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Essence of Tuberose

The flowers are placed in alternate layers with sheep's or cotton wool impregnated with the purest oil of ben or of olives, in an earthen vessel, closely covered, and kept for 12 hours in a water bath; the flowers are then removed and fresh ones substituted, and this is repeated until the oil is sufficiently scented. The wool or cotton is then mixed with the purest spirit of wine, and distilled in a water bath; or, it is first digested in a well closed vessel for several days in a warm situation, with frequent agitation. A similar plan is followed for the preparation of the essences of jasmine, violets, &c. (Sce No. 1349.) sence of Musk and Ambergris. The best vessel for preparing essence of musk, as well as of ambergris, is a strong tin-bottle with a nicely rounded mouth and neck.

Great care should be taken to cork it perfectly close, and, after this is done, to tie it over securely with wet bladder. The bottle should not be set in the full sunshine, but only in a position warmed by it; and in no case should the digestion be of shorter duration than three or four weeks, as otherwise much fragrant matter will escape solution. The addition of 1/2 to 1 fluid drachm, per pint, of liquor of ammonia, or of liquor of potassa (the first is greatly preferable), increases the solvent power of the spirit and vastly increases the fragrance of the essence. A few grains of salt of tartar (carbonate of potash) are sometimes added with the same intention; but this addition is objectionable, as it does not effect the object in view, whilst it occasions partial decomposition of the mixture. To facilitate the action of the menstruum, and to make the most of the ingredients, it is best to