The Scientific American cyclopedia of formulas : partly based upon the twenty-eighth edition of Scientific American cyclopedia of receipts, notes and queries 15,000 formulas / edited by Albert A. Hopkins.
- Albert A. Hopkins
- Date:
- 1910
Licence: Public Domain Mark
Credit: The Scientific American cyclopedia of formulas : partly based upon the twenty-eighth edition of Scientific American cyclopedia of receipts, notes and queries 15,000 formulas / edited by Albert A. Hopkins. Source: Wellcome Collection.
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![by well-known makers on a large scale. Their own secret formula has probably cost thousands of dollars and years of careful experimenting on the part of their experts and chemists. One question which presents itself in the selection of formulas is that the number of individual formulas devoted to one special thing is apt to be enormous. There is, however, a very good reason for this. For example, a manufacturer may wish to make a certain perfume which we will call “X,” and he is desirous of producing the cheapest possible synthetic perfume intended to be sold in a five and ten cent store: this results in one type of formula. The next maker wishes a fair grade formula calling for both synthetic preparations and also a certain admixture of the real essential oil obtained by enfleurage and distillation. A third manufacturer wishes a very high grade perfume and is willing to use the most expensive essential oils in its production. Still another manufacturer wishes to make the same perfume, only he requires the addition of musk, to give permanency. Thus we have a concrete example of four types of formulas, all of which are intended for a different class of trade, and require four distinct classes of formulas. It must not be thought for a moment that the Editor used everything he could lay his hands on. The intention is never to duplicate where it is possible to avoid it, but to show all types, always bearing in mind that tests are apt to differ, and that prices change with the qualities. The aim has been to produce a book of universal application which will prove of value in every laboratory, factory, office, and home. Another reason for a plurality of formulas is that very often the ingredients called for in one formula are not always obtainable, especially in a small town. This is an added reason for seeming liberality in the printing of formulas. Enough explanation, however, is given to prevent any confusion in the use of the formulas. The chapter on chemical, pharmaceutical, and technical manipulation has been prepared with the co-operation of well-known technical and com¬ mercial chemists. The information given is eminently practical, and a careful study of it will go far toward economy both of money and time. Amateurs are apt to waste both if not properly guided. Specific instruc- [2]](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b31361523_0016.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
