Turkish Baths

ITS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION. 103
For cooling room purposes gas
is not so objectionable,
except that it is heating, and assists in vitiating the
atmosphere. But inasmuch as the fumes in this case
will ascend with the general body of air, the objection
to gas is much lessened in these apartments. Nevertheless,
the electric light is the illuminant to be
coveted.
The quality of the lighting in the cooling room should
be toned and softened. It is not a place for brilliant
general illumination, but rather for a soft light pervading
the whole, and auxiliary lights where required, such as
near couches, &c. a system, in fact, diametrically
opposed to sun-burner illumination. Nothing more
objectionable of its kind can well be imagined than a
glaring light in the ceiling of a cooling room. It would
be found intolerable.
For practical purposes, the greatest amount of light
required in any part of a frigidarium is that at the
heads of the couches, where it must be of such strength
as will admit of comfortable reading. One gas-burner,
or one small incandescent lamp, to every two couches
is a fair allowance. If effect be desired, there is, of
course, much in the distribution of the illuminating
agent that affects for good or evil, and the placing
and the relative powers of the lamps or burners must
be considered. The dominant point of light might
be a prettily-designed lantern with a few brilliant points
of colour in it, depending from a chain over a fountain,
throwing its rays downwards on to the falling waters,
and not in the eyes of those bathers who may be
reclining upon the couches.