Extract of Civet is prepared by rubbing in a mortar one ounce of civet with an ounce of orris-root powder, or any other similar material that will assist to break up or divide the civet; and then placing the whole into a gallon of rectified spirits; after macerating for a month, it is fit to strain off.
It is principally used as a "fixing" ingredient, in mixing essences of delicate odor.
The French perfumers use the extract of civet more than English manufacturers, who seem to prefer extract of musk. From a quarter of a pint to half a pint is the utmost that ought to be mixed with a gallon of any other perfume.
Essence of Civet:
Take:
Proceed as for essence of ambergris or musk. Its odor is only agreeable when faint and combined with that of other substances, which it sustains and increases. It is hence seldom or never used alone.
It is principally used as a "fixing" ingredient, in mixing essences of delicate odor.
The French perfumers use the extract of civet more than English manufacturers, who seem to prefer extract of musk. From a quarter of a pint to half a pint is the utmost that ought to be mixed with a gallon of any other perfume.
Civet Synthetic: Many artificial substitutes are offered and one of the best of these is tetrahydroparamethyl quinoleine. Others are merely mixtures of indol, skatol, phenyl acetic acid, etc., but they will never entirely replace the natural product as they lack the characteristic softness of odour on dilution. Such imitations may be prepared on the following lines:
- Indol 50 grams
- Skatol 100 gr
- Phenyl acetic acid 350 gr
- Musk xylene 500 gr
Essence of Civet:
Take:
- 1 ounce civet cut very small
- 1 pint rectified spirit
Proceed as for essence of ambergris or musk. Its odor is only agreeable when faint and combined with that of other substances, which it sustains and increases. It is hence seldom or never used alone.
