Smell Detectives

"Smell Detectives" explores how 19th-century Americans relied on their sense of smell to navigate the sanitary and environmental challenges of rapidly growing cities. Melanie Kiechle examines the era’s medical theories, public health efforts, and everyday experiences, revealing how odors shaped the understanding and shaping of urban health and hygiene. The book highlights the complex relationship between scientific expertise and popular perception in the pursuit of healthier cities.