Perfume (Object Lessons)

Review\n“Perfume is an enthusiastic exploration worthy of its complex subject, pointing to mysteries related to the art and science of fragrance and welcoming newcomers to revel in them - with the understanding that some may never be solved.” ―Elizabeth Barrial, Founder and Head Perfumer, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab\nObject Lessons is a series of short, beautifully designed books about the hidden lives of ordinary things.\nOur sense of smell is crucial to our survival. We can smell fear, disease, food. Fragrance is also entertainment. We can smell an expensive bottle of perfume at a high-end department store. Perhaps it reminds us of our favorite aunt. A memory in a bottle is a powerful thing.\nMegan Volpert's Perfume carefully balances the artistry with the science of perfume. The science takes us into the neurology of scent receptors, how taste is mostly smell, the biology of illnesses that impact scent sense, and the chemistry of making and copying perfume. The artistry of perfume involves the five scent families and symbolism, subjectivity in perfume preference, perfume marketing strategies, iconic scents and perfumers, why the industry is so secretive, and Volpert's own experiments with making perfume.\nObject Lessons is published in partnership with an essay series in The Atlantic.