The Origins of Hungary Water with Recipes
Hungary water, sometimes called "the Queen of Hungary's Water", Eau de la Reine de Hongary or "spirits of rosemary”, was one of the first alcohol-based perfumes in Europe. Its exact...
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Learning & Culture
Browse The Parfum Apothecary's continually updated educational resource page. Here you will find articles on aroma culture & the history of perfume; the properties of aromatic ingredients, real historical recipes and meditations on all things smell.
The Parfum Apothecary 'Glossary' is your resource for understanding the language of perfume, while How-To articles help you to get the most out of your aromatic goods.
Formulas for Honeysuckle, Narcissus, Ambergris and more, 1868
Excerpt from A Practical Guide for the Perfumer by Professor H. Dussauce 1868 "Volkameria. - An exquisite perfume is sold under this name, supposed to be derived from the volkameria inermis - a...
Formulas for Myrtle, Sweet-brier, Cedar Oil & Verbena, 1868
Excerpt from A Practical Guide for the Perfumer by Professor H. Dussauce 1868 "Oil of Myrtle. - A very fragrant oil may be obtained by distilling the leaves of the common myrtle. The...
Formulas for Violet, Heliotrope, Jonquil, Lilac, Lily & Magnolia1868
Excerpt from A Practical Guide for the Perfumer by Professor H. Dussauce 1868 "Violet Oil is obtained from the viola odorata. It is a fugacious oil. For commercial purposes, the odor of violets...
Ingredient in the Spotlight: Frankincense
Frankincense is used extensively in perfumes and incense, and is the odoriferous body of which is most frequently mentioned as holy incense. The ancient Egyptians used it in their religious...
Ingredient In The Spotlight: Rose
Anyone who has ever inhaled the fragrance of rose can attest to its intensely narcotic aura. It induces a sense of receptivity & surrender, almost like being ravished. After breathing...
Ingredient in the Spotlight: Tea Tree
The Bundjalung nation has a legend of the beautiful Princess Eelamani who had to travel through the bushland of coastal New South Wales. The journey was perilous, so she asked...
Ingredient in the Spotlight: Peru Balsam
Peru balsam has a stunning sweet and smokey scent, reminiscent of vanilla with a calming and comforting quality. It has a unique nature to be gentle while simultaneously softly enveloping with a pronounced...
Grasse Part II: The Exceptional Flowers
The exceptional quality of the perfumed plants grown here is due to the advantageous geographic situation of Grasse, which enjoys a specific microclimate, quality of soil, and altitude, all perfect...
Grasse Part I: A Tale of Two Perfumers
That place is Grasse, the perfume capital of the world. Within the edges of this unassuming, mediaeval town are innumerable perfume shops. Some grand, such as Fragonard and Molinard, whose...
'Liquid Gold': Hanukkah & Olive Oil
Tomorrow, my Jewish friends begin celebrating Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, and the Miracle of the cruse of oil. This story and the traditions it spawned illustrates the the central role...
Divine Fragrance
Fragrance is endowed with meaning and can reveal inner truths about people, places and objects. The concept of aroma's "intrinsic 'essences'" has had a profound impact and importance upon religious practice...
Oil Perfume Secrets
Oil Perfumes have been used for thousands of years, but the 20th century perfume landscape has been dominated by alcohol-based fragrances. With the rising popularity of face and hair oils...