Mahomed's establishments were, of course, medicated vapour baths rather than Turkish baths. But during his life-time, Sake Deen Mahomed was probably the most famous shampooer in the country.

As one contemorary is quoted as saying,1 'To miss going to Mahomed's [in Brighton], is like going to town and forgetting to take a peep at St Paul's...'

While one grateful patient wrote a verse, Two years in agony I past..., which includes the lines:

The greatest blessing that we know,
In health is said to be;
That blessing, under God I owe,
Oh Mahomed! to thee;
My lips the gratitude shall show,
That in my heart doth glow,
For ah! I feel too well assured,
(Let all deride, and laugh who will,)
That had I never try'd thy skill,
I never had been cured!!

The verse was presented by Lady Louisa Cornwallis to Mahomed, who included it in his celebrated book.2

Entry revised and slightly enlarged, 27 March 2010