Smell is a social phenomenon, given particular meanings and values by different cultures. Odours form the building blocks of cosmologies, class hierarchies, and political odours. They can enforce social structures or transgress them, unite people or divide them, empower or disempower. The authors argue that the sociology of smell is repressed in the modern West, and its social history ignored. This book breaks the "olfactory silence" of modernity. It offers the first comprehensive exploration of the cultural role of odours in Western history - from antiquity to the present. It also covers a wide variey of non-Western societies. Its topics range from the medieval concept of the "odour of sanctity", to the aromatherapies of South America, and from olfactory stereotypes of gender and ethnicity in the modern West to the role of smell in postmodernity. Its subject matter will fascinate anyone who likes to nose around in the inner workings of culture.

His grandmother Da, the grand matriarch of the town, is part priestess, part philosopher, dispensing wisdom and cups of black burning coffee as the world revolves around her.

Molecular Methods of Plant Analysis Concept of the Series The powerful recombinant DNA technology and related developments have had an enormous impact on molecular biology. Any treatment of plant analysis must make use of these new methods. Developments have been so fast and the methods so powerful that the editors of Modern Methods of Plant Analysis have now decided to rename the series Molecular Methods ofPlant Analysis. This will not change the general aims of the series, but best describes the thrust and content of the series as we go forward into the new millennium. This does not mean that all chapters a priori deal only with the methods of molecular biology,but rather that these methods are to be found in many chapters together with the more traditional methods of analysis which have seen recent advances. The numbering of the volumes of the series therefore continues on from 20, which is the most recently published volume under the title Modern Methods ofPlant Analysis. As indicated for previous volumes, the methods to be found in Molecular Methods ofPlantAnalysis are described critically,with hints as to their limitations, references to original papers and authors being given, and the chapters written so that there is little need to consult other texts to carry out the methods of analysis described. All authors have been chosen because of their special experience in handling plant material and/or their expertise with the methods described.

Many of the techniques of alternative healing that have become popular today trace their origin to ancient systems of knowledge. Their scientific basis and relevance in modern life are only now being recognised and appreciated by medical research. Aroma therapy is a method of treatment that involves using essential oils to promote physical and emotional well-being. It is an ancient discipline that has withstood the test of time. This book captures the essence of aroma therapy and explains how certain oils can be effectively used to treat physical ailments. Aroma therapy is a safe and natural method a restore the balance of the body and promote good health.

Introduction to new invention called Aroma Dome and anecdotal stories of the use of essential oils in a 35 year massage practice.

Covers important methods and recent developments in food-aroma analysis. The text discusses the problem-solving capabilities of analytical methods for food flavours and aromas, showing how to select appropriate techniques for resolving the problems of major food trends. It includes a treatment of off-flavour and malodor analyses and new polymer sensor array instruments.