scents & sensibilities; THIS FALL, THE SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS IS IN THE AIR AS A BEVY OF NEW FRAGRANCES ARRIVE JUST IN TIME TO DELIGHT OUR SENSES.(STYLE)

Byline: Patty Larsen

The link between fragrance and feelings has been recognized since around 3500 B.C. when the Sumerians used scented plants and their oily extracts to placate temperamental gods and goddesses. Even today, there is no better way to soothe an angry spouse or partner than with a bottle of their favorite perfume.

Throughout history, the link between fragrances and emotional well being has been well documented. By the 17th century, for example, gentlemen cared enough about scent to place aromatics in the heads of their walking sticks, while women of the British royal court secreted scented sponges beneath their clothes.

Napoleon reportedly splashed on 54 bottles of jasmine and violet cologne per month. And American cattlemen, those most manly of men, performed their monthly ablutions with lilac water without fear of being called "sissy."

Perhaps the most famous perfume, Chanel No. 5, was created for Coco Chanel in 1921. Chanel believed women should wear …