Take:
- 10 grains angelica-root
- 15 grains camphor
- 20 grains cassia-lignea
- 20 grains cloves
- 20 grains mace
- 20 grains nutmegs
- 20 grains wormwood tops
- 1/2 drachm calamus aromaticus
- 1/2 drachm sage
- 1/2 drachm thyme
- 1 drachm orange flowers
- 1 1/2 drachms lavender flowers
- 3 drachms rose petals
- 3 drachms violets of each
- 1 ounce balm-mint
- 1 ounce spear-mint
- 2 sliced lemons
- 2 sliced oranges
- 5 gallons rectified Cologne spirits
Bruise or slice the solids, and digest them in the spirit, with frequent agitation, for 2 or 3 days, then distill off 3 gallons.
To this add:
- 1 ounce oil of bergamot
- 1 ounce essential oil of jasmine
- 1 drachm oil of balm-mint
- 1 drachm oil of cedrat
- 1 drachm oil of lavender
- 1 drachm oil of lemon
- 20 drops; pure neroli
- 20 drops oil of anthos-seed
Agitate until solution is complete, and the next day, if necessary, filter.
This formula, many years since, was confidentially given by the celebrated original Jean Maria Farina, who lived opposite the Jülichs Platz, in Cologne, to a professional gentleman, now deceased, with a solemn assurance that it was the one used by the former in his laboratory. After keeping the secret some years, this gentleman disclosed it.
It seems unnecessarily complicated. Some of the articles, as the herbs wormwood and mint, are either useless or better omitted. The version given above differs from the original simply in being intended for only 5 gallons instead of twelve times the quantity. Dr. Cooley says he personally tried it, and found the quality of the product splendid.
