A Great Idea... Really?

I am reviewing history because I do not want to take a remedial history course.  And if I have to take the two remedial courses, so be it.  But I would love to take different courses.  The reason I bring this up (again) is because I am 271 pages into the 640 page book and have spent four days on it already.  I am trying to get through 100 pages a day, although that didn't happen the first two days.  However, now I am dedicated.  I will get through at least 100 pages a day.  At least.  It takes a long time to read 100 pages, because I listen to all the music examples.  I should reach the Classical era today.  Too bad- I love early music and could study for hours about that.  Nay, I could study for DAYS about early music.

But I have to be honest... castrati?  Whose idea was that?  And why?  At what point did someone say, "Hey, I have a great idea, but we need a prepubescent boy who shows lots of musical promise.  And of course, we will determine their life's work for them.  Get me a surgeon!"  Surely, the person listening would have went, "Whoa!  Stop!  Maybe we should try it on you first, buddy..."

And now what do we do with all those castrati opera roles?  3 options: 1) Use a woman, 2) Use a countertenor, or 3) transpose the notes down an octave.  Options 1 and 2 are much more used.

I wonder what Bach thought of the practice.