The Art of Perfumery, and Methods of Obtaining the Odors of Plants

Several samples of "incense prepared for altar service," as sent out by Mr. Martin, of Liverpool, appear to be nothing more than gum olibanum, of indifferent quality, and not at all like the composition as especially commanded by God, the form for which is given in full in Exodus. The pastils of the moderns are really but a very slight modification of the incense of the ancients. For many years they were called Osselets of Cyprus. In the old books on pharmacy a certain mixture of the then known gum-resins was called Suffitus, which being thrown upon hot ashes produced a vapor which was considered to be salutary in many diseases. It is under the same impression that pastils are now used, or at least to cover the mal odeur of the sick-chamber. There is not much variety in the formula of the pastils that are now in use; we have first the