PERFUMES WHICH RUIN LIVES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2240, 4 February 1897, Page 49

PERFUMES WHICH RUIN LIVES.

Seobet Cravings for Uncommon Stimulants. When a lady purchases a bottle of per* fume (especially if of good size), it must not always be supposed that it is required for imparting a subtle fragrance to handkerchiefs or fal-lals. Some of the besl scents are used for a purpose not quite so innocent as this. A lady, whose name at one time was well known in society, was discovered to put a perfume with a very flowery name to a most uncommon use ; she employed it to stimulate the olfactory nerves, but in a truly wholesale manner — at times being so overcome that her servants bad to carry her to bed, theie to doze until her senses were recovered. To the oper», concert, or reception, the bulky perfume bottle was taken in an elaborate theatre bog ; and the habit gained complete mastery over her. Suoh were its outward effects that a report was circulated that she was a confirmed drnnkard. As a matter of fact, she exhibited extreme dislike for all ordinary stimulants. Suspected of bibulous habits, a literary gentleman committed suicide, as was believed, under the influence of drink. So far as legitimate intoxicating drinks* were concerned the man of letters was a strict abstainer ; bat scent bottles of every description were found in his apartments, and the old woman who attended him observed that her master had consumed daily as many as three dozen bottles of various perfumes — a variety that is frequently advertised being mentioned as bis favourite. She further declared that In addition to drinking the essence he was in the habit of saturating a handkerchief when studying, and enveloping bis face in this for the half hour together. The after eff ecta ' were, according to the woman's confession, extremely depressing, the victim being frequently in a state of collapoe for the rest of the day. No wonder the fellow shot himself, having reached a pitch so extreme that £3 went each week in the replenishing of his perfume bottles ! A society actress, who gave a aeries of fashionable performances, and entertained a famous sister professional, testifies that her eau-de-cologne bottles were emptied daily, which caused her enrpriie at the extensive use of the perfume. She found that her distinguished guest was the chief delinquent, and so passionate was her craving for this special essence that ahe entered the rooms by stealth to imbibe And saturate her kerchief with the perfume. Afterwards she confessed to her hostess, begging her to keep the affair striotly secret. Other persons found her out, however, and her weakness remained a secret no longer. Quantities of an essence whiob shall be nameless are provided for her lady guests by a well-known society woman, because it stimulates and beautifies those who mak« liberal use of it. Much is due to this perfume for the success of her receptions and parties;. for it is said to inspire happiness and put worried ladies on the best of terms with themselves. Lady drinkers frequently ntilise perfumes of various kinds when the liquor they favour is not forthcoming. Yet another instance : A gentleman, who made no secret of his inclination for perfumes, nsed to saturate his cambric, tie, and gloves so thoroughly that he was quite a nuisance to neighbours at ball or theatre. It was declared that this knight of odours spent £5 a week in the maintenance of bis fad. His death was attributed to the excessive uge of ammonia ; scents ceased to stimu-

late,, and his craving for Strong odour 0 directed him to the ammonia bottle. Immoderate use in this respeot caused bis demise; he literally died of suffocation.