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In the Histoire Generale de l'Empire du Mogol, (T. 1, p. 327,) compiled by Catrou the Jesuit from Manouchi's papers, this perfume is said to have been discovered by accident. Nur-Jaham, the favourite wife of the Mogul Jahan-Guir, among her other luxuries had a small canal of rose water. As she was walking with the Mogul upon its banks, they perceived a thin film upon the water, it was an essential oil made by the heat of the sun. They were delighted with its exquisite odour, and means were immediately taken for preparing by art a substance like that which had been thus fortuitously produced.

 

"I know, (says Kicherer,) it is commonly reported that the venom of serpents may be swallowed without danger, but our experience leads us to believe the contrary," He relates, that in cross- 