The Production of Volatile Oils and Perfumery Plants in the United States by Frank Rabak, published in 1910, serves as a comprehensive guide to the cultivation and processing of aromatic plants for essential oil production. The book begins by exploring the nature of plant aromas, discussing how odors are generated, localized, and developed within various plant tissues. Rabak emphasizes the importance of understanding these natural processes to effectively harness and preserve the aromatic qualities of plants. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for the subsequent detailed examination of extraction and processing techniques.
The author delves into various methods of extracting essential oils, including solvent extraction, enfleurage using both liquid and solid fats, expression, and steam distillation. Each technique is meticulously described, highlighting the necessary apparatus and operational procedures. Rabak also addresses the critical aspects of handling volatile oils post-extraction, such as purification, filtration, drying, and preservation, to maintain their quality and efficacy. These insights are invaluable for practitioners aiming to produce high-quality essential oils.
In addition to processing methods, the book provides guidance on the cultivation and harvesting of perfume plants. Rabak discusses the influence of climate, soil conditions, and cultivation practices on the growth and aromatic yield of various plants. He identifies both cultivated and wild aromatic plants native to the United States, including sassafras, wintergreen, sweet birch, Canada fleabane, eucalyptus, monardas, and pennyroyal. By detailing the optimal conditions for each species, the book serves as a practical manual for farmers and horticulturists interested in aromatic plant cultivation.
The final sections of the book examine the commercial aspects of the volatile oil industry. Rabak analyzes market demand, import and export statistics, and the economic viability of domestic production. He notes that, at the time, the United States relied heavily on imported essential oils, suggesting a significant opportunity for domestic industry growth. Rabak advocates for increased experimental cultivation and processing to identify the most promising plant varieties and production methods suited to American conditions. His forward-thinking perspective underscores the potential for the United States to become a significant producer of essential oils, reducing reliance on foreign imports and fostering economic development.