The Secret of Scent: Adventures in Perfume and the Science of Smell

I read a book about Turin (The Emperor of Scent) that I really enjoyed, so I was excited to find this on my library shelf. Turin puts me in mind of Feynman in both erudition and wry hilarity. This scientist can write circles around most writers. The topic, the biological mechanisms by which we perceive scent, is fascinating. The writing, may I say again, is scintillating. The physics slowed me down some, but Turin made it more accessible to me than anyone since Feynman. I learned and laughed in equal measure. I find Turin's theory of the human spectroscope compelling, but like him, am content to wait for proof. Highly recommended.

While this book does offer up more than just casual chemistry, the interested reader should actually start with "The Emperor of Scent," a book about Turin's quest for how we know what we smell. It's a great first course, with this book making the entree and Turin's own book on perfume, the dessert.

Really fascinating history of scent science, though over my head in many places. This would be great for someone with a casual interest in scent and perfume as well as a strong organic chemistry background.

If you have read Luca Turin's other book "Perfumes: the Guide," and are still interesed in more detailed information about perfume, try this one. It now only describes the chemestry of perfume but also how your nose works.