Laeyson's Odorous Powders, France, 1801-1900. Not much is known about this treatment despite its very distinctive name. A reference in a medical text published in 1832 in France suggests that it was a powder intended for use against eye complaints, which contained ammonia and this would explain the word "odorous." The text also makes reference to the product being sold by charlatans and the author obviously considered this a quack medicine of dubious quality. These particular samples were available for sale in France in the 1800s for 3 francs.