I once went for a bath intending to think through a difficult email. When someone knocked on the door, I realised I hadn't got beyond the greeting. I said I was still thinking, which was generous to what had actually been happening.
The familiar story of Archimedes finding inspiration in the bath makes this sound like a respectable method. Its historical basis is uncertain, but I can see why the anecdote survives. It gives a very comfortable activity the possibility of an important result.
Comic transcript
Panel 1. Ella waits outside the closed bathroom door with a folded towel.
Ella: “Are you nearly done?”
Panel 2. Inside, Ben reclines in the bath and raises a finger.
Ben: “I'm trying the Archimedes method.”
Panel 3. Ella looks towards the door, still waiting.
Ella: “Discovered anything?”
Panel 4. A silent close-up shows Ben turning the cross-shaped tap handle with his toes. Water flows into the bath.
Panel 5. Ben reclines comfortably with his foot still at the tap.
Ben: “I need another ten minutes.”
