RECORD: Darwin, C. R. [1870-1872]. Abstract of Ogle, Sense of smell. CUL-DAR53.2.159. Edited by John van Wyhe (The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 1.2022. RN2
NOTE: See record in the Darwin Online manuscript catalogue, enter its Identifier here. Reproduced with permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library and William Huxley Darwin. The volume CUL-DAR53.2 contains drafts, notes & clippings for Darwin's book The expression of the emotions (1872).
Darwin cited this in Expression, p. 256, n3: "Dr. W. Ogle, in an interesting paper on the Sense of Smell ('Medico-Chirurgical Transactions,' vol. liii. p. 268), shows that when we wish to smell carefully, instead of taking one deep nasal inspiration, we draw in the air by a succession of rapid short sniffs. If "the nostrils be watched during this process, it will be seen that, so far from dilating, they actually contract at each sniff. The contraction does not include the whole anterior opening, but only the posterior portion." He then explains the cause of this movement. When, on the other hand, we wish to exclude any odour, the contraction, I presume, affects only the anterior part of the nostrils."
[159]
Expression
8vo Pamphlet (594) Ogle on smelling
sniff of contempt.
[In Francis Darwin's hand:] (seems to have been used p. 206 n
Ogle, William. 1870. Anosmia; or, cases illustrating the physiology and pathology of the sense of smell. Transactions of the Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society of London 53: 263-290. [Darwin Pamphlet Collection 594] PDF
Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
File last updated 25 August, 2025