it's because the graveyards and charnel houses were overflowing with rotting bodies, and there were people were walking around with weeping, infected sores (buboes) -- it really stank!
They also believed miasma (bad smells) spread disease. They weren't a million miles away from the idea of airborne pathogens, but they were obviously incorrect about sweet smells having protective properties.
That said, I've wondered if the flowers thing selected in favour of people with hayfever - if you're producing more mucus and expelling it, that might lower your exposure. I've never seen a study on it, though.
> that might lower your exposure. I've never seen a study on it, though.
You wont, the scientific community perfectly represent the Thomas Pynchon saying
"'If they can get you asking the wrong questions, they don't have to worry about answers"
Besides (UK) Govt water quality legislation creates a massive health and cancer industry!
Makes a mockery of the so called intelligence of the law!
However serotonin does have a positive effect on the immune system, so is there an indirect effect smelling and seeing a nice bunch of flowers?
