The strong odour of incense enveloped us as we entered the Cathedral Basilica of St Louis. A celebration was underway but my immediate thoughts focused on economic botany instead of liturgy. "What's in that incense they're burning?" Had I had accessto Dr Langenheim's astonishing book that first Sunday in June I would have had my facts in advance. The Roman Catholic Church hasn't burned pure frankincense (Boswellia sacra) for centuries. Frankincense makes up only 66 percent of the mixture with the remainder composed of benzoin (27 percent) and storax (7 percent). By blending resins of different species the Church manufactures its own odour of holiness to distinguish itself from the sensual-erotic use of frankincense exploited by the profane perfumeindustries of ages past.
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