The Secret of Scent: Adventures in Perfume and the Science of Smell

Luca Turin's book concerns our sense of smell, or at least, his argument that human's distinguish between different molecules which emit smells due to their vibration. Four of our sensory systems, which is to say, vision, hearing, touch and taste are reasonably well understood and documented. However, our fifth sense, that of smell, is somewhat of an unknown, the subject of continued debate. Just how does the human olfactory system differentiate between one fragrance or smell and another? This is the question Luca Turin's book seeks to address as part of the science of smell, in relation to his long-term work within the perfume industry. His argument is that we differentiate smells due to what is called 'vibration theory of olfaction'. Turin is not the first to theorise on the subject of smell differentiation. Others in this field have - and in some cases still do - hold the view that our sense of smell is no different from what occurs with systems elsewhere in the human body, which rely on receptors and the shape of molecules...but there's a problem with this approach. For example, there are molecules that are quite different in their structure and yet smell exactly the same. The smell of almonds is a good example. One type tastes great in the form of marzipan on cakes, the other type will kill you! But you need to read the book to put this in its correct perspective. The shape theory is also known as the 'lock and key' model. The vibration theory has it that the bonds between atoms which make up all molecules actually stretch, vibrate or bend and twist at certain frequencies between their covalent bonds (or molecular bonds); a chemical bond that involves sharing of the electron pairs between atoms. Much of Turin's argument was strengthened in 1991 when biologists Dr Linda Buck and Dr Richard Axel discovered what are called transmembrane proteins which are believed to be the odour receptors and the genes that encode them, a significant step in our understanding of how the olfactory system works and which earned them a Nobel prize in 2004. While Turin's book is beautifully written and provides a solid argument and clear explanation, it is not for the chemistry novice. Some understanding of organic chemistry is essential, in particular benzene ring molecules. However, additional information is readily available from the Internet and a little research is certainly well worth the effort to fully appreciate this superbly interesting text book, which can, for academic purposes, be considered an excellent primary source.

I bought this book on a whim - and because of the amazing reviews it had - and I wasn't disappointed. This is more than a book, it is a journey through fragrance and France and chemistry and business politics all wrapped up with nostalgia and exquisitely crafted prose.Yes it is heavy on the chemistry but that's perfumery! The intricacies of scent molecules and atoms are woven like a spell or story rather than a science textbook - you'll be fascinated even if you hated school science.The book is small and easy to handle, making it ideal bedtime reading (oh come on, I can't be the only one who reads science in bed? can I?).The author's powers of description are so apt that I could swear that wafts of Patchouli and Ambrette seed were gently diffusing from the pages and sending me into raptures.I will be sad when I have finished, much like when engrossed in a touching film and the end brings about that grey melancholy of 'normal life' again.

Great insight in the history of the science of perfumery. Turin’s wit and humour is a great companion in the realm of fragrances and he gives an interesting flavour to the subject. Unfortunately , at times, the author loses himself in the intricacies of the chemistry behind scent and he loses track of the unveiling of the secret of scent. At other times the writing feels too specific and not always accessible as long expositions of chemical traits of facets are unloaded on the readers mind and, unless familiar with the science behind it, it’s too much obscure information to process.Yet this is probably is one of the best publications on vibration theory for a broader audience and a beautiful brief history of scent theory.I totally recommend it!

I am a true fan of Luca Turin's writing. I've loved fragrance for as long as I can smell.My memories of scents be it my grandmother's Shalimar or a perfume I wore witheach boyfriend/husband are ingrained deep in my soul. Luca Turin brings this very importantsense to life in full vivid colour. I trust his opinion (exception being Fracas parfum - A BIG NO !!!)It's a smallish book that will fit into your handbag - Get this book and learn a fascinating subject.

A real surprise, this book - I wasn't expecting popular science, but it rekindled in me a love of chemistry. Fascinating from beginning to end, and beautifully written, with a great deal of humour, I'd recommend it to anyone, even those not remotely interested in perfume.

Way toot technical. As a person without a science background who is just looking to learn more about perfume it was too complicated. Entertaining writing style though. Still do not have the answer to my question: what is the point of the top note if it disappears anyway after ten minutes?

This is a book that I will dip into time and time again. A must for anyone with a fascination for perfumes.

Well written and very interesting but, as far as can see, Dr Turin's theory fails when he gets to key points. He just ducks them. I wanted him to be right and sticking one on to the academics, but he can't. For example, at p141 he talks about enantiomers, a crucial point of his arguement, and he waffles round it.