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.
A VERY VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
The festivities that grew into modern day Christmas have spanned millennia. But most of the traditions we recognize today began under the reign of Queen Victoria. Take a listen for the history of Christmas cards, kissing balls, Christmas trees, and presents. Check out the links below for some creepy Victorian cards. Happy holidays! See you in 2021!
FAN FAV: THE PAGANS, OLIVER CROMWELL, & CHARLES DICKENS
Pssst…it turns out Christmas is a super pagan holiday. On today’s episode we’re doing a brief overview of the origins of Christmas and how Charles Dickens brought the holiday back after Oliver Cromwell had Christmas canceled. For all those who think there’s a war on Christmas…just be glad Oliver Cromwell’s not still around.
STORICAL FOOTNOTES: THE KAISER, THE ROMANOVS, AND QUEEN VICTORIA
Queen Victoria had 9 kids and 42 grandchildren! It was hoped that by marrying off her descendants to the different houses of Europe that there would be a lasting peace….that’s not quite what happened. Tune in for a look at Victoria’s children and the role her two most famous grandchildren played in World War I.
QUEEN VICTORIA: LOVE & EMPIRE
Queen Victoria was the sovereign of the UK at the height of the British Empire, and until her great-great granddaughter Queen Elizabeth II overtook her in 2015, was the longest reigning monarch. She ruled over 400 million people! But her road to the throne was an unlikely one marked by a horrible childhood and controlling men. Listen in to learn the truth about one of the most recognizable yet misunderstood queens.