Note (17) — BOOK I.

17. Sometimes the warm bath, &c.) No practice was ever more universally followed, than that of bathing among the ancients. The first design of it was certainly the preservation of health; but, as riches and luxury increased among both Greeks and Romans, the edifices for this purpose grew proportionably more elegant and sumptuous. The construction of baths and their several appurtenances must have been so well known, when in use, that it is not to be wondered we have so imperfect accounts of them transmitted to us. Without entering into any of the disputes about the form or use of several of their parts, I shall subjoin what seems to be generally agreed to by all, and may serve to explain any passages in our author which have relation to them.