And that the artifacts that are assembled in the book represent all of the origins of perfume and the great connection perfume has to healing, to sexuality, to rituals, to religion. And I believe that the whole world of artifacts -- books, maps, antique postcards of people harvesting flowers, essences – are all objects of great beauty and are the heritage of everyone who enjoys fragrance in any way.

— Perfumer & Flavorist talks to Mandy Aftel about her new book, The Museum of Scent: Exploring the Curious and Wondrous World of Fragrance. (And see also: This California Museum Is Home to Hundreds of Nature’s Scents at Smithsonian Magazine.)