In her book "Packing for Mars," author Mary Roach discusses a historical account from Dr. Courtney W. Shropshire, who wrote in 1912 about a fascinating medical technique. He described using a specially designed applicator combined with a vibrator to effectively empty the seminal vesicles through the rectum. This indicates the innovative approaches taken in early medical practices concerning male reproductive health.

Roach highlights how this unusual method reflects the curiosity and experimentation within the medical community during that time. The mention of such a technique serves to spark interest in the development of medical devices and their impact on understanding human physiology, blending humor with intriguing scientific history.