Whiffstory | The American Historical Review
If an explosion occurs and no nose is there to sniff it, does it have a smell? The big bang unleashed a mix of matter that formed—and continues to form—the mole
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If an explosion occurs and no nose is there to sniff it, does it have a smell? The big bang unleashed a mix of matter that formed—and continues to form—the mole
What Does History Smell Like? Researchers are finding ways to preserve scents that are disappearing. Others are recreating ones from centuries ago. By Sophie Haigney Image The embalming of William the Silent, Prince of Orange, after his assassination in 1584 would have smelled fresh, sweet and slightly medicinal. Candles created by Janie Korn. Photographs by Erik Tanner for The New York Times. Anxiety sweat. Horsehair. Wet grass and soil after a rain. Sulfuric compounds from gunpowder. Eau de cologne containing rosemary, bergamot and bitter orange. A touch of leather. This might have been wha...