How to Dry a Lady's Hair: An Unusual Method

"The lady should recline on a lounge or a sofa, with her long hair hanging over the end. A pan containing 2 or 3 bits of ignited charcoal is then placed under it, and a little powdered benzoin sprinkled upon the lighted fuel. The thick smoke which rises and is strongly impregnated with benzoic acid combined with carbonic acid, rapidly absorbs the moisture in the hair, which should be previously well-wiped with towels, so as to be as free from wet as possible; and in a few seconds the hair is perfectly dry, beautifully perfumed, and ready for the operation of the brush."

--William Brisbane Dick