How does a perfumer view his raw materials? Like most long-lasting intimate associations, the relationship finally settles down fairly amicably to a workable arrangement, blending the contented placidity of familiarity with occasional bursts of outraged irritation. Some of our materials are old friends, tried and true. We know their qualities almost too well; their top-notes, chief characteristic odor, dry-outs, price availability, market stability, behavior in various bases, both from a color and an odor standpoint, blending ability, and so forth.
Others are exciting new acquaintances. They have novel and inspiring odors at competitive prices. Our imaginations are fired and we can't wairt to get them back to the lab to test them in different blends and at different concentrations, to find out if they live up to their original promise.
