Living in a world where the lack of indoor plumbing, disease-bearing vermin, and misguided medical practices makes the present day feel like a sterile utopia in comparison, meant some people get to work on history's nastiest jobs.

Here are six of the truly unsung heroes of history—the brave men and women who, some way or another, found themselves knee-deep in the jobs that no one else wanted. We salute you.

 

1. LEECH COLLECTOR

2. GROOM OF THE STOOL

 

3. ARMPIT PLUCKER

4. FULLER

5. BODY SNATCHER

 

6. MANUAL SCAVENGER

H/T Mentalfloss