 His ability to produce a constantly homogeneous fragrance consisting of dozens of monoessences was seen as a sensation at the time.A single vial of this "aqua mirabilis" (Latin for miracle water) cost half the annual salary of a civil servant.When free trade was established in Cologne by the French in 1797, the success of "Eau de Cologne" prompted countless other businessmen to sell their own fragrances under the name of "Eau de Cologne".