Is there anything more beautiful than the cherubic voice of a singing child? Well, folks in the 18th century didn't think so. That's why they lopped off the testicles of prepubescent boys, halting their vocal development, as well as altering bone growth, which enlarged the rib cage and increased lung capacity. The result was a powerful and permanent child-like voice, perfect for Baroque opera. And you thought kiddie beauty pageants were bad. more ›