Smell in Medicine

This chapter examines the ancient explanations of the sense of smell from a philosophical and anatomical perspective. It addresses the intertwined fields of philosophy and medicine, as the sense of smell plays a crucial role in medical diagnosis. The early explanations of the sense of smell can be divided into two main categories: the distinction between good and bad smells and the distinction between hot and cold odors. In the first classification, smells are associated with the concrete perception of ordinary environmental smells as well as with moral qualities and social norms. The second classification, on the other hand, links smells to the theories of body fluids and temperament in ancient medicine. In addition, the perfume industry has its own classification system for odors, dividing them into base, middle, and top notes based on their longevity. As for the historical understanding of smell and the sense of smell, philosophers have long debated the position of the olfactory organ in relation to the nose and the brain. These discussions have shaped the socio-philosophical aspects of explanations of the sense of smell and led to reflections within early modern philosophy. In the end, the significance of the modern use of smell in medicine is also described.