The article discusses the use of smell as a scientific tool in the 17th century, particularly commenting on the roll of ambergris, a waxy substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales and a popular component it perfumes, in shaping the language used to scientifically describe smell. It addresses the linguistic difficulties in describing smell in an objective way. Other topics explored include the uses and properties of ambergris, science's attempt to distance itself as much as possible from poetry in the 17th century, and increased interest in rational explanations of the natural world.
...MoreDescription “The article discusses the use of smell as a scientific tool in the 17th century, particularly ...of ambergris.” (from the abstract)
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