Hungary Water Composition For Handkerchief Refreshing Perfume
By distilling the Rosmarinus officinalis a thin limpid otto is procured, having the characteristic odor of the plant, which is more aromatic than sweet. One cwt. of the fresh herb yields about twenty-four ounces of oil. Otto of rosemary is very extensively used in perfumery, especially in combination with other ottos for scenting soap.
Eau de Cologne cannot be made without it, and in the once famous "Hungary water" it is the leading ingredient.
The following is the composition of Hungary Water recipe
Rectified alcohol, 1 gallon.
Otto of English rosemary, 2 oz.
Otto of lemon-peel, 1 oz.
Otto of balm (Melissa), 1 oz.
Otto of mint, 1/2 drachm.
Esprit de rose, 1 pint.
Extract of fleur d'orange, 1 pint
It is put up for sale in a similar way to eau de Cologne, and is said to take its name from one of the queens of Hungary, who is reported to have derived great benefit from a bath containing it, at the age of seventy-five years.
There is no doubt that clergymen and orators, while speaking for any time, would derive great benefit from perfuming their handkerchief with Hungary water or eau de Cologne, as the rosemary they contain excites the mind to vigorous action, sufficient of the stimulant being inhaled by occasionally wiping the face with the handkerchief wetted with these "waters."
We can understand how it is that such perfumes containing rosemary are universally said to be "so refreshing!"
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