Oud (Aloeswood), Sandalwood (Sanderswood), Nephritic Wood and Asphaltum

21 x 16 cm (8.25 x 6.25 inches).
Woods with interesting properties !
Aloeswood is the source of the resin Oud which is used in perfumes. It's one of the most expensive natural products in the world.
Sandalwood is used in perfumes and incense.
Nephritic wood is capable of turning the color of water into beautiful opalescent hues that change depending on light and angle, the earliest known record of the phenomenon of fluorescence. Due to this strange property, it became well known in Europe from the 16th to the early 18th century. Cups made from lignum nephriticum were given as gifts to royalty.

This antique copper plate engraving is by Pierre Pomet, a Paris apothecary.
Pomet became chief druggist to King Louis XIV and a purveyor of medicinal remedies from distant lands.
It was made in 1725 for Pomet's " A Compleat History of Drugges ". This was the most complete work about drugs of the period.
The engraving is printed on chain-linked paper.  The edge of the images are cropped, as is usual with these prints.

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