Physiological Mystery

Abstract

The theories of olfaction have certainly been incomplete and rather unsatisfactory. Some of them are largely speculative. Others are philosophical, dealing with perception rather than sensation. But it is no longer true to say that “no theoretical position exists”. In this chapter, some of the theories will be reviewed and remarks will also be made on various other interesting aspects of olfaction.

Shall any gazer see with mortal eyes? Or any searcher know by mortal mind? Veil after veil will lift: buth there must be Veil upon veil behind. Arnold

Atmest du nicht mit mir die süssen Düfte? O, wie so hold berauschen sie den Sinn. Geheimnisvoll sie wehen durch die Lüfte, Fraglos geb’ ihrem Zauber ich mich hin. Wagner

We may note, in the fields of olfaction and gustation, not that the theoretical position is insecure, but simply that no theoretical position exists. Rawdon-Smith