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Curious Essence

Take of otto particular flowers after which the products are of roses 2 drachms; oil of rose-geranium, 1 named; although there may be none of the drachm; essence of musk, 3 Imperial fluid respective flowers employed in their prepara- drachms; essence of ambergris, 1 Imperial tion. This is particularly the case with flowers of which the odorous principle is difficult or troublesome to extract, or which possess very little of it. So also of the essences of many flowers having strange or attractive names, 948. Essence de Frangipane; Exand no true fragrance. Hence arises the al- trait de Frangipane; Frangipanni. most endless variety of fragrant essences, Take of neroli, 2 Imperial fluid drachms; esprits, and similar preparations, vended by essence royale, 3 fluid drachms; civet (powthe perfumers of the present day, numbers of dered), 10 grains avoirdupois; oil of lavender, oil of cloves, oil of rhodium, of each, 5 or 6 quite cold, then add 34 pints rectified spirit drops; rectified spirit, 3 to 4 fluid ounces; (95 per cent.), a fluid ounce liquor of amdigest a week, and then decant the clear por- monia (.880-.885 specific gravity), and, having tion. Powerful, durable, and pleasant. closely corked or stopped the vessel and

949. Essence of Violets; Essence of securely tied it over with bladder, digest the Orris; Factitious. Take of Florentine or- whole for 1 or 2 months, with frequent agita ris-root (coarsely powdered), 1½ pounds avoirdupois; rectified spirit, 1 Imperial quart; proceed by percolation or the method of displacement, so as to obtain 1 quart of essence; or by digestion for two weeks, followed by powerful pressure in a tincture-press. The former is the best and most economical method. This forms the best essence of violets of the wholesale druggists. It may be, but is rarely, distilled. (Sce No. 954.) tion, in a room exposed to the sun, in summer, or in an equally warm situation in win. ter. Lastly, after repose, decant the clear portion, and, if necessary, filter it. A little essence of ambergris is commonly added to the filtrate, or, when this is not done, 1 to 2 drachms of ambergris are put into the vessel before closing it, and after adding the spirit.

Very fine. The residuum is treated with fresh spirit for an inferior quality.