Osmics – the Science of Perfume
Many scientists over the centuries have contributed to the furtherance of the science behind perfumes and aromatics leading to the modern science of Osmics that verifies the use of aromatics by the ancients. Albertus Magnus, Bishop of Cologne in the 13th century wrote of psychological responses of man to odours and perfumes similar to the work of Paracelsus.
Eliphas Levi was one of the earliest writers on perfume and the relationship with colour.
Charles Lilly – quoted in the Tattler – refers to his skill in preparing “snuffs and perfumes, which refresh the brain …”
Rene-Maurice Gattefosse was perhaps the earliest pioneer of modern aromatherapy in the 20th century. A distinguished French scientist, he had a laboratory accident that burned his hand. He plunged it into pure lavender oil and its immediate healing initiated further research.
Dr. George Kurti, born in Budapest in 1909 and who attended the Royal Academy of Music, invented a Scent Organ and was interested in developing the subtle healing powers of both music and scent. He believed that essential oils offer regeneration of cells and organs of the body.
Dr. Alexander Cannon K.C.A. of London, applied the developing science of aromatics to the alleviation of neurotic disorders.
Dr. Carrell of Michigan reported good results with perfume used in therapy with the insane and mentally disturbed.
M.T. Chole, of Bombay believes odoriferous matter reaches the parts of the brain not under conscious control and that its perception affects our psychic life and transforms our predispositions.
Roland Hunt, author of many works on the importance of the subtle sciences including the correlation between the musical scale and the harmonics of perfume as aids to elevating human consciousness. Ivah de Bergh Whitten encouraged Roland Hunt, teaching him of the additional influence and importance of colour.
Marguerite Maury, Austrian biochemist from her laboratory in France, introduced aromatherapy into Britain and Europe, as an adjunct to beauty treatments – offering rejuvenation and psychological help, as well as relief of physical ailments. Her scientific work provides the basis of the modern profession of aromatherapy, firmly providing this most ethereal of sciences with a scientific anchorage.
In modern London Danielle Ryman (M.Maury’s Aromatherapy, Piccadilly London) uses radiesthesia to determine which oils and in what combination they are to be used.
Micheline Arcier who trained under Mme Maury concentrates on the individual as a whole and includes dietary reform.
Marietta Kavanagh (William St, London) has developed her own specific formulas for each personality.
Philippe Mailhebiau of France, together with his research into the healing power of aromatics, has researched physical healing related aromatics to the qualities of the soul.
We await further development of the science as we use the essential oils proven to be effective in relieving both physical and psychological ailments and continue to explore the natural delights offered us as we inhale perfumes of our choice.
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