Techniques for Odor Measurement: Olfactometric vs. Sniffing

SUMMARY Two techniques of odor testing, olfactometrie vs. sniffing, were compared with propionic acid used for the test odor. The olfactometer was more rapid and reliable as a technique for odor testing. Subjects appeared more sensitive by the sniff‐method, hut there were discrepancies in the data. The vapor phase above solutions of propionic acid in mineral oil was studied with propionic acid‐l‐C 14 . Evidence is presented for the existence of non ideal solutions. The significance of these data is discussed in terms of present techniques for odor testing, and their implications for future olfactory investigation.