Part 1
THE
TOILET
OF
FLORA.
Illustration: _FRONTISPIECE. The Graces._
THE
TOILET OF FLORA;
OR,
A COLLECTION
OF THE
MOST SIMPLE AND APPROVED
METHODS OF PREPARING
BATHS, PERFUMES, ESSENCES, AND POMATUMS, SWEET-SCENTED POWDERS, WATERS.
WITH
RECEIPTS for COSMETICS of every Kind, that can smooth and brighten the SKIN, give Force to BEAUTY, and take off the Appearance of OLD AGE and DECAY.
By Pierre-Joseph Buc'hoz
_FOR THE USE OF THE LADIES._
A NEW EDITION, IMPROVED.
LONDON,
Printed for J. MURRAY, No. 32, Fleet-street; and W. NICOLL, St. Paul's Church Yard.
M DCC LXXIX.
ADVERTISEMENT.
The chief Intention of this Performance is to point out, and explain to the Fair Sex, the Methods by which they may preserve and add to their Charms; and by which many natural Blemishes and Imperfections may be remedied or concealed. The same Share of Grace and Attractions is not possessed by all of them; but while the Improvement of their Persons is the indispensable Duty of those who have been little favoured by Nature, it should not be neglected even by the few who have received the largest Proportion of her Gifts. The same Art which will communicate to the former the Power of pleasing, will enable the latter to extend the Empire of their Beauty. It is possible to remove, or, at least, to cover the Defects of the one Class, and to give Force and Lustre to the Perfections of the other.
The Author, however, though in general he has framed his Work for the Advantage of the Ladies, has not entirely confined it to them. The Virtues of Plants and Vegetables, beside the Service they furnish for the Toilet, have their Use in Articles of Luxury. He has thence been induced to address himself also to the Perfumer: and his Publication, he flatters himself, while it comprizes a very perfect Collection of the Methods which tend to improve Beauty, to repair the Wastes of Fatigue, and to avert the Marks of Age or Decline, includes likewise a full Account of whatever relates to domestic Oeconomy and Expence.
Uncommon Pains have been taken to improve the present Edition, which contains a System of the Cosmetic Art, infinitely superior to any that has hitherto appeared; and it has likewise uniformly rendered the various Prescriptions not only compatible with, but subservient to, the Preservation, and even the Improvement of Health; an Object of the greatest Importance in a Work of this Kind.
CONTENTS.
No. Page.
1. An Aromatic Bath 1
2. A Cosmetic Bath 2
3. An Emollient Bath for the Feet ib.
4. An Aromatic Bath for the Feet 3
5. An excellent Preservative Balsam against the Plague ib.
6. An excellent Cosmetic for the Face 5
7. A curious Perfume ib.
8. Perfumed Chaplets and Medals 6
9. Receipt to thicken the Hair, and make it grow again on a bald part ib.
10. An approved Depilatory Fluid 7
11. A Powder to prevent Baldness 8
12. To quicken the Growth of Hair ib.
13. A compound Oil for the same Intention ib.
14. A Fluid to make the Hair grow 9
15. A Liniment of the same Kind ib.
16. To change the Colour of the Hair 10
17. Simple Means of producing the same Effect ib.
18. To change the Hair or Beard black 11
19. A Fluid to dye the Hair of a flaxen Colour 12
20. A perfumed Basket 13
21. Natural Cosmetics ib.
22. A remedy for Corns on the Feet 14
23. A Coral Stick for the Teeth 14
24. A Receipt to clean the Teeth, and make the Flesh grow close to the Root of the Enamel 15
25, 26, 27. Receipts to strengthen the Gums and fasten loose Teeth 15, 16
28. For rotten Teeth 17
29. A Liquid Remedy for decayed Teeth ib.
30. A Powder to clean the Teeth 18
31. A Remedy for sore Gums and loose Teeth ib.
32. An approved Receipt against that troublesome Complaint, called the Teeth set on Edge ib.
33. A Liquid for cleansing the Teeth 19
34. A sure Preservative from the Tooth Ache, and Defluxions on the Gums or Teeth ib.
35, 36, 37, 38, 39. Methods to make the Teeth beautifully white 20-22
40. A Powder to cleanse the Teeth 22
41. Mr. Rae's Receipt for making a Powder for the like Purpose 23
42. Another ib.
43. An efficacious Tooth-Powder 24
44. A Powder to cleanse the Teeth ib.
45. A Tincture to strengthen the Gums, and prevent the Scurvy 25
46. Mr. Baumé's Manner of preparing the Roots for cleaning the Teeth ib.
47. Manner of preparing Sponges for the Teeth 28
48. Rule for the Preservation of the Teeth and Gums 29
49. For stopping the Decay of Teeth 31
WATERS.
50. The Celestial Water 32
51, 52. Receipts to make the genuine Hungary-Water 35, 36
53, 54. Directions for making Lavender-Water 37, 38
55, 56. ----Rose-Water 39-41
57, 58. ----Orange-Flower Water 42, 43
59. Magisterial Balm-Water 46
60. Compound Balm-Water, commonly called Eau de Carmes 49
61. Sweet Honey-Water 50
62. Sweet-scented Water 52
63. German sweet-scented Water 53
64. Imperial Water 56
65, 66. Odoriferous Water 57
67. The Ladies Water 58
68. A beautifying Wash 59
69. A Cosmetic Water ib.
70. An excellent Cosmetic ib.
71. Venice Water highly esteemed 60
72. A Balsamic Water ib.
73. Angelic Water, of a most agreeable scent 61
74. Nosegay or Toilet Water 62
75. Spirit of Guaiacum 63
76. The Divine Cordial ib.
77. Compound Cypress Water 65
78. Imperial Water 66
79. All Flower Water 68
80. A curious Water known by the Name of the Spring Nosegay 69
81. A Cosmetic Water, that prevents Pits after the Small-Pox 71
82. A Cooling Wash ib.
83, 84. An excellent Water to clear the Skin, and take away Pimples 72
85. Venetian Water to clear a Sun-burnt Complexion 73
86. A Water for Pimples in the Face 74
87. A Fluid to clear a tanned Skin ib.
88. A Fluid to whiten the Skin ib.
89. A Beautifying Wash 75
90. A Water that tinges the Cheeks a beautiful Carnation Hue 76
91. A Cosmetic Water 77
92. A Water, christened, the Fountain of Youth ib.
93. A Water that preserves the Complexion 78
94. A Water that gives a Gloss to the Skin 80
95. A Preservative from Tanning ib.
96, 97, 98. Certain Means of removing Freckles 81, 82
99, 100. A Water to prevent Freckles, or Blotches in the Face 82, 83
101, 102. A Water to improve the Complexion 83
103, 104. A Cosmetic Water 84, 85
105. A simple Balsamic Water, which removes Wrinkles 85
106. A Water to change the Eye-brows black 86
107. To remove Worms in the Face 86
108. The Duchess de la Vrilliere's Mouth-Water 87
109. Another Water for the Teeth, called Spirituous Vulnerary Water 88
110. Receipt to make Vulnerary Water 89
111, 112, 113, 114. Waters for the Gums 90-92
115. A simple Depilatory 92
116. Prepared Sponges for the Face ib.
117. Spirit of Roses 93
118. Inflammable Spirits of all Kinds of Flowers 97
ESSENCES.
119, 120. Method of extracting Essences from Flowers 98-101
121. Essence of Ambergrise 102
122. A Remedy for St. Anthony's Fire, or Erysipelatous Eruptions on the Face 103
FLOWERS.
123. Manner of drying Flowers, so as to preserve their natural Colours ib.
124, 125. Different Methods of preserving Flowers 106-108
126. Another Method of preserving Flowers a long while, in their natural Shape and Colour. 109
GLOVES.
127. White Gloves scented with Jasmine after the Italian Manner 110
128. Gloves scented without the Flowers 111
129. White Gloves scented with Ketmia or Musky Seed 112
130. To colour Gloves a curious French Yellow 113
131, 132. Curious Perfumes in Gloves 114
133, 134. Excellent Receipts to clear a tanned Complexion 115
BREATH.
135, 136. Receipts to sweeten the Breath 115, 116
OILS.
137, 138. Cosmetic Oils 116
139. Oil of Wheat 117
140. Compound Oil, or Essence of Fennel ib.
141. Oil of Tuberoses and Jasmine 118
142. An Oil scented with Flowers for the Hair 119
ESSENTIAL OILS, or QUINTESSENCES.
143. Essential Oil, commonly called Quintessence of Lavender 121
144. To make Essence of Cinnamon 122
145. To make Quintessence of Cloves 123
146. A Cosmetic Juice 125
VIRGIN's MILK.
147. A safe and approved Cosmetic ib.
148, 149. Others, very easily made 126, 127
150. A Liniment to destroy Vermin 127
LOTIONS.
151. A Lotion to strengthen the Gums, and sweeten the Breath 128
152. Another Lotion to fasten the Teeth, and sweeten the Breath 130
153. An admirable Lotion for the Complexion 131
154. An admirable Varnish for the Skin 132
155. A Liniment to destroy Nits 133
156. A Liniment to change the Beard and Hair black ib.
157, 158. Depilatory Liniment 134, 135
159, 160. Excellent Lip-Salves 135, 136
NAILS.
161. A Liniment to promote the Growth and Regeneration of Nails 136
162, 163. Remedies for Whitlows; a Disorder that frequently affects the Fingers 137, 138
PERFUMES.
164. Scented Tablets or Pastils 138
165. A pleasant Perfume 139
166. Common perfumed Powder 141
167. A Cassolette ib.
168. To perfume a whole House, and purify the Air ib.
169. A Perfume for scenting Powder ib.
PASTILS.
170, 171. Excellent Compositions to perfume a Room 143, 144
172. Fragrant Pastils made use of by way of Fumigation 145
173. Pastils of Roses 146
PASTES.
174. Paste of dried Almonds to cleanse the Skin ib.
175. Soft Almond Paste 147
176. Paste for the Hands 148
177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182. Pastes for the Hands 148-152
POMATUMS.
183. Cold Cream, or Pomatum for the Complexion 152
184, 185. Cucumber Pomatums 154, 155
186. Lavender Pomatum 156
187, 188, 189. Lip-Salves 158, 159
190. A Yellow Lip-Salve 160
191, 192, 193, 194, 195. Scarlet Lip-Salves 161, 164
196. White Pomatum 164
197. Red Pomatum 165
198. A Pomatum to remove Redness, or Pimples in the Face 166
199. A Pomatum for Wrinkles 167
200, 201. For the same Intention 167, 168
202. Pomatum for a red or pimpled Face 168
203. A Pomatum for the Skin 169
204. Pomatum to make the Hair grow on a Bald Part, and thicken the Hair 170
205. Another Pomatum for the Hair 171
206. Manner of scenting Pomatums for the Hair 172
207. Orange-Flower Pomatum 173
208. Sultana Pomatum 174
209, 210. Sweet smelling Perfumes 174-176
POWDERS.
211. Orange-Flower Powder 177
212. Jonquil Powder 178
213, 214. Coarse Violet Powders 179, 180
215. Jasmine Powder 181
216. Ambrette Powder ib.
217, 218. Cyprus Powders 182, 183
219. Perfumed Powder 183
220. The White Powder that enters into the Composition of the Delightful Perfume 184
221. Prepared Powder ib.
222. A Powder to nourish the Hair 185
223. Common Powder 186
224. White Powder ib.
225, 226. Grey Powders 187
227. Flaxen-coloured Powder 188
228. Bean Flour ib.
229, 230. To sweeten the Breath 188, 189
231. A Remedy for scorbutic Gums 189
232. A Remedy for moist Feet ib.
FLEAS.
233, 234, 235, 236. Certain Methods of destroying Fleas 190, 19
WRINKLES.
237. A Secret to take away Wrinkles 191
CARMINES.
238, 239. Rouges for the Face 192, 193
240. The Turkish method of preparing Carmine 193
241. A Liquid Rouge that exactly imitates Nature 194
242. An Oil that possesses the same Property 195
SWEET SCENTED BAGS.
243. A sweet-scented Bag to wear in the Pocket 196
244. Bags to scent Linen ib.
245. An agreeable sweet-scented Composition 197
246. Manner of making various sorts of these little Bags or Sachels ib.
WASH-BALLS.
247. White Soap 199
248. Honey Soap ib.
249. A perfumed Soap 200
250. A Fine Scented Wash-ball 201
251. A Wash-ball, an excellent Cosmetic for the Face and Hands 202
252. Bologna Wash-balls 203
253. Another excellent Wash-ball for the Complexion 204
254. Seraglio Wash-balls 205
255. An Hepatic Salt, to preserve the Complexion 206
EYE-BROWS.
256. To change the Eye-brows black 207
MARKS OF THE SKIN.
257, 258. To efface Spots or Marks of the Mother, on any Part of the Body 208
259. To take away Marks, and fill up the Cavities left after the Small-Pox 209
COMPLEXION.
260. Certain Methods to improve the Complexion 210
261. The Montpellier Toilet ib.
262. Sweet-scented Troches to correct a bad Breath 212
263. A curious Varnish for the Face 213
WARTS.
264, 265, 266, 267, 268. Medicines to Cure Warts 215
VINEGARS.
269. Distilled Vinegar 216
270. Distilled Lavender Vinegar 217
271. Vinegar of the Four Thieves 219
EYES.
272, 273, 274. For Watery Eyes 220, 221
275. An excellent Ophthalmic Lotion 221
276. An Ophthalmic Poultice 222
277. A Poultice for inflamed Eyes ib.
278. Sir Hans Sloane's Eye Salve 223
279. An Ophthalmic Fomentation ib.
280. A simple Remedy to strengthen the Sight 224
SUPPLEMENT.
USEFUL RECEIPTS.
281. To take Iron Mould out of Linen 225
282. Stains of Oil ib.
283. Scowering Balls 226
284. Stains of Coomb ib.
285. Stains of Urine 227
286. Stains on Cloth of whatever Colour ib.
287. Spots of Ink ib.
288. Spots of Pitch and Turpentine 228
289. Spots of Oil on Satin and other Stuffs, and on Paper ib.
290. Spots on Silk 229
291. Balls to take out Stains ib.
292. To clean Gold and Silver Lace 229
293. To restore its original Lustre to Tapestry ib.
294. To clean Turkey Carpets 230
295. To refresh Tapestry Carpets, Hangings, or Chairs ib.
296. To take Wax out of Silk or Camblet 231
297. To take Wax out of Velvet of all Colours except Crimson 232
298. To wash Gold or Silver Work on Linen, or any other Stuff, so as to look like new ib.
299. To take Spots out of Silk or Woollen Stuff 233
300. To take Stains of Oil out of Cloth ib.
301. To take Stains out of White Cloth 234
302. To take Stains out of Crimson Velvet, and other coloured Velvets ib.
303. A Soap that takes out all Manner of Spots and Stains 235
304. Another Method to take Spots or Stains out of White Silk or Crimson Velvet 236
305. A Receipt to clean Gloves without wetting ib.
306. To colour Gloves 237
307. To wash Point Lace 238
308. To clean Point Lace without washing ib.
309. To wash black and white Sarcenet ib.
310. A Soap to take out all Kinds of Stains 239
311. An expeditious Method to take Stains out of Scarlet, or Velvet of any other Colour 240
DIFFERENT WAYS OF PREPARING SNUFF.
312. Method of making Snuff 240
313. Method of cleansing Snuff in order to scent it 241
314, 315. Methods of scenting Snuff 243, 244
316, 317. Perfumed Snuff 245, 246
318. Snuff after the Maltese Fashion 246
319. The Genuine Maltese Snuff ib.
320. Italian Snuff 247
321. Snuff scented after the Spanish Manner ib.
322. Method of colouring Snuff Red or Yellow 249
323, 324, 325, 326. Herb Snuffs 250, 251
THE
TOILET
OF
FLORA.
1. _An Aromatic Bath._
Boil, for the space of two or three minutes, in a sufficient quantity of river-water, one or more of the following plants; viz. Laurel, Thyme, Rosemary, Wild Thyme, Sweet-Marjoram, Bastard-Marjoram, Lavender, Southernwood, Wormwood, Sage, Pennyroyal, Sweet-Basil Balm, Wild Mint, Hyssop, Clove-july-flowers, Anise, Fennel, or any other herbs that have an agreeable scent. Having strained off the liquor from the herbs, add to it a little Brandy, or camphorated Spirits of Wine.
This is an excellent bath to strengthen the limbs; it removes pains proceeding from cold, and promotes perspiration.
2. _A Cosmetic Bath._
Take two pounds of Barley or Bean-meal, eight pounds of Bran, and a few handfuls of Borrage Leaves. Boil these ingredients in a sufficient quantity of spring water. Nothing cleanses and softens the skin like this bath.
3. _An Emollient Bath for the Feet._
Boil, in water, a pound of Bran, with a few Marsh-mallow Roots, and two or three handfuls of Mallow Leaves.
4. _An Aromatic Bath for the Feet._
Take four handfuls of Pennyroyal, Sage, and Rosemary, three handfuls of Angelica, and four ounces of Juniper Berries; boil these ingredients in a sufficient quantity of water, and strain off the liquor for use.
5. _An excellent Preservative Balsam against the Plague._