The Chemistry of Essential Oils

The Chemistry of Essential Oils, Second Edition
Author: David G Williams
Publisher: Micelle Press
Copyright: 2008
Number of Pages: 398
ISBN: 1870228316 / 978-1870228312

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The Chemistry of Essential Oils by David G Williams is most valuable as an in-depth complement to The Chemistry of Aromatherapeutic Oils by E. Joy Bowles and Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy by Sue Clarke.

Although both the first and the second editions of The Chemistry of Essential Oils describes itself as "An introduction for aromatherapists, beauticians, retailers and students," I would not be inclined to select it as your first introduction to essential oil chemistry.

In attempting to review the book from the eyes of someone that may be brand new to aromatherapy or essential oil chemistry, I find the book to have a lot of beneficial core aromatherapy information that falls outside the actual scope of essential oil chemistry.

It's actual content pertaining to chemistry, however, is presented in a more advanced manner and thus may be a bit confusing to students new to essential oil chemistry. To me, it doesn't seem to clearly tie in essential oil chemistry with essential oil applications and the general therapeutic properties of functional groups. This connection, which to me is lacking in this book, can help beginners understand and connect essential oil chemistry to practical applications of essential oils.

Therefore, The Chemistry of Essential Oils is most practical as a second or third book within your essential oil chemistry book library once you have a core foundation and understanding of basic essential oil chemistry.

Table of Contents for The Chemistry of Essential Oils, Second Edition (398 Pages)

• Acknowledgments
• Preface to the Second Edition
• Some Basic Chemistry
• Hydrocarbons
• Functional Groups Containing Oxygen, Nitrogen and Sulphur
• Essential Oils and Carrier Oils
• Odour Properties of Essential Oils
• Quality Control of Essential Oils
• Isolated and Synthetic Fragrance Materials
• Perfumery - The Fragrant Art
• Personal Fragrances
• Burning the Midnight Oil
• Glossary
• Appendix
• Index