I chose a lilac tree to sit under while writing this article. The scent of lilac is completely exquisite, delicate, and evocative, and I wanted to use the perfume of the flower to create a memory trigger. At a very young age, I was seduced by the power of scent and taste. At age five, I would crush lavender seeds into water and, while sipping this delicately flavored beverage, would rub the oil onto my wrists. Now whenever I smell lavender, I feel calm and tranquil.
There is no doubt that scent e…