Chinese water torture

[1][3][4] "Chinese water torture" is mentioned in the 1884 short story "The Compromiser"[5] suggesting some public familiarity with the term by that date.

It might have been popularised by the predicament escape Chinese Water Torture Cell (a feat of escapology introduced in Berlin at Circus Busch on September 13, 1910).

[1][3] The victims could see each drop coming and, after a long duration of time, were gradually driven frantic to the point of insanity, usually because they were led to believe that a hollow or severe ulcer would develop there, or as a (sometimes combined) result of prolonged restraint under irritating conditions, isolation, or the humiliation of being tortured publicly.

"[7] In addition to the victims experiencing mental deterioration, psychosis is a common side effect when undergoing the Chinese water torture.

In 2012, Australian artist Lottie Consalvo performed the Chinese water torture for an art project, Steer a Steady Ship,[8] to represent her emotions after her sister's passing.