Scent A Natural History of Fragrance

A fascinating exploration of the natural history of scent and human perceptions of fragrance from the viewpoint of plant and pollinator  "An evocative journey that awakens one's curiosity to an oft-forgotten sense."-Dana Dunham, Scientific American   Plants have long harnessed the chemical characteristics of aromatic compounds to shape the world around them. Frankincense resin from the genus Boswellia seals injured tissues and protects trees from invading pathogens. Jasmine produces a molecule called linalool that attracts pollinating moths with its flowery scent. Tobacco uses a similarly sweet-smelling compound called benzyl acetone to attract pollinators. Only recently in the evolutionary history of plants, however, have humans learned to co-opt their fragrances to seduce, heal, protect, and alter moods themselves.   In this wide-ranging and accessible new book, biologist-turned-perfumer Elise Vernon Pearlstine turns our human-centered perception of fragrance on its head and investigates plants' evolutionary reasons for creating aromatic molecules. Delving into themes of spirituality, wealth, power, addiction, royalty, fantasy, and more, Pearlstine uncovers the natural history of aromatic substances and their intersection with human culture and civilization.

ISBN:	9780300246964
Publisher:	Yale University Press
Imprint:	Yale University Press
Published date:	26 Jul 2022
DEWEY:	635.968
DEWEY edition:	23
Language:	English
Sales rank:	14917
Number of pages:	xvi, 256
Weight:	216g
Height:	148mm
Width:	224mm
Spine width:	30mm

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