28 BOOK OF THE SCENTED GARDEN 
fessor enlarged upon the assumed fact that an odour of a 
pronounced character rapidly permeated the atmosphere in 
an enclosed space. “This was at once to make appeal to 
the sentiment of what is called popular science, and to 
excite attention to the highest pitch. The lecturer 
produced from a specially constructed box a phial care- 
fully wrapped in cotton wool, and he asked those amongst 
the audience who detected the smell of its contents 
to raise their hands. He told his hearers that he was 
absolutely certain that not one amongst them had ever 
previously experienced any odour from his chemical 
combination, and at the same time that they need not be 
apprehensive of any poisonous effects. Thereupon the 
bottle was unstoppered and the contents poured upon 
the cotton wool, the experimenter turning his head away. 
Then he produced a stop-watch and waited for develop- 
ments. In fifteen seconds the occupants of the first 
rows raised their hands, and after the lapse of forty 
seconds the ‘‘ smell” had penetrated to the uttermost ends 
of the hall. All hands were now uplifted. The ‘re- 
serve seats” began to exhibit symptoms of uneasiness— 
more than that of positive illness, and some retired com- 
plaining of the ‘‘strong smell.” The experiment, at 
the request of those present, was immediately brought 
toan end. ‘The sting of the story is found in its tale. 
The professor’s magic phial contained nothing more 
harmful than pure distilled water—suggestion did all 
the rest! It was a paltry trick, some may say, but there 
are few who will conclude that it was wholly destitute 
of scientific value. 
PoINTs ABOUT PERFUMES 
Much can be said in favour of perfumes made by 
natural means from natural sources. “They have great 
advantages over those compounded by the chemist. 
Perfumes made from flowers possess a special health 
