has been recorded, even
death. (Dr. J.N. Mackenzie, in his interesting and learned paper
on "The Production of the so-called 'Rose Cold,' etc.," _American
Journal of Medical Sciences_, January, 1886, quotes many cases,
and gives a number of references to ancient medical authors; see
also Layet, art. "Odeur," _Dictionnaire Encyclopedique des
Sciences Medicales_.)

An interesting phenomenon of the group--though it is almost too
common to be described as an idiosyncrasy--is the tendency of the
odor of certain flowers to affect the voice and sometimes even to
produce complete loss of voice. The mechanism of the process is
not fully understood, but it would appear that congestion and
paresis of the larynx is produced and spasm of the bronchial
tube. Botallus in 1565 recorded cases in which the scent of
flowers brought on difficulty of breathing, and the danger of
flowers from this point of view is well recognized by
professional singers. Joal has studied this question in an
elaborate paper (summarized in the _British Medical Journal_,
March 3, 1895), and Dr. Cabanes has brought together (_Figaro_,
January 20, 1894) the experiences of a number of well-known
singers, teachers of singing, and laryngologists. Thus, Madame
Renee Richard, of the Paris Opera, has frequently found that when
her pupils have arrived with a bunch of violets fastened to the
bodice or even with a violet and iris sachet beneath the corset,
the voice has been marked by weakness and, on using the
laryngoscope, she has found the vocal cords congested. Madame
Calve confirmed this opinion, and stated that she was specially
sensitive to tuberose and mimosa, and that on one occasion a
bouquet of white lilac has caused her, for a time, complete loss
of voice. The flowers mentioned are equally dangerous to a number
of other singers; the most injurious flower of all is found to be
the violet. The rose is seldom mentioned, and artificial perfumes
are comparatively harmless, though some singers consider it
desirable to be cautious in using them.

FOOTNOTES:

[79] Fere, _Travail et Plaisir_, Chapter XIII.

[80] _Travail et Plaisir_, p. 175. It is doubtless true of the effects of
odors on the sexual sphere. Fere records the case of a neurasthenic lady
whose sexual coldness toward her husband only disappeared after the
abandonment