Steffen Arctander has created a unique reference on natural fragrance materials which is divided into two parts. The first is a clear set of definitions and processing methods that are used to isolate the natural products described in the book. The second part is a series of more than 500 monographs on crude and processed perfume and flavor materials of natural origin, including both vegetable and animal-based products. Examples of materials contained in this text include:
- Items of rare usage such as agarwood oil, flouve isolates and civet products for the perfumer
- Horseradish oil, lemon petitgrain oil and tagetes oil for the flavorist.
Expert Review
"Arctander's book is the most important reference on natural fragrance materials. His understanding of the nuances of scented material is unequalled, and he knows how to convey those subtleties to the reader in comparison to odors with which the reader is already familiar. The sheer passion for natural perfume materials manifest in his description has more than once stimulated me to track down some rare and unfamiliar essence. I lean on his book for my own descriptions of the individual essences, and I recommend buying a copy of it for yourself. Reading his descriptions of natural essences and comparing them to your own impressions is a terrific way to broaden your aromatic palette and to learn about the nuances of scent."
—Mandy Aftel
Aftelier Perfumes