The art of perfumery : and the methods of obtaining odours of plants : with instruction for the manufacture of perfumes for the handkerchief, scented powders, odorous vinegars, dentifrices, pomatums, cosmetiques, perfumed soap, etc. : to which is added an appendix on preparing artifical fruit essences, etc. / by G. W. Septimus Piesse.

  • Piesse, G. W. Septimus (George William Septimus), 1820-1882.
Date:
1856
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The art of perfumery : and the methods of obtaining odours of plants : with instruction for the manufacture of perfumes for the handkerchief, scented powders, odorous vinegars, dentifrices, pomatums, cosmetiques, perfumed soap, etc. : to which is added an appendix on preparing artifical fruit essences, etc. / by G. W. Septimus Piesse. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    sphere than those who consider the faculty of smell- ing as an almost useless gift. In the early ages of the world perfumes were con- stantly used, and they had the high sanction of Scriptural authority. The patrons of perfumery have always been con- sidered the most civilised and refined people in the world. If refinement consists in knowing how to enjoy the faculties which we possess, then must we learn not only how to appreciate the harmony of colour and form, in order to please the sight; the melody of sweet sounds, to delight the ear; the com- fort of appropriate fabrics, to cover the body, and to please the touch ; but the smelling faculty must be shown how to gratify itself with the odoriferous products of the garden and the forest. Pathologically considered, the use of perfumes is in the highest degree prophylactic; the refreshing feeling imparted by the citrine odours to an invalid is well know. By the mere sprinkling of essence of cedrat in a sick chamber, health has often been restored when life and death trembled in the balance. The commercial value of flowers is of no mean importance to the wealth of nations. But, vast as is