The Scent Of Eros: Mysteries Of Odor In Human Sexuality
david said:
LMAO!!!
John,
Due to the lack of time I have can you outline some finer points of the book for me?
Hi David,
I borrowed a copy of the book THE SCENT OF EROS: MYSTERIES OF ODOR IN HUMAN SEXUALITY, by James Vaughn Kohl and Robert T. Francoeur (New York, Continuum) from the library and here is what it says about the book:
"Scientists have long known that odors and subliminal scents - sex attractants or pheromones - influence how animals develop, mate, bond, nurture their offspring. Recently, scientists have discovered that human animals are no exception. Odors, explain the authors, can accelerate puberty, control women's menstrual cycles, and even influence sexual orientation. They help us tell lovers and family members from strangers and let mothers and infants bond. Odors affect how often we have sex, and with whom. They influence how the brain develops, what we remember, and how we learn. Odors are the spice of life.
Grounded in solid scientific research, yet maintaining an easy-to-read style, THE SCENT OF EROS is an engrossing read on a whole new world under our noses!
Specifically, Kohl and Francoeur show that (1) pheromones influence genes, (2) that genes are found in nerve cells, (3) these nerve cells secrete a hormone, GnRh, which is at the very core of mammalian reproduction.
This hormone also acts as a neurotransmitter, thus playing two roles in sexuality - as a short-term, odor-induced stimulus, and as a long-term hormone with effects on our sex hormones. The authors suggest that the pheromonal activation of genes in nerve cells that secrete GnRh may be the primary link between nature and the nurture of human sexuality." (from the dust-jacket description).
Here are some reviews of this book:
"This is science at its best, with adventure, ideas, and lots of facts. Kohl and Francoeur explore our most primitive, subtle, and least understood form of communication - smell - and build a fascinating argument for its potent and pervasive role in life on earth. Along their journey, they offer provocative insights about human homosexuality, healing, female orgasm, abstract thought, emotions, fast dancing, the Muslim veil, and the natural superiority of the female nose. You will never look at your lover or family member the same way again." - Helen Fisher, Ph.D., New York University.
"A challenging and original work at the cutting edge of sexual science - innovative, quirky, speculative, and solid thinking all at once. Kohl and Francoeur 's thesis, that odor plays a far larger role in human sexuality than hitherto imagined, will give both lay and professional readers much to ponder about. It's also fascinating for showing how science is actually done, not by oracular statements from on high, but by leaps of imagination about topics we thought we had completely comprehended." - Timothy Perper, Ph.D.
"On the trail of the wild pheromone, Kohl and Francoeur lead us on a treasure hunt through history, literature, and scientific data - providing clues to what today's human mating patterns have in common with moths, marmosets, minotaurs, and even the serpent in the Garden of Eden." - Gina Ogden, Ph.D.
Go to your library and borrow it - or if they do not have it, ask them to borrow it for you from another library and read it. See what you think after doing so. The book is only 275 pages long including Notes, Biblioigraphy, and Index. It is not a long book and is very interesting.
See for yourself.
Take Care, John H.