What was a common practice for ancient Egyptians to carry with them to enjoy dry perfumes?
- Pouches of scented gums
- Bottles of essential oils
- Scented candles
- Perfumed soaps
Correct Answer: Pouches of scented gums
Correct Answer Explanation: Ancient Egyptians carried pouches of scented gums as a portable way to enjoy fragrances.
Which ancient civilization is known for their lavish use of perfumes, sometimes scenting themselves three times a day?
- Egyptians
- Greeks
- Romans
- Chinese
Correct Answer: Romans
Correct Answer Explanation: The Romans were known for their extravagant use of perfumes, often scenting themselves multiple times a day.
What is the primary chemical component that gives plants their distinct scents?
- Volatile oils
- Sugar
- Starch
- Water
Correct Answer: Volatile oils
Correct Answer Explanation: Volatile oils, also known as essential oils, are responsible for the characteristic scents of plants.
What is the method of extracting scent by squeezing plant material, often used for citrus fruits?
- Distillation
- Expression
- Maceration
- Absorption
Correct Answer: Expression
Correct Answer Explanation: Expression is a mechanical method of extracting scent by squeezing the plant material, often used for citrus fruits to obtain their oils.
What method of scent extraction involves infusing plant materials in a fatty substance like lard or suet?
- Distillation
- Expression
- Maceration
- Absorption
Correct Answer: Maceration
Correct Answer Explanation: Maceration involves soaking plant materials in a fatty substance to extract their scents, a process used for creating fragrant oils and pomades.
What method of scent extraction involves absorbing scent onto a fatty substance using a frame covered with flower buds?
- Distillation
- Expression
- Maceration
- Absorption
Correct Answer: Absorption
Correct Answer Explanation: Absorption is a cold process where scent is absorbed onto a fatty substance, often using a frame covered with flower buds. This method, called enfleurage in French, is traditionally used for delicate flowers like jasmine and rose.
What is the French term for “ancient oil,” often used to describe oils infused with flowers and used in perfumery?
- Eau de cologne
- Huile antique
- Esprit
- Pomade
Correct Answer: Huile antique
Correct Answer Explanation: “Huile antique” is the French term for “ancient oil,” referring to oils infused with flowers and traditionally used in perfumery.
What is the French term for “spirit,” often used to refer to a solution of essential oils in alcohol?
- Eau de cologne
- Huile antique
- Esprit
- Pomade
Correct Answer: Esprit
Correct Answer Explanation: “Esprit” is the French term for “spirit,” often used to refer to a solution of essential oils in alcohol, which creates a more volatile and concentrated fragrance.
What is the name for a complex fragrance composed of a blend of various essential oils?
- Bouquet
- Pomade
- Esprit
- Huile antique
Correct Answer: Bouquet
Correct Answer Explanation: A “bouquet” is a complex fragrance composed of a blend of various essential oils, creating a nuanced and layered scent.
Which of these animal substances was a popular ingredient in perfumes for adding depth and permanence to fragrances?
- Civet
- Musk
- Ambergris
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Civet, musk, and ambergris were all used in perfumes for their unique olfactory properties, adding depth, permanence, and complexity to fragrances.
What is the name of the sacred perfume used in ancient Hebrew rituals, outlined in Exodus 30?
- Frankincense
- Myrrh
- Rose otto
- Ambergris
Correct Answer: Frankincense
Correct Answer Explanation: Exodus 30 outlines the specific recipe for the sacred perfume used in ancient Hebrew rituals, known as frankincense.
What is the name of the red paint, made with carmine, that was used for theatrical makeup and personal adornment?
- Bloom of Roses rouge
- Wood Violet
- Bears’ grease
- Frangipanni perfume
Correct Answer: Bloom of Roses rouge
Correct Answer Explanation: “Bloom of Roses” rouge was a red paint, made with carmine, used for theatrical makeup and personal adornment, highlighting the connection between fragrance and appearance.
What is the name of the popular violet-based scent created by Parisian perfumers, combining violet extract with other fragrant ingredients?
- Bloom of Roses rouge
- Wood Violet
- Bears’ grease
- Frangipanni perfume
Correct Answer: Wood Violet
Correct Answer Explanation: The Parisian perfumers created a popular violet-based scent called “Violette des Bois” or “Wood Violet,” combining violet extract with other fragrant ingredients.
Which of these scents is known for its ability to repel moths, making it a popular choice for scenting clothes drawers and wardrobes?
- Lavender
- Rose
- Jasmine
- Patchouli
Correct Answer: Patchouli
Correct Answer Explanation: Patchouli is known for its strong, earthy scent that repels moths, making it a popular choice for scenting clothes drawers and wardrobes.
Which of these plants is known for its superior quality and fetches a higher price than lavender from other regions?
- French lavender
- Italian lavender
- English lavender
- Spanish lavender
Correct Answer: English lavender
Correct Answer Explanation: English lavender, grown at Mitcham in Surrey, is highly prized for its superior quality and fetches a higher price than lavender from other regions.
What is the approximate yield of essential oil from 1 cwt. of cassia bark?
- 1 lb.
- 3/4 lb.
- 1/2 lb.
- 1/4 lb.
Correct Answer: 3/4 lb.
Correct Answer Explanation: 1 cwt. of cassia bark yields about 3/4 lb. of oil, highlighting the amount of plant material needed for a relatively small amount of essential oil.
What is the approximate yield of essential oil from 1 cwt. of lavender flowers?
- 14 to 16 oz.
- 20 to 24 oz.
- 28 to 32 oz.
- 36 to 40 oz.
Correct Answer: 14 to 16 oz.
Correct Answer Explanation: 1 cwt. of lavender flowers produces 14 to 16 oz. of oil, demonstrating the relatively low yield of essential oil from a large quantity of plant material.
What is the approximate yield of essential oil from 1 cwt. of patchouli herb?
- 14 to 16 oz.
- 20 to 24 oz.
- 28 to 32 oz.
- 36 to 40 oz.
Correct Answer: 28 to 32 oz.
Correct Answer Explanation: 1 cwt. of patchouli herb can yield approximately 28 oz. of essential oil, demonstrating the higher yield of essential oil from patchouli compared to lavender.
What is the approximate yield of essential oil from 1 cwt. of rosemary herb?
- 14 to 16 oz.
- 20 to 24 oz.
- 28 to 32 oz.
- 36 to 40 oz.
Correct Answer: 20 to 24 oz.
Correct Answer Explanation: 1 cwt. of rosemary herb yields about 24 oz. of oil, highlighting the relatively high yield of essential oil from rosemary.
What is the approximate yield of otto of roses from 2,000 rose blooms?
- 1 ounce
- 1 drachm
- 1/2 drachm
- 1/4 drachm
Correct Answer: 1 drachm
Correct Answer Explanation: Approximately 2,000 rose blooms are needed to produce one drachm of otto of roses, emphasizing the labor-intensive process of producing this valuable essential oil.
What is the approximate yield of otto of santal from 1 cwt. of sandalwood?
- 14 to 16 oz.
- 20 to 24 oz.
- 28 to 32 oz.
- 36 to 40 oz.
Correct Answer: 28 to 32 oz.
Correct Answer Explanation: 1 cwt. of sandalwood yields about 30 oz. of otto, showcasing the relatively high yield of essential oil from sandalwood.
What is the approximate yield of otto of vitivert from 1 cwt. of vitivert root?
- 14 to 16 oz.
- 20 to 24 oz.
- 28 to 32 oz.
- 36 to 40 oz.
Correct Answer: 14 to 16 oz.
Correct Answer Explanation: 1 cwt. of vitivert root yields approximately 14 oz. of otto, emphasizing the relatively low yield of essential oil from vitivert root.
What is the approximate weight of grain musk found in a single musk pod?
- 1 to 2 drachms
- 2 to 3 drachms
- 4 to 5 drachms
- 6 to 7 drachms
Correct Answer: 2 to 3 drachms
Correct Answer Explanation: A single musk pod typically contains 2 to 3 drachms of grain musk, highlighting the relatively small amount of musk obtained from each pod.
What was the approximate price of a six-ounce sample of jasmine otto from Tunisia in 1851?
- 3l. per fluid ounce
- 6l. per fluid ounce
- 9l. per fluid ounce
- 12l. per fluid ounce
Correct Answer: 9l. per fluid ounce
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1851, a six-ounce sample of jasmine otto from Tunisia was priced at 9l. per fluid ounce, demonstrating the high value of this rare and fragrant essential oil.
What was the approximate price of fine essences in London perfumery warehouses in 1857?
- 8s. per pint
- 12s. per pint
- 16s. per pint
- 20s. per pint
Correct Answer: 16s. per pint
Correct Answer Explanation: Fine essences in London perfumery warehouses could fetch 16s. per pint (16 oz.), showcasing the high cost of these concentrated and valuable ingredients.
What was the approximate price of high-quality flowery-scented pomades in England in 1857?
- 8s. per pound
- 12s. per pound
- 16s. per pound
- 20s. per pound
Correct Answer: 16s. per pound
Correct Answer Explanation: High-quality flowery-scented pomades in England could command a price of 16s. per pound, highlighting the value of these fragrant and luxurious products.
What is the estimated annual consumption of perfumed spirits in Britain in 1857?
- 50,000 gallons
- 100,000 gallons
- 150,000 gallons
- 200,000 gallons
Correct Answer: 150,000 gallons
Correct Answer Explanation: Britain consumes at least 150,000 gallons of perfumed spirits annually, indicating the widespread use of fragrances and scented products in the mid-19th century.
What is the estimated annual consumption of orange flowers by a large French perfumer in 1857?
- 40,000 lbs.
- 60,000 lbs.
- 80,000 lbs.
- 100,000 lbs.
Correct Answer: 80,000 lbs.
Correct Answer Explanation: One large French perfumer utilizes 80,000 lbs. of orange flowers annually, highlighting the vast quantities of plant materials required for the production of perfumes and scented products.
What is the estimated revenue generated from essential oils and other perfumery products imported into England in 1852?
- 5,000l.
- 7,500l.
- 9,766l. 16s.
- 12,000l.
Correct Answer: 9,766l. 16s.
Correct Answer Explanation: The revenue generated from essential oils and other perfumery products imported into England in 1852 was over 9,766l. 16s., highlighting the significant economic impact of the perfumery industry.
What is the estimated revenue generated from French pomatums imported into England in 1852?
- 500l.
- 800l.
- 1,100l.
- 1,306l.
Correct Answer: 1,306l.
Correct Answer Explanation: French pomatums, valued at 6s. per pound, generated 1,306l. in revenue from imports in 1852, illustrating the popularity of these fragrant hair products.
What is the estimated revenue generated from eau de cologne imported into England in 1852?
- 5,000l.
- 7,500l.
- 8,000l.
- 10,000l.
Correct Answer: 8,000l.
Correct Answer Explanation: The estimated revenue from eau de cologne imported into England in 1852 was 8,000l., highlighting the significant demand for this popular and refreshing fragrance.
What is the estimated total revenue generated from perfumes and related products in England in 1852?
- 20,000l.
- 30,000l.
- 40,000l.
- 50,000l.
Correct Answer: 40,000l.
Correct Answer Explanation: The total revenue generated from perfumes and related products in England in 1852 was estimated to be at least 40,000l., demonstrating the substantial economic impact of the perfumery industry.
What is the main argument Piesse makes for establishing flower farms in Britain?
- To reduce reliance on imports and capitalize on a profitable new industry.
- To provide a more sustainable source of flowers for the perfumery industry.
- To improve the quality of essential oils produced in Britain.
- To promote the use of native flowers in perfumery.
Correct Answer: To reduce reliance on imports and capitalize on a profitable new industry.
Correct Answer Explanation: Piesse advocates for the establishment of flower farms in Britain to reduce reliance on imports and capitalize on a profitable new industry, reflecting the economic considerations of the time.
What is Piesse’s main recommendation for extracting delicate scents from plants?
- To use steam distillation to avoid imparting an unpleasant burnt smell.
- To use a cold process like enfleurage to preserve the delicate fragrance.
- To extract the scent immediately after harvesting the plants.
- To use only the freshest and most fragrant flowers.
Correct Answer: To use steam distillation to avoid imparting an unpleasant burnt smell.
Correct Answer Explanation: Piesse emphasizes the importance of using steam distillation for delicate scents, as the direct application of fire can impart an unpleasant burnt smell, highlighting the importance of careful processing techniques.
What is the main argument Piesse makes for the importance of the olfactory nerve?
- It is crucial for our enjoyment of fragrances.
- It plays a role in our sense of taste.
- It warns us about impure air and promotes overall health.
- It allows us to distinguish different scents.
Correct Answer: It warns us about impure air and promotes overall health.
Correct Answer Explanation: The author argues that the olfactory nerve is essential for warning us about impure air and promoting overall health, highlighting the connection between scent and wellbeing.
What is the main reason Piesse believes the English perfumery industry has lagged behind its French counterparts?
- The English have not embraced the use of animal substances in perfumery.
- The English have relied too heavily on imports of essential oils.
- The English perfumery industry has been characterized by secrecy.
- The English have not developed innovative blending techniques.
Correct Answer: The English perfumery industry has been characterized by secrecy.
Correct Answer Explanation: Piesse believes that secrecy within the English perfumery industry has hindered its growth and innovation compared to its French counterparts, highlighting the importance of open exchange and collaboration in driving progress.
What is the main reason Piesse believes the use of perfumes can increase sensitivity to vitiated atmospheres?
- Perfumes stimulate the olfactory nerve and increase awareness of odors.
- Perfumes can mask unpleasant smells and make us less aware of our surroundings.
- Perfumes can create a false sense of security and lead to complacency about air quality.
- Perfumes can react with impurities in the air and create harmful compounds.
Correct Answer: Perfumes stimulate the olfactory nerve and increase awareness of odors.
Correct Answer Explanation: The author argues that the use of perfumes can increase sensitivity to vitiated atmospheres because they stimulate the olfactory nerve, making us more aware of odors, even subtle or unpleasant ones.
What is the main conclusion Piesse draws about the role of scent in human civilization?
- Scent is an essential part of human culture and plays a significant role in religious practices, cultural expression, and personal care.
- Scent is primarily a matter of personal preference and has little impact on our lives.
- Scent is a powerful tool for communication and can convey complex emotions.
- Scent is a valuable commodity and can be used for commercial purposes.
Correct Answer: Scent is an essential part of human culture and plays a significant role in religious practices, cultural expression, and personal care.
Correct Answer Explanation: Piesse concludes that scent is an integral part of human civilization, influencing religious practices, cultural expression, and personal care, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between fragrance and human experience.