Ocean

Diane Ackerman brought to light a fascinating observation that I have never encountered before in her Natural History of the Senses. She shared that the ocean is inside of us. This idea really resonated with me. She begins by sharing that "Our sense of smell, like many of our other body functions, is a throwback to that time, early in evolution when we thrived in the oceans"(pg. 20). The blood in our veins, which mirror the tides in their pulsing is mainly salt water. Ackerman explains that "we are small marine environments on the move, with salt in our blood, our urine, our flesh, our tears" (149). 

To smell, an odor must dissolve into a watery solution before our mucous membranes can absorb it. The smell of the vagina has a history of being reported to smell fishy.









Sponges a sea creature have a profound sense of touch that allows them to feel every quiver in the water. Our need for touch is first developed in the moving waters of womb where we are first held so fully. Sensitivity to touch and our need for it continues after birth.








Salt, a key element of ocean waters is the only rock we seem to enjoy the taste of. It is a seasoning that humans generally crave and require.










To hear the fluid in our inner ear must vibrate. Ackerman also shares that the ocean is alive with sound or sonic vibration and that many animals such as whales sing songs.











Our eyes cry salt water and we use salt water to wash them. Our vision relies on the ocean waters to keep our sight clear.