Fountains have long inspired thoughts of eternal youth and well-being. They have become a legendary site for registering those secret wishes of our hearts. Of course, we know that the fountain's powers are born purely of myth and fancy, and yet we are left to explain why it seems quite impossible, while splashing our bare feet in a fountain pool, to maintain any air of dignity or adult sophistication, or to keep at bay the wave of childish giddiness that floods over us. Why does some instinctive urge cause us to reach in our purse or pocket and. . .