A PODCAST FROM IMMORTAL PERFUMES
The Scent
Archive
Curious histories, bottled
EP 02 - APRIL 29, 2026
THE DOCTOR AND THE ATOMIZER
How a Civil War veteran in Toledo accidentally invented the perfume atomizer
Dr. Allen DeVilbiss was sick of shoving goose grease down his patients' throats to treat infections. So he built the first atomizer in his Toledo shed from an oil can and a rubber ball. His son Thomas turned this medical device into Art Deco masterpieces that would change how America wore perfume.
YOUR HOST
JT Siems
PERFUME HISTORIAN · EDUCATOR · WRITER
JT Siems is the founder of Immortal Perfumes, a Seattle-based literary micro-perfumery. Obsessed with history, she is a perfume historian, educator, writer, and international award-winning perfumer.
FAN FAV: FRIDA KAHLO - HER SURREAL REALITY
This week, we’re revisiting the colorful, iconic, Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Her life was marked by pain and suffering of both the body and the heart. Listen to learn about the life and loves of Frida.
STORICAL FOOTNOTES: JOSEPHINE BAKER'S LADY LOVERS
Josephine Baker is looked to as a historical example of a strong, successful, queer performer. Today, we’re looking at her relationships with women. From Colette to Frida Kahlo, Josephine had relationships with some of the most prominent artists of the day.
STORICAL FOOTNOTES - FRIDA KAHLO'S MENAGERIE
Frida Kahlo had a lot of pets. Many of them even made it into her most famous works of art. Listen in to learn all about Frida's animals.
STORICAL FOOTNOTES - FRIDA'S FRENEMY
Lupe Marin was more than just the ex-wife who taught Frida Kahlo how to cook for Diego Rivera. In this edition of Storical Footnotes, we take a look at Frida and Lupe’s complicated relationship.
STORICAL FOOTNOTES - FRIDA KAHLO’S PERFUME COLLECTION
Introducing Storical Footnotes! Schedule permitting, I’ll be posting these little bite sized nuggets between longer episodes. I’ll continue posting them on Mondays.
FRIDA KAHLO: HER SURREAL REALITY
We’re finally leaving the Middle Ages to take a look at the colorful, iconic, Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Her life was marked by pain and suffering of both the body and the heart. Listen to learn about the life and loves of Frida. Links to all recommendations below.