Chapter 1
Ancient origins and sacred smoke
Chapter 2
The science of scent in the Golden Age
Chapter 3
European courtly stench and the rise of Grasse
Chapter 4
The modern synthetic revolution
YOUR GOAL
Master of Sniffing out the history of perfume
Ch 4 · The modern synthetic revolution
elorea Synthetic Perfume Revolution
With coumarin we captured new-mown hay, to rewrite how we craft a fragrance.
Fun Fact
Whale vomit gold: A single 280-pound chunk of ambergris found on a beach in 2021 was valued at over 1.5 million dollars.
Glossary
coumarin (noun)
A sweet-smelling compound found in many plants, such as tonka beans, and also produced synthetically. In 1882, Paul Parquet used this synthetic molecule to formulate the landmark fragrance Fougère Royale.
A sweet-smelling compound found in many plants, such as tonka beans, and also produced synthetically. In 1882, Paul Parquet used this synthetic molecule to formulate the landmark fragrance Fougère Royale.
Quiz
What class of synthetic chemicals gave Chanel No. 5 its famous sparkling, champagne-like quality?
Quiz
Which animal's scent gland was historically harvested to create the sweet, heavy 'civet' note in perfumes?
Quiz
What is the professional title given to a master perfume creator who has a highly trained sense of smell?
Quiz
What rare marine substance is produced by sperm whales and used as a high-end perfume fixative?
Quiz
What modern technology captures the scent molecules of a living flower without picking it?