The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
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Although an early mention of a waterbed was made in a 1961 science fiction novel by Robert A. Heinlein--Stranger in a Strange Land --the concept was not practically applied until 1965, when two Tufts University physicians, Dr. James Weinstein and Dr. Barry Davidson, designed a water-filled mattress for use with hospital patients.
During the 1960s and 1970s, the waterbed gained popularity, beginning in the young, "hippy" culture and gradually working its way into mainstream American society. The bed was proclaimed ideal for both sleeping and sex, although its detractors claimed it a hazard because of its weight (about 1800 lb [817 kg]) and the possibility of leakage or--worse yet--electrocution. Nevertheless, such devotees as Playboy magnate Hugh Hefner (who covered his with Tasmanian opossum fur) continued to promote the advantages of the waterbed, and in 1984 U.S. sales reached $3.4 million. Waterbeds are now available with a layer of mylar sheeting which absorbs body heat and makes use of an electric heater unnecessary.