Delicacy of the Sense of Smell.
The extreme delicacy of the sense of smell in man has been shown by a series of interesting experiments by Messrs Fischer and Penzoldt. In an empty room of some 230 cubic meters capacity, and tightly closed, a Bmall quantity of the particular substance to be detected was thoroughly mixed with iJne air, and the observer then admitted. Among the different substances which were sted in this manner it was found that the very smallest amount recognizable was .01 of a milligram of mercaptan. This quantity diffused through the room sufficed to make its distinctive character appreciable in the small volume of air coming in contact with the nerves of the nose, from which it was estimated that the 1-460,000,000 part of a milligram of this substance was recognizable -an infinitesimal quantity, passing conception, but which science declares to
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Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 207, 18 June 1887, Page 3
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145Delicacy of the Sense of Smell. Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 207, 18 June 1887, Page 3
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