On there, the lighter (top left) molecules correspond to the higher notes (apple, pineapple) and as you go heavier in each direction you see honey, cedar, and chocolate.
Likewise, higher pitched sounds are perceived sooner than lower pitched sounds because it takes less sonic energy to trigger the receptor hairs - like how bigger strings make deeper sounds.
So the main correlation, if true, is likely to be that bigger molecules are perceived slower and so "sound" deeper.
This is mindboggling. Thank you for all the work you put into writing this. As always, you're killing it with these interviews and really warping my brain in the best way.
Fantastic hearing about Andres’ experiments with smell, had no idea that was one of his interests. As a dog-nose-haver I can relate to what he said about it adding a dimensions of depth to place.
I wonder if he is familiar with Harold McGee’s work on smell, which is excellent as an introduction.
Re footnote 2: the relation is probably between molecular weight and pitch.
On average volatile or lighter molecules penetrate (saturate?) the olfactory membrane faster. Look at this chart of ester odors:
https://jameskennedymonash.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/table-of-esters-and-their-smells-v2.pdf
On there, the lighter (top left) molecules correspond to the higher notes (apple, pineapple) and as you go heavier in each direction you see honey, cedar, and chocolate.
Likewise, higher pitched sounds are perceived sooner than lower pitched sounds because it takes less sonic energy to trigger the receptor hairs - like how bigger strings make deeper sounds.
So the main correlation, if true, is likely to be that bigger molecules are perceived slower and so "sound" deeper.
Fascinating! Thank you so much - this is so clarifying!
This is mindboggling. Thank you for all the work you put into writing this. As always, you're killing it with these interviews and really warping my brain in the best way.
Nikki 🥰🥰 thank you so much
Fantastic hearing about Andres’ experiments with smell, had no idea that was one of his interests. As a dog-nose-haver I can relate to what he said about it adding a dimensions of depth to place.
I wonder if he is familiar with Harold McGee’s work on smell, which is excellent as an introduction.
I can't speak for Andres but I will definitely look up Harold McGee, thanks so much!
Woow, a dimension of life I know nothing about. What a wonderful read, thank you for your curious exploration
It's incredible what a rich world it opens up! I hope you do some exploring as well