Perfumes related to ambergris. (1972)

• Main Author: Preston, Alan F.
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: ResearchSpace@Auckland 1972
• Subjects: Physeter macrocephalus; Sperm whale
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2292/1353

Restricted Item. Print thesis available in the University of Auckland Library or may be available through Inter-Library Loan. Ambergis, a pathological product of metabolism of the sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus, is one of the oldest ingredients used in perfumery. Tincture of ambergris is valued mainly for its fixative properties since it gradually develops a pleasant, persistent odour when applied to the skin. In high quality ambergris the fragrance is suggestive of moss, tobacco, and sandalwood and it is probable that the aroma arises from the auto-oxidation of ambrein the chief constituent of ambergris. It is believed that the appreciable amount of copper present in ambergris catalyses this auto-oxidation. Restricted Item. Print thesis available in the University of Auckland Library or may be available through Inter-Library Loan.