Civet in its natural state being, with difficulty, soluble in alcohol, triturate it in a mortar to a pulverulent mass together with some dry substance, for instance, whiting or exhausted orris-root powder. The mixture is then brought into a glass flask, the alcohol added, and the whole frequently shaken.
Ambergris tincture.—Ambergris 5½ drachms, alcohol of the best quality 1 quart.
Ambergris dissolving readily in alcohol, pulverizing is not required, but if it is done, great care should be exercised to prevent loss of this expensive substance. Ambergris is not so much distinguished by its aroma as by its indestructibility, which renders it especially suitable for fixing odors.
Castor tincture.—Castor 3½ ozs., best quality of alcohol 3 pints.
Comminute the castor as much as possible, bring it into a glass flask and add the alcohol.
Perfume-substances resembling musk having in the last few years increased to an extraordinary degree, the use of castor has been almost entirely abandoned on account of its disagreeable odor. The tincture can only be employed, when very old, for cheap perfumes.
Benzoin tincture.—Benzoin (Siam) 2 lbs., best quality of alcohol 3 quarts.
Convert the benzoin into a coarse powder, bring it into a flask, add the alcohol and shake thoroughly. Solution takes place in 10 to 12 days.
Siam benzoin is the finest and most expensive and is indispensable for Extraits d'Odeurs. For cheaper products of perfumery, Sumatra benzoin answers very well.