[CHAPTER IX.]
DRY PERFUMES.
In ancient times dry perfumes were almost exclusively used, but, independent of fumigating agents, which will be considered later on, the consumption of dry or solid perfumes is at present a limited one. Sachet powders (poudres pour sachets) are, however, still manufactured in large quantities. The preparation of solid perfumes with the assistance of paraffine has been recently commenced, but up to the present time such perfumes have not become of any importance. Smelling salts may also be classed among the dry perfumes.
Sachet Powders.—Sachet powders (poudres pour sachets) are generally put into silk or satin bags or into ornamental paper envelopes and are useful for perfuming clothes, drawers, trunks, desks, letter paper, etc.
The incorporation of the powders with bags or envelopes is effected by dividing them between thin layers of cotton, bringing the cotton together with the powder in fine tissue paper into the shape of the respective bag, cushion, etc., and then inclosing them in the bag or envelope.
A selection of receipts for such powders is here given. Their manufacture is not difficult; however, the weighing off of the constituents should be conscientiously done, and in mixing the powders with the volatile oils, etc., care should be had not to cause any unnecessary dust and consequent loss of powder. After mixing, the powder is passed through a sieve.
Sachet à la rose.—Ground rose leaves, ground rose wood and pulverized starch each 50 drachms, Turkish rose oil 1½, rose-geranium oil 2½, oil of cloves 1, bergamot oil 2½, musk tincture 1.
Sachet à la violette.—Ground orris root 125 drachms, ground lavender flowers and pulverized starch each 50, liquid orris-root oil[21] 2½, sandal-wood oil ½, musk tincture 2, extrait violette 25.
Héliotrope sachet powder.—Ground lavender flowers 50 drachms, ground orris root and ground rose leaves each 25, ground benzoin 10, pulverized starch 50, bergamot oil 10, rose geranium oil 2½, oil of cloves and musk tincture each 1½, vanilla tincture 12½, extrait héliotrope 25, oil of bitter almonds 2 drops.
Ylang-ylang sachet powder.—Ground starch 100 drachms, orris-root powder 25, ground lavender flowers 12½, ground vitivert root and ground rose wood each 25, bergamot oil 2½, ylang-ylang oil 1, tinctures of musk and of cumarin each 1½, extrait ylang-ylang 20.