Ionone is an artificial perfume which smells exactly like fresh violets, and is therefore an extremely important product. Although before it was discovered compositions were known which gave fair imitations of the violet perfume, they were wanting in the characteristic tang which distinguishes all violet preparations. Ionone has even the curious property possessed by violets of losing its scent occasionally for a short time. It occasionally happens that an observer, on taking the stopper out of a bottle of ionone, perceives no special odor, but a few seconds after the stopper has been put back in the bottle, the whole room begins to smell of fresh violets. It seems to be a question of dilution. It is impossible, however, to make a usable extract by mere dilution of a 10 per cent solution of ionone.

It is advisable to make these preparations in somewhat large quantities, say 30 to 50 pounds at a time. This enables them to be stocked for some time, whereby they improve greatly. When all the ingredients are mixed, 10 days or a fortnight, with frequent shakings, should elapse before filtration. The filtered product must be kept in well-filled and well-corked bottles in a dry, dark, cool place, such as a well-ventilated cellar. After 5 or 6 weeks the preparation is ready for use.

Quadruple Extract

By weight

Jasmine extract, 1st pomade........ 100 parts

Rose extract, 1st pomade........ 100 parts

Cassia extract, 1st pomade. ....... 200 parts

Violet extract, 1st pomade........ 200 parts

Oil of geranium, Spanish........ 2 parts

Solution of vanillin, 10 per cent. . 10 parts

Solution of orris, 10 per cent...... 100 parts

Solution of ionone, 10 per cent 20 parts

Infusion of musk . . 10 parts

Infusion of orris from coarsely ground root..... 260 parts

Triple Extract

            By weight

Cassia extract, 2d pomade........ 100 parts

Violet extract, 2d pomade........ 300 parts

Jasmine extract, 2d pomade..... 100 parts

Rose extract, 2d pomade........ 100 parts

Oil of geranium, African......... 1 part

Ionone, 10 per cent 15 parts

Solution of vanillin, 10 per cent. . 5 parts

Infusion of orris from coarse ground root .... 270 parts

Infusion of musk . . 10 parts