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"The way you write science fiction is: you sit down at your writing machine and you open your mind to the first thought that comes through."
- Frederik Pohl

Refreshing Chamber  
  Replaces the bathroom in the future history of Robert Heinlein.  

The unfortunate protagonist of this story is a classic Heinlein clueless naif.

He entered the common room, and found Magee sitting at the table. He greeted Dave. 'Hi, kid. I was about to wake you. You've slept almost all day. We've got a lot to talk about.'

'Okay-shortly. Where's the 'fresher?'

'Over there.'

It was not Dave's idea of a refreshing chamber, but he managed to take a sketchy shower in spite of the slimy floor. Then he discovered that there was no air blast installed, and he was forced to dry himself unsatisfactorily with his handkerchief. He had no choice in clothes. He must put back on the ones he had taken off, or go naked. He recalled that he had seen no nudity anywhere in Coventry, even at sports- a difference in customs, no doubt.

From Coventry, by Robert Heinlein.
Published by Astounding Science Fiction in 1940
Additional resources -

Admittedly, this excerpt really tells you what it isn't more than what it is. However, I can't find any other references.

This is also called a "fresher" in other stories by Heinlein.

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Additional resources:
  More Ideas and Technology from Coventry
  More Ideas and Technology by Robert Heinlein
  Tech news articles related to Coventry
  Tech news articles related to works by Robert Heinlein

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