The only instruments capable of measuring such vibrations, though, were spectroscopes--meter-long glass-and-metal optical devices that used infrared light.

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Inside, art enlivens the dark marble lobby by Singapore's LTW Designworks: guests are greeted by Australian artist Jane Cowie's 9.9-meter-tall glass tile installation depicting a koi pond and subtly etched scenes from China Merchant Group's 141-year-old history.

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The prospective owner enters a starkly elegant 50-square-meter room whose black-glass walls ensure privacy.

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Other hotel amenities include six unique dining venues, an 860-square-meter spa by ESPA, a glass-enclosed infinity pool with LED screen ceiling and an outdoor terrace with a glass-enclosed bar, both on the 118th floor.

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Ride a glass elevator to the 160-meter-high observation deck for an incredible view of the city and its surroundings.

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An old woman was cleaning cobwebs and birds' nests out of the high-up stained-glass nooks with a 5-meter-long branch of bamboo.

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