cr own readers

126 PERFUMES.
CFSS Ens ron
BUR S I S G INCESSE.
33. PERFUMES .
1. It is difficult to realiz e how universal was the
use of perfumes in ancient times. Th e early physicians
freely prescribed sweet odours, especially as
cures for nervous diseases, and seemed to understand
that certain flowers and scents are not only beneficial
to health, but will also purify the air and ward
off disease.
2. Egypt was a great mart for perfumes. J oseph
was sold to a company of Ishmaelites on th eir way
to Egypt bearing spices, balm, and myrrh. Egyptian
women used many essences and rare perfumes, and
wor e necklaces of scented wood, as th e Chinese women
still do. Guests were received in chambers strewn
with flowers, and slaves hung garlands of roses, lotu s,
or saffron flowers round their necks, whil e sweetsmelling
gums were burned in little vases.
3. Th e love of the J ews for perfumes was also very
g reat. In their worship a sacred incense was burne d
whi ch was not allowed to be used in pri vate life. Th ey
p erfumed their rooms with myrrh. aloes. and cinna-