Dear Lorraine

I was most interested in your correspondents and their comments on the arousal effects of the smell of rubber.

The earliest memory I have of the effects of mackintosh aroma was when I visited an Aunt in Birmingham at the age of about eight, and, as a treat, was taken by the lady next door, who had two boys of similar age to me, on a picnic trip to the Lickey Hills near Bromsgrove. As I recall, it was a really fine day as we set off, but the lady had taken the precaution of taking her mac, a plum coloured rubberised satin late 50's vintage, and had it draped over one arm, which also held the picnic basket.

We took the 70 tram to Rednal, and climbed one of the hills. When we arrived at a suitable spot she spread the mackintosh on the ground as a groundsheet to prevent rising damp, and we played various games around this area.

When the time came for tea we all sat down on the mac, which by this time had become quite hot from the heat of the sun, and I remember vividly the delicious aroma which arose from the garment as we had tea. I was so hooked that I elected to stay and talk to their mother while they played elsewhere - and have been hooked ever since.

When, much later, I asked my wife why rubber macs were no longer available, though clearly they were superior in keeping off the rain, she said it was the smell which put her off.

Any thoughts?

Best Regards

B.J.

Dear B.J.

Thanks very much for your note, which is, as you know I think, of very great interest to me!

You invite comments on why it is that the very thing that makes you jump has such a contrasting effect on your wife. My own thought on this is that it is almost like your wife smelling someone else's perfume ... I know it can't really be like this, but it seems to be something like this going on.

LE