— 53 — 



For purposes of comparison we have added to the above table the 

 limits of value which we have observed in authentic geranium oils in the 

 course of many years' experience. This comparison shows clearly to what 

 (partly very considerable) extent the two samples deviate from genuine 

 oils. The difference finds its greatest expression in the rotation, which 

 makes it evident at once that both oils are heavily adulterated. 



The odour of No. 1 oil, without further examination, pointed to the 

 presence of gingergrass oil, and as the constants also agreed with those 

 of that oil it is to be assumed that the bulk of the sample consisted of 

 gingergrass oil. Possibly the oil may have been nothing else, but this 

 could not be determined positively. 



No. 2 oil had yet another admixture, further examination showing it 

 to contain over 30% gurjun balsam oil 1 ), which adulterant was left behind 

 when the sample was treated with 80% alcohol, and was identified from 

 its constants: di 5 o 0,9199, « D — 81° 16', n D20 o 1,50. As already, it was doubtful 

 whether this sample too, contained any geranium oil whatever. 



Parry 2 ) also reports an interesting case of sophistication of geranium 

 oil, namely with ethyl oxalate, which he discovered in several samples of 

 Reunion (Bourbon) oil. The oils in question were suspected on account of 

 their specific gravity, which was far too high (0,9093 to 0,9225) and their 

 quite abnormally high ester-value (46 to 74%). In contradistinction to the 

 behaviour of pure geranium oil, a crystalline substance (potassium oxalate) 

 separated out in saponification. Parry isolated the acid and identified it 

 as oxalic acid by the usual tests. Whether he has also identified the 

 alcoholic constituent, and from it has found the ester to be ethyl oxalate, 

 is not stated in his note. 



Ginger Oil. Thanks to our excellent connections for the purchase 

 of suitable raw material we have been able to secure sufficient quantities 

 of ginger to satisfy even the extraordinarily heavy demand which, the 

 high prices notwithstanding, has been experienced, especially from British 

 consumers. There has been only very little change in the market-position 

 of those varieties which are suitable for distilling, and it is therefore 

 necessary to be prepared for high prices. Moreover, within the last few 

 weeks a serious upward movement has set in in Cochin ginger. 



Gingergrass Oil. There has been very little demand for this oil, 

 chiefly for the reason that since the rise in palmarosa oil and the con- 

 sequent introduction of our palmarosa oil substitute in the soap-industry, 

 the latter preparation has been preferred, because it has not only a pure 

 geranium-odour but is also considerably cheaper than gingergrass oil. It 



1 ) We have already on a previous occasion referred to an adulteration of geranium oi! 

 with gurjun balsam oil. Report April 1908, 56. 



'-) Perfum. and Essent. Oil Record 2 (1911), 83. 



