After being weaned
the odors of the babies become less decided. Boys when they reach
puberty exhibit peculiar odors which are similar to those of
animals when in heat. These odors are leading symptoms of what
Borden calls "seminal fever" and are more strongly marked in
those of a voluptuous nature. They are said to be caused by the
absorption of spermatic fluid into the circulation and its
subsequent elimination by the skin. This peculiar circumstance,
however, is not seen in girls, in whom menstruation is sometimes
to be distinguished by an odor somewhat similar to that of
leather. Old age produces an odor similar to that of dry leaves,
and there have been persons who declared that they could tell
approximately the age of individuals by the sense of smell.
Certain tribes and races of people have characteristic odors.
Negroes have a rank ammoniacal odor, unmitigated by cleanliness;
according to Pruner-Bey it is due to a volatile oil set free by
the sebaceous follicles. The Esquimaux and Greenlanders have the
odors of their greasy and oily foods, and it is said that the
Cossacks, who live much with their horses, and who are
principally vegetarians, will leave the atmosphere charged with
odors several hours after their passage in numbers through a
neighborhood.
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