The Science in the Bible

Entry 32 · Section 3: Make

Extracting a Scent

A perfumer blends measured aromatics into olive oil reserved for the sanctuary and priesthood.

Scripture: Ex 30:22–38

ChemistryBotany

Illustrative reconstruction of crushing aromatics, warming oil, filtering an infusion, and filling sealed vessels. Vessel forms, exact method, and extraction yield are not stated.
Illustrative reconstruction of crushing aromatics, warming oil, filtering an infusion, and filling sealed vessels. Vessel forms, exact method, and extraction yield are not stated.

The question

How much plant material is required to move volatile aromatic compounds into a finished oil?

Why it matters

Exodus gives the recipe quantities but not the extraction method or the aromatic yield.

Suggest a correction or new direction
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