How to Make Extract Of Musk Perfume
This extraordinary substance, like civet, is an animal secretion; it is contained in excretory follicles about the navel of the male animal. In the perfumery trade these little bags are called "pods," and as imported it is called "pod musk." When the musk is separated from the skin or sack in which it is contained, it is then called "grain musk."
The musk deer (Moschus moschatus) is an inhabitant of the great mountain range which belts the north of India, and branches out into Siberia, Thibet, and China. And it is also found in the Altaic range, near Lake Baikal, and in some other mountain ranges, but always on the borders of the line of perpetual snow.
It is from the male animal only that the musk is produced.
The perfumer uses musk principally in the scenting of soap, sachet powder, and in mixing for liquid perfumery. The just reputation of Paris's original Windsor soap is due, in the main, to its delightful odor.
The soap is, doubtless, of the finest quality, but its perfume stamps it among the élite—its fragrance it owes to musk.
The alkaline reaction of soap is favorable to the development of the odoriferous principle of musk. If, however, a strong solution of potass be poured on to grain musk, ammonia is developed instead of the true musk smell.
Extract of Musk Recipe
Grain musk, 2 oz.
Rectified spirit, 1 gallon.
After standing for one month, at a summer temperature, it is fit to draw off. Such an extract is that which is used for mixing in other perfumes.
That extract of musk which is prepared for retail sale, is prepared thus:
Extrait de Musc.
Extract of musk (as above), 1 pint.
Extract of ambergris, 1/2pint
Extract of rose triple, 1/4 pint
Mix and filter it; it is then fit for bottling.
This preparation is sweeter than pure extract of musk made according to our first formula, and is also more profitable to the vendor.
It will be seen hereafter that the original extract of musk is principally used for a fixing ingredient in other perfumes, to give permanence to a volatile odor; customers requiring, in a general way, that which is incompatible, namely, that a perfume shall be strong to smell, i.e. very volatile, and that it shall remain upon the handkerchief for a long period, ergo, not volatile!
Small portions of extract of musk, mixed with esprit de rose, violet, tuberose, and others, do, in a measure, attain this object; that is, after the violet, &c., has evaporated, the handkerchief still retains an odor, which, although not that of the original smell, yet gives satisfaction, because it is pleasant to the nasal organ.
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