People drank it. People smelled it. And people still pay a high price for it today: Aqua Mirabilis. Aqua mirabilis (Latin for “miracle water,” French Eau admirable) is a historical, general term for alcoholic waters containing a wide variety of ingredients; these have been used since the 17th century for medicinal, cosmetic, or perfumery purposes. They encompass various elixirs that gave rise to, among other things, the world-famous Eau de Cologne. Originally, the formulas were used as medicinal tinctures to treat ailments such as fainting, colic, toothache, and even the plague. The base generally consisted of pure alcohol in which essential oils from citrus fruits (such as oranges and lemons) and herbs like rosemary and lavender were dissolved. Initially, these waters were both applied externally and consumed as a medicinal remedy. Famous perfumers such as Johann Paul Feminis and Johann Maria Farina employed this process in 18th-century Cologne to create an exceptionally fine, fresh-scented water. spiritschweppes’ “WUNDERKAMMER” explores the phenomenal refreshment for body and soul.