Robiquet on Aroma, 115 



strengtii of the odour. These substances, after remaining in 

 contact many days, presented no new phsenomena, and yet 

 there can be no doubt that in this case, the prussic acid ought 

 to have been absorbed, as it was formed : but since the odour 

 continued to be developed, we must conclude, in my opinion, 

 that the prussic acid did not contribute towards it. 



I do not doubt, that the influence of ammonia is manifested 

 in many other analogous circumstances, and that very fre- 

 quently it becomes the occasional cause of odours. It is easy 

 for me to point out many cases immediately. It will be found 

 in the Memoire of M. Chevreul on the Squalus Peregrinus, that 

 the cartilage, the oil contained in the spermaceti, and the liquor 

 extracted from the intervertebral cavities of this fish, are not 

 at all or only slightly odorous when fresh, but that they all 

 acquire an odour which becomes stronger as the decomposition 

 proceeds, at which time much ammonia is developed. I will 

 - mention also another fact recently observed by M. M. Guibourt 

 and Blondeau. Those two young apothecaries have con- 

 jointly published an analysis of musk. The first experiment 

 detailed is the following: Turkey musk, introduced into a small 

 retort, and distilled in a water-bath, gave a very ammoniacal 

 fluid, and the musk thus dried, had lost nearly all its odour. 

 These chemists have not inferred any thing from this experi- 

 ment; but, according to the idea I have advanced, it may 

 throw some light on a practice of long standing in the art of 

 the perfumer. There are some bodies, which, in order to 

 have their scent developed, require to be mixed with other 

 substances more fragrant, of which the emanations serve as a 

 vehicle. It is thus that only a slight perfume can be obtained 

 from ambergris when used alone, though, when mingled with 

 a little musk, it developes a very strong and decided odour. 

 Must it not be admitted in the last case, that the augmentation 

 of odour is occasioned, at least in great part, by the ammo- 

 niacal vapour of the musk. This hypothesis is also consistent 

 with the practice of perfumers, who expose their musk and 

 other substances in privies when they lose their power. 



It appears to me sufficiently demonstrated, that in many 



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