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.
"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