I rediscovered this citation while searching for information on neural pathways that influence the secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). That’s how mammalian pheromones influence our behavior, which doesn’t happen in Kallmann’s syndrome. It’s a syndrome associated with congenital anosmia. Infants are born with no sense of smell, and there are other symptoms to be considered. You can find details elsewhere. My point, today, is that most researchers were largely unaware (in 1974) that there might be human pheromones. But these guys suggest their involvement in falling in love. (I love it!) Here are my notes; the quotes are substantially informative.
“I would like to mention specifically Kallmann’s syndrome, which can open up a Pandora’s box.”
“There is a word we have not mentioned in this conference so far: pheromones. We really had better not only mention it, but start thinking about it if we are going to deal with puberty.”
“…the very deficit that created gonadotropin deficiency also does something else up there in the hypothalamus; i.e., one has a deficiency also with regard to…” … falling in love.
Kulin, H.E., & Reiter, E.O. (1974) Hypothalamic‑pituitary regulation of puberty in man. Evidence and concepts derived from clinical research (discussion) In: Grumbach, M.M., Grave, G.D., & Mayer, F.E., (eds.) Control of the Onset of Puberty. (pages 264‑265) New York: Wiley.
