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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    some wood of the cypress, cedar, and frankincense; u]3on this they pour a quantity of water till it becomes of a certain consistency, with which they anoint the body and the face. This at the time imparts an agreeable odour, and when removed on the following day gives the skin a soft and beautiful appearance.” In the athletic exercises of the Olympic games, wrestlers and pancratists always anointed their limbs, to render them more supple. In Greece the perfumes of Athens were most esteemed, as we learn from a curious passage preserved in Athenaeus, from a fragment of the writings of Antiphanes, and the whole may amuse our readers. It runs thus, showing from what countries different degrees of excellence were obtained in his time: — “ A cook from Elis; a cauldron from Argos; wine of Phlius; tapestry of Corinth; fish from Sicyon; cheese from Sicily ; the perfumes of Athens; and the eels of Bceotia.” In the Lives of the Queens of England we read, “ Perfumes were never richer, more elaborate, more costly or more delicate than in the reign of Elizabeth.” Her Majesty’s nasal organs were particularly fine; and nothing offended her more than an unpleasant smell. Perfumes and cosmetics of all kinds were in o*e- O neral use. The cosmetics and other smaller acces- sories to a lady’s toilet were kept in boxes strongly impregnated with some favourite odour, and were called “ sweet coffers.” This term perpetually oc- curs in the old writers; they were reckoned a neces- sary part of the furniture of all state bed chambers,