The term parfumeur (perfumer) is the modern version of the word parfumier used in the Middle Ages to designate both the perfume merchant and the place, usually a cabinet, where the perfumes were kept. The parfumier quickly became a parfumeur to avoid an unfortunate rhyme with the French word fumier (manure). Associated with occult powers, the perfumers of the time were alchemists and astrologers with secret recipes, whereas their contemporary counterparts demonstrate solid scientific knowledge, particularly in chemistry and biology.