L2: Intro to Perfumes

Question 1

What is the definition of a perfume in a general sense?

Answer 1

Any odour that is appealing

Question 2

What is the definition of a perfume in a stricter sense?

Answer 2

Fragrant fluid preparation that is used to provide a scent.

Usually used in great dilution.

Intricate combinations of natural scents, synthetic chemicals, fixative and alcohol.

Question 3

What are the main purposes of usage of perfumes? (Hint: there are 5)

Answer 3

• For personal adornment
• To improve odour of various products
• To mask undesirable odours
• For aromatherapy (essential oils)
• In prayers/religious ceremonies

Question 4

What are the uses of perfumes in Ancient Egypt?

Answer 4

• Incense (Resins at dawn, myrrh at noon and kaphi at sunset)
• Aesthetic (Thyme, origanum, myrrh, spikenard, frankincense)
• Embalming the dead (Myrrh)

Question 5

What are the three perfumery ingredients from the references in the Bible and the 3 wise men?

Answer 5

Myrrh, Frankincense and gold

Question 6

Who invented steam distillation?

Answer 6

Avicenna, from Islam

Question 7

What is the first alcoholic perfume?

Answer 7

Hungary water

Question 8

Which king likes to perfume his court?

Answer 8

King Louis (18th century)

Question 9

Which was Napoleon’s favourite perfume?

Answer 9

Eau de Cologne

Question 10

When did delicate floral and herbal scent became more preferable?

Answer 10

Late 18th century

Question 11

When was solvent extraction perfected?

Answer 11

19th century

Question 12

What is the first aldehydic perfume?

Answer 12

Chanel No. 5