The Art of Perfumery, and Methods of Obtaining the Odors of Plants With Instructions for the Manufacture of Perfumes for the Handkerchief, Scented Powders, Odorous Vinegars, Dentifrices, Pomatums, Cosmetics, Perfumed Soap, Etc., to which is Added an Appendix on Preparing Artificial Fruit-Essences, Etc.

"The Art of Perfumery, and Methods of Obtaining the Odors of Plants" by G.W. Septimus Piesse is a 19th-century exploration of perfume-making, revealing the hidden power of scent in our lives. The book highlights how we often overlook the sense of smell despite its rich history and potential benefits. It starts by examining the historical importance of fragrances in ancient societies and religious rituals, then moves into the different ways to extract scents from plants, for example, distillation and maceration. The book also suggests that British gardeners could play a big part in the perfume industry if they learned the skills and got the support they needed. Essentially, this book is meant to be a detailed guide on how perfumes are made, encouraging readers to appreciate and use their sense of smell for health and enjoyment.