact alone made his remarkable swordsmanship that much more impressive. The expression "Hanging your balls out to dry" can be traced directly back to Robert Ross and some scholars believe that "Hanky panky" can also be attributed to Ross and some of his amorous activities.