keith wrote:
I have a ceiling lampshade that says "40W max". But a 40W conventional bulb
is too weedy.
Is it OK to put in a 20W flourescent, supposedly = 100w, based on the
assumption that the 40W refers to 40W of heat from an old type bulb, with
flourecents running cooler?

Basically, yes.
The one problem is that if the lampshade is too enclosed, it may
overheat, and fail.
This won't cause fires, just the light to stop working.
IOW, it's safe to try.