First published in 1899, "The Volatile Oils" is a comprehensive handbook on essential oils, with information on methods of distillation and extraction, varieties of producers, history, marketing and industry, and much more. Although old, this volume contains a wealth of timeless information and will be of practical utility to modern readers with an interest in essential oils. Contents include: "The Spice-trade in Antiquity and During the Middle Ages", "History of Volatile Oils", "History of the Methods of Distillation and of Distilling Apparatus", "Theoretical Basis for Obtaining Volatile Oils by Steam Distillation", "The More Commonly occurring Constituents of Volatile Oils", "The Examination of Volatile Oils", "List of Plants, Arranged According to Families, from which Volatile Oils are Obtained", etc. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned introduction on essential oils.