Rensselaer Democrat, Volume 1, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 May 1898 — Primitive Incense. [ARTICLE]

Primitive Incense.

In ancient days sweet odors were obtained by burning asomatic gums and woods; hence the wood perfume, which is from the Latin per, through, and fumus, smoke or vapor. From this arose the idea of ineense in primitive worship. It was used by the Orientals long before it became known to the Western wortd. J’eople of the East utilized it for sacrifice in their temples. At feasts it en ha need -the pleasure of the senses. At funesals it was a bribe to appease the manes of the dead, and later, in theaters, a disinfectant against the unpleasant odors of a crowded building. Pliny assures us that Incense was not employed in sacrifice until after the Trojan war, when fragrant woods were applied to give an agreeable smell. In an ancient magical manuscript it Is directed that three grains should be taken with three fingers and placed under the threshold to keep away evil spirits which might come in the form of offensive odors. The largest brain on record was that of Oliver Cromwell. It weighed a little over sixty ouness.