Essence of Musk

Syn. E entia moschi , Tinctura m. concent rata , L. Prep. 1. Grain musk, 2 oz., and boiling water, 1 pint, are digested together in a close ve el until cold, when rectified spirit of wine, 7 pints, is added; the ve el (preferably a tin bottle) being corked close, and tied over with bladder, the whole is digested, with frequent agitation, for 2 months, in the sunshine (in summer), or in an equally warm situation in winter. At the end of the time the e ence is decanted and filtered. 2. Grain musk, 1 ⁄ 4 oz.; rectified spirit of wine, 2 pints; e ence of ambergris, 1 fl. oz.; digest as before. 3. Musk (from the bladder, rubbed very small), 5 oz.; civet, 1 oz.; e ence of ambergris, 1 pint; spirit of ambrette, 1 gall.; as before. Obs. All the preceding formulæ yield superior e ences, but the product of the last is of the very finest quality, and such as is seldom sold, except by the most celebrated houses, when it fetches a very high price. It is powerfully and deliciously odorous, and has received the approval of royalty itself, both in these kingdoms and on the Continent. The second formula also produces a very fine article, but le choice than just referred to. The digestion should be long continued, and on no account le than 3 weeks, as otherwise much fragrant matter is left undi olved. The addition of 1 fl. dr. of either liquor of ammonia or liquor of pota i a (the first is best) to each pint of the e ence, vastly increases its fragrance. The e ence of musk of the wholesale London druggists is generally made by merely digesting the freshly emptied musk pods in rectified spirit. Sometimes a little (a very little) grain musk is added. See E ence Royale and E ence of Ambergris . 4. (Guibourt.) Musk, 1 part; proof spirit, 12 parts; digest a fortnight, or longer. Used in dispensing, .