The mode of fumigating has also to be taken into consideration. It is, for instance, entirely incorrect to place the fumigating agent upon very hot iron, a hot stovepipe, or glowing coals, because in evaporating upon hot iron, it leaves behind an empyreumatic, pungent odor excitatory to cough, while the actual aroma is lost and thus the object of fumigating is frustrated.
To derive the best effects from the fumigating agent it should be placed upon a moderately warm article so that it will slowly evaporate. Liquid fumigating agents may also be mixed in a porcelain vessel with distilled water. By placing the vessel upon a warm stove, evaporation proceeds at a still slower rate, because the fumigating agent can only evaporate together with the water, whereby its aroma becomes still more agreeable. The use of rose water or orange water instead of distilled water considerably enhances the success of fumigating.
The so-called atomizers may here be mentioned. They are very practicable for cold fumigating, i. e., for the distribution of pine odor, Cologne water, etc. On account of their content of musk the atomization of Extraits d'Odeurs in the presence of nervous people cannot be recommended.
The dry fumigating agents, such as powders, pastilles, paper, and lacquer, are less popular than the fluid, it being necessary for the purpose of fumigating to place them upon hot articles, heat them, or burn them. These manipulations develop more or less smoke, which frequently exerts a disagreeable effect upon the respiratory organs. The most injurious of these methods of hot fumigation is that by means of hot coals, whereby the aroma of the fumigating agent is largely destroyed, and the very injurious gas emanating from the coals is inhaled. A heated piece of sheet-iron is, however, very suitable for fumigation by means of powder or lacquer. Scatter the powder upon it or coat it with the lacquer.
Several approved receipts for liquid and dry fumigating agents are here given.
Fumigating Essences and Vinegars. Great care should be exercised in making the following receipts for liquid fumigating agents. After mixing, shake thoroughly, and let the product stand quietly for at least several weeks, the aroma of all alcoholic perfumes being improved by storing for some time. It need scarcely be said that alcohol of the finest quality is to be used, since, if it contains fusel oil, the attainment of a fine product is absolutely impossible. To decrease the cost of manufacture, it might be permissible to increase the proportion of alcohol, but an inferior quality of it should, under no conditions, be employed.
Rose-flower fumigating essence.—Alcohol, extract No. 1, from French-rose pomade and benzoin tincture each 1 quart, musk-root tincture No. 1, 8¾ ozs., Turkish rose oil and clove oil each 2¾ drachms, French rose-geranium oil 5½ drachms. Dissolve the rose oil in the other volatile oils.
Flower fumigating essence, héliotrope.—Alcohol and extract No. 1 from French héliotrope pomade each 1 quart, vanilla tincture No. 1 and orris-root tincture each 1 pint, tinctures of benzoin and tolu balsam each ½ pint, musk-root tincture No. 1, 7 ozs., cumarin tincture 5¼ ozs., Portugal oil 1 oz., French rose-geranium oil 11¼ drachms, clove oil 5½ drachms, best lavender oil 11¼ drachms.
Violet flower fumigating essence.—Alcohol 1 quart, extracts No. 1 from French-violet pomade and cassie pomade each 1 pint, orris-root tincture No. 1, 1 quart, benzoin tincture 1 pint, storax tincture ¼ pint, abelmosk tincture No. 1, 4¼ ozs., ambergris tincture 11¼ drachms, orris-root oil 2¾ drachms, bergamot oil 11¼ drachms, best lavender oil 5½ drachms, myrrh oil 1½ drachms, basil oil 2¾ drachms.