BOOKS AND NOTES ON THE SUBJECT OF PERFUMES, ETC. 169 
There is no mention of Camphor, Cloves, Nutmegs, Betel 
Leaf, Cubebs, or Gamboge, which may show the trend of 
commerce in Bible times. The “ precious ointment ” of the 
Scriptures was a compound of Olive oil, Myrrh, Cassia, 
Cinnamon, and Sweet Calamus, &c. It was a sacred pro¬ 
duction, and could not be used for secular purposes. A precious 
ointment is still used for the Pope’s Golden Bose. In the 
early Christian Church not only incense but the oil of 
the lamps, and even the wax of tapers, &c., were perfumed. 
374-286 b.c. Theophrastus wrote a work on fragrant plants in 
which he says : “ Perfumes are made from Roses, White 
Lilies, and Violets, some from stalks and some from roots.” 
? 200 b.c. Apollonius of Herophila, who wrote a treatise on 
perfumes alluded to by Pliny. “ The Iris,” says Apollonius, “ is 
best at Elis and at Cyzicus ; perfume from Roses is most 
excellent at Phasalis, Naples, and at Capua ; that made from 
Crocus is in highest perfection at Soli in Cilicia and at 
Rhodes; the essence of Spikenard is best at Tanius; the 
extract of Vine leaves at Cyprus and at Adramythum; the 
best perfume from Marjoram and Apples comes from Cos; 
Egypt bears the palm for essence of Cyprinus, and the next 
best is the Cyprian and the Phoenician, and after them 
comes the Sidonian. The perfume called Panatheniacum is 
made at Athens, and those called Metopian and Mendesian 
are prepared with the greatest skill in Egypt.” 
65 b.c. Horace was very fond of flowers and perfumes. In his 
ode celebrating the return of Augustus from Spain he bids the 
slaves set rarest perfumes, and especially desires the tuneful 
Neaera to make haste and knot up her scented hair. 
1250. The Doge of Venice even so far back as the thirteenth 
century “ might receive no presents or gifts from'anyone, 
except offerings of rosewater, leaves, flowers, and sweet herbs. 
In the event of a marriage he might receive gifts of food only, 
and he had to exact an oath from the Dogaressa and all his 
children to observe this rule strictly .”—Venice : “ Story of the 
Nations ” Series, p. 156. (1894.) 
1527. Master Jerome Brunswick, “ The Vertuose boke of Dis- 
tillacyon of the waters of all manner of Herbes,” folio, 
newly translated out of Duyche into Englysshe, by the 
printer Lawrence Andrew, London. This is a rare and 
