Piesse/Reveil - Des odeurs, des parfums et des cosmétiques - 1865

[PIESSE, S. / REVEIL, O.]
Odors, perfumes and cosmetics. Natural history, chemical composition, preparation, recipes, industry, physiological effects and hygiene of powders, vinegars, toothpastes, pomades, rouges, soaps, aromatic waters, essences, infusions, tinctures, alcoholates, sachets, etc.
Paris, J. B. Baillière et Fils, 1865.

A period in-12 hardcover, with a smooth spine adorned with borders and gilt titles, speckled edges, boards covered in marbled paper. An elegant and well-preserved copy of this classic work on 19th-century perfumery.

French edition published with the consent and aid of the author by O. Réveil, associate professor at the School of Pharmacy and at the Faculty of Medicine. The work offers a complete and meticulous study of the art of perfumery, combining the natural history of plant and animal raw materials with laboratory techniques and the industrial recipes of the time.

The text is illustrated with numerous wood-engraved figures interspersed in the text, depicting fragrant plants (such as Viola alpestris, Abelmoschus ketmia or camphor laurel), as well as laboratory equipment and manufacturing processes, including the French alambics used by perfumers.

A major historical reference for the study of distillation techniques and cosmetic formulation during the Second Empire.