The Emotion of Chemicals

Abstract

As I have written elsewhere, the world of chemical signals is essentially hidden from us because we are visual and auditory animals. We become aware of the chemical landscape around us only during mealtimes or if something is odd (like a natural gas leak or dirty diaper). Yet, the odorous world is far more ubiquitous than either light or sound. Odors exist in the brightest of light and in the darkest of night. At the bottom of the ocean and deep underground, the chemical landscape exists and contains secrets about the organisms and features of the habitat found there. Although we are far more capable of being in tune with this world, we consciously ignore the signs and signals that are there.