Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Chemistry, Botany, Horticulture, Botanical Gardens, Ancient Authorities, Travel, Zoology, Biogeography, Naturalists

People mentioned:

Pliny, James Bruce, William Jones, Juan Loureiro

    Describes the history, ingredients, and process of production of perfumes. Includes descriptions of the cultivation and habitat of various species of plant. When describing the 'Balsam of Mecca', explains that 'A flask of this balsam is preserved in the "Garden of Plants" [Jardin des Plantes] in Paris, as a rarity of unattainable price' (404). Reports that 'Musk is produced from an animal which is very common in Tibet [...]. This animal is of the species of hedgehog, but it has two tusks like a boar, and is covered in quills like a porcupine'. Continues: 'Naturalists and Travelers are not agreed to the existence of the civet in Asia; this animal which resembles a large cat, is common in Sengal [...] and on the coast of Africa'. (406)