Note 6 — THE TURKISH BATH.1

This middle chamber consists of a room fitted with marble slabs, and mattresses to recline on; the ceiling being arched, and light transmitted from above through stars of stained glass, spreading a tinted gloom through the apartment, which effectually cuts off the mind from all communication with the outer world, disposing it to rest or quiet meditation—a frame of mind peculiarly desirable for those who medicinally6 seek the bath. After reclining in the apartment for about half-an-hour or three quarters, according to the temperature, which varies from 90° to 100° Faht., until the surface of the body becomes soft and moist, and the pores slightly excited, you enter the third, or heated apartment, the Sudatorium7 of the Romans. Under a roof similar to the one already described, are arranged seats of marble, together with a large platform of the same material, which is placed in the centre of the apartment, whilst along the walls are ranged marble basins, supplied by pipes with hot and cold water. In this chamber, the temperature of which varies from 130° to 150° Faht., shampooing, an essential part of the bath, is performed, a description of which process we will borrow from Mr. Urquhart’s interesting pamphlet. Having placed the bather on the marble platform, he thus describes the process:—