Article ID: CBB001200525

Ambergris and Early Modern Languages of Scent (2013)

unapi

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.

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Description “The article discusses the use of smell as a scientific tool in the 17th century, particularly ...of ambergris.” (from the abstract)


Citation URI
https://data.isiscb.org/isis/citation/CBB001200525/

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Authors & Contributors
James, Kirsten
Wyse Jackson, Peter
Moshenska, Joseph
Klerk, Saskia
Collins, Siobhán
Thick, Malcolm
Concepts
Science and culture
Senses and sensation; perception
Science and literature
Natural philosophy
Experience; witness
Cosmetics; perfumes
Time Periods
17th century
Early modern
18th century
Medieval
19th century
16th century
Places
Great Britain
England
London (England)
Netherlands
Leiden (Netherlands)
United States
Institutions
Royal Society of London
Universiteit Leiden
Académie des Sciences, Paris
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