Abstract

A simple olfaction test, based on graded solutions of phenol in liquid paraffin, was examined for repeatability. Of 98 persons tested, 79 repeated their initial result to within ± one grade on a second occasion. The time interval between tests (varying from a few hours to three weeks), observers, age, smoking habits, or initial grade did not appear to affect the degree of repeatability. There was a tendency to improve the grading on the second occasion.

Tests on 147 persons provided no evidence of an association between cigarette smoking and acuity of smell. There was an indication that pipe smoking had an adverse effect. An association between age and acuity was shown.