Noses and how we detect fragrances is actually done on an atomic level, basically by testing the reverberation of the bonds between molecules. So when two thin

Noses and how we detect fragrances is actually done on an atomic level, basically by testing the reverberation of the bonds between molecules. So when two things smell the same they actually have the same bond strength, but can be completely different chemically. This is why creating artificial scents is so hit or miss. The science and discovery of all this is really fascinating, I recommend The Secret of Scent by Turin: http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Scent-Adventures-Perfume-Science/dp/0061133841/ http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Scent-Adventures-Perfume-Scienc...