The culture of late seventeenth- and early eighteenth-century Britain is rarely credited with tolerance of diversity; this period saw a rising pride in national identity, the expansion of colonialism, and glorification of the Anglo-Saxon roots of the country. Yet at the same time, Wolfram Schmidgen observes, the concept of mixture became a critical element of Britons' belief in their own superiority. While the scientific, political, and religious establishment of the early 1600s could not imagine that anything truly formed, virtuous, or durable could be produced by mixing unlike kinds or merging absolute forms, intellectuals at the end of the century asserted that mixture could produce superior languages, new species, flawless ideas, and resilient civil societies. Exquisite Mixture examines the writing of Robert Boyle, John Locke, Daniel Defoe, and others who challenged the primacy of the one over the many, the whole over the parts, and form over matter. Schmidgen traces the emergence of the valuation of mixture to the political and scientific revolutions of the seventeenth century. The recurrent threat of absolutism in this period helped foster alliances within a broad range of writers and fields of inquiry, from geography, embryology, and chemistry to political science and philosophy. By retrieving early modern arguments for the civilizing effects of mixture, Schmidgen invites us to rethink the stories we tell about the development of modern society. Not merely the fruit of postmodernism, the theorization and valuation of hybridity have their roots in centuries past.

About the Book: "Itr" is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey into the world of perfume creation and self-discovery. The story follows Vipul Suri, a promising perfume artisan, as he seeks to create his signature fragrance that reflects his soul. Along the way, he encounters his enigmatic grandfather, Raghunath Sahai Suri, a renowned perfumer, who becomes his mentor. As Vipul delves into the art of perfume-making, he travels the world, drawing inspiration from diverse landscapes and cultures. However, creating his masterpiece proves to be a formidable challenge as he navigates the fine line between tradition and creativity, facing self-doubt and learning patience and perseverance. The novel beautifully intertwines Vipul's personal journey of self-discovery with his quest for the perfect scent. Memories resurface, emotions stir, and hidden desires are unlocked through the power of scent. Readers are immersed in the artistry of perfume-making, where each ingredient tells a story and evokes emotions. "Itr" invites readers to explore the transformative power of fragrance, where it becomes a metaphor for life itself. It captures the allure of scent, the trials and triumphs of creation, and its profound impact on our perceptions, memories, and identity. This immersive novel resonates long after the final page, offering a sensory and emotional experience. About the Author: Coming from a family deeply entrenched in the fragrance industry, this individual belongs to a self-owned perfume house, celebrated as a pioneering Attar manufacturer. The family's perfumery legacy dates back to the 1950s when their grandfather initiated a small perfumery establishment in their hometown, Lucknow, India. This familial foundation set the stage for his journey into the realms of fragrance creation, manufacturing, and business management. His early fascination with perfumery ignited during high school, and his education in Pharmaceutical Science further broadened their knowledge, encompassing elements like cosmetics, chemistry, herbs, and analysis. The intricate world of fragrances, both natural and synthetic, was largely self-taught, with guidance from perfumery literature. It took him four dedicated years to refine their skills and produce commercially successful fragrances. Intriguingly, he also delved into the ancient art of creating Attars, employing traditional distillation methods that spanned several months. This process not only demanded patience but also deepened his understanding of natural ingredients. Expanding his horizons, he ventured into the global fragrance industry as an expert and evaluator, contributing their expertise to various product categories for clients across over five countries, serving numerous consumers, and continually evolving as a professional. He firmly believes that perfumery is an everlasting odyssey of learning, growth, and creation, where each fragrance conceals an unseen sensuality, waiting to be realized.