People will study anytyhing. Here is an article about the oldest jokes ever recorded. Seems we haven't changed too much in all the centuries, we still like the "bathroom" sort of humor.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080731/lf_nm_life/britain_joke_dc
Ahh, it is refreshing to know that deep down we all have the sense of humor of a 13 year old boy.