Written by a neurobiologist and a psychologist, this volume presents a new theory of olfactory perception. Drawing on research in neuroscience, physiology, and ethology, Donald A. Wilson and Richard J. Stevenson address the fundamental question of how we navigate through a world of chemical encounters and provide a compelling alternative to the "reception-centric" view of olfaction. The major research challenge in olfaction is determining how the brain discriminates one smell from another. Here, the authors hold that olfaction is generally not a simple physiochemical process, but rather a plastic process that is strongly tied to memory. They find the traditional approach-which involves identifying how particular features of a chemical stimulus are represented in the olfactory system-to be at odds with historical data and with a growing body of neurobiological and psychological evidence that places primary emphasis on synthetic processing and experiential factors. Wilson and Stevenson propose that experience and cortical plasticity not only are important for traditional associative olfactory memory but also play a critical, defining role in odor perception and that current views are insufficient to account for current and past data. The book includes a broad comparative overview of the structure and function of olfactory systems, an exploration into the mechanisms of odor detection and olfactory perception, and a discussion of the implications of the authors' theory. Learning to Smell will serve as an important reference for workers within the field of chemical senses and those interested in sensory processing and perception.

About the Author
Donald A. Wilson is a professor of zoology at the University of Oklahoma. Richard J. Stevenson is a professor of psychology at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia.

Reviews
Essential reading for any student or researcher entering, or already working, in the field of olfaction. -- Graham Bell ChemoSense 2006 An important contribution that deserves to be widely read... It is a landmark that may reshape efforts in this field. -- Rehan M. Khan and Noam Sobel Nature Neuroscience 2007 A recommended pick for any college-level health library holding. Midwest Book Review 2006 This well-written book deals with a relevant topic in a new and refreshing manner; you can add it to your psychology library with confidence that it will be both interesting and informative. -- Stephen F. Davis PsycCRITIQUES 2007 This is a must-read for olfaction researchers... And is currently the best 'introduction to olfaction' that is available. I highly recommend this book. -- Noam Sobel Quarterly Review of Biology 2007 This new view of olfactory cognition brings to bear many fascinating possibilities for future study in human response to odor stimulus that can have application in medicine and commercial sales. Biology Digest 2007



Book Information
ISBN 9780801883682
Author Donald A. Wilson
Format Hardback
Page Count 328
Imprint Johns Hopkins University Press
Publisher Johns Hopkins University Press
Weight(grams) 612g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 26mm