The word ‘perfume’ is derived from the Latin “per” (through) and “fumare” (to smoke) because, long before the use of modern techniques, the first perfumes were obtained by burning woods, resins and other complex mixtures. Humans have always been exposed to smells. We can suppose that it was around a fire that our earliest ancestors discovered what smells they could produce by throwing herbs, leaves or twigs of different plant species into the flames. The use of perfume is contemporary, therefore, with the development of the first towns and its purpose was mainly religious, to communicate with the gods and enable the dead to join the hereafter, particularly for the Egyptians. - From “Fragonard, 80 Years of Passion”.

I WAS BROWSING IN THE SPA BOUTIQUE at Old Edwards today, picking up some Shower Gel by Molton Brown, the scrumptious signature bath and body line of products that Old Edwards guests enjoy during their stay. While at the boutique, I spotted a glass shelf holding some delightful perfume bottles lettered in gold. More intriguing than the perfumes, though, was the book that was displayed alongside them: Fragonard, 80 Years of Passion.

I plucked the book from the shelf and began to page through colorful, artful pages laced with fascinating fragrance facts—history, techniques, ingredients, cultural and religious uses of perfume. The contents were interwoven with charming historical photos of perfume bottles, perfumed boxes, historical labels, perfume vases, XIIth-Century perfume burners, perfume spoons, IVth-Century perfume vials and interesting historical and cultural photos.

The book delights on every page, including an amusing chapter entitled: From the Renaissance to Enlightenment, The Art of Concealing Embarrassing Smells. It’s a fascinating little tome, published in celebration of the perfumery’s 80th anniversary (which was apparently about four years ago since the perfumery was established in 1926).

Though you can read much of the perfume-history portion of the book on the Fragonard website, the book itself is the perfect little treasure to display in your powder room or guestroom. Depending on what page you happen to open it to, you’ll be treated to any number of fascinating tidbits. For instance:

• An adult’s sense of smell depends largely on the cultural, sensorial and social experiences of his or her childhood.
• A good “nose” can memorize hundreds of primary smells and can even imagine the results of blending smells. 

I Googled the book and found it in the online museum shop of the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts for 50% off the regular price of $34.95. Whether or not you indulge in a book purchase, do enjoy a visit to the Fragonard Parfumeur website. And, the next time you’re in the Spa Boutique at Old Edwards, look for the glass shelf containing little French bottles in accents of gold, black and white—and enjoy the Fragonard sensory exploration.