Wealthy Romans used to scent their doves to impress their friends and in ancient Jerusalem young women put myrrh and balsam in their shoes and kicked their feet at attractive gentlemen. Essence and Alchemy looks at the social and metaphysical legacy that is entwined with the evolution of perfumery, from the dramas of the spice trade to the quests of the alchemists. Aftel tracks scent through the boudoir and the bath and into the sanctums of worship, offering insights into the relationship of scent to solitude, sex and soul. She also teaches us about the art of perfume making, including many of her own recipes.