One would think that plants belonging to the same genus would always produce identical or at least similar oils. But this is by no means so.

Most of the oils which are valued as scents are mixtures of substances; only the combined effect of these leads to the known result.

As soon as science has solved one problem, new ones arise. This is the essence of science, and it applies, of course, also to the field of essential oils.

It has been possible to trace historically back to a very early age the taxes which were imposed on medicines, spices and similar substances in German towns. Thus, for instance, one finds that in the year 1500, thirteen, in 1540, thirty-eight, and in 1708, already one hundred and twenty vegetable oils are mentioned.

They were similar to what's going on today -- so identical that it's amazing.

May the work for the further development of chemical science, which has its strongest roots in this beautiful, strong and hard-working country of Sweden, continue to flourish in the future, for the promotion of culture and the benefit of mankind.