TIL that the most profitable act at the Moulin Rouge was a Flatuist known as both Le Petomane and The Fartiste. His performance profited over 20,000 Francs per show, more than double that of Sarah Bernhardt. He would later open his own performance hall and his act was a success until WWI began

One day La Petomane found himself unable to pass gas, no matter what he tried-beans, broccoli…so in despair he went to his doctor.

The doctor examined him thoroughly and could find nothing wrong but was desperate to help the ailing performer. Finally the doctor had an epiphany.

“Sacré bleu!” the doctor exclaimed as he motioned for Le Petomane to look out the window.

He pointed to various landmarks.

“Monsieur, what ees that?”

“Le Eiffel Tower!” replied La Petomane.

“And what ees that?”

“Why that is zee Arc de Triomph!”

“And zeese building, what is zeese?”

“Why, she is zee Louvre!” replied La Petomane.

The doctor say down and told La Petomane to get dressed.

“Monsieur La Petomane, I know why you cannot make zee farts-you have zee Paris sights!

/r/todayilearned Thread Link - eirdhistorian.com