The Secret of Scent: Adventures in Perfume and the Science of Smell.THE SECRET OF SCENT: Adventures in Perfume and the Science of Smell LUCA TURIN Luca Turin (1953 - ) is a biophysicist with a long-standing interest in the sense of smell, the art of perfume, and the fragrance industry. Since 1996 Turin has been the leading proponent of the vibration theory of olfaction, which proposes that the vibrational spectroscopic Scents permeate permeate /per·me·ate/ (-at?) 1. to penetrate or pass through, as through a filter. 2. the constituents of a solution or suspension that pass through a filter. per·me·ate v. the air, as fragrances of all sorts are being added to an increasing number of products. Remarkably, scientists are still working out the mechanism with which our noses read molecules and translate the resulting nerve signals into the experience of smell. Turin, an olfaction researcher, illustrates for the reader the unique combination of art and science that typifies fragrance production. He explains the processes of extracting scents from their natural sources and of making synthetic scents, both of which are essential to perfumes. He surveys the landscape of common scents, from vanilla vanilla, a plant of the genus Vanilla of the family Orchidaceae (orchid family). Vines of hot, damp climates, most are indigenous to Central and South America, especially Mexico, but are now cultivated in other tropical regions. to sandalwood sandalwood, name for several fragrant tropical woods, especially for Santalum album, an evergreen partially parasitic tree either native to India or introduced there centuries ago. to musk, revealing their molecular makeups and detailing the rich variety of flavors that they and variations of them can create. He then outlines the prevailing theories on how olfactory systems The olfactory system is the sensory system used for olfaction. Most mammals and reptiles have two distinct parts to their olfactory system: a main olfactory system and an accessory olfactory system. recognize scents. Finally, Turin details his own theory of olfaction, which guides him in designing new fragrances. HarperCollins, 2006, 207 p., b&w images, hardcover, $23.95. |
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