A personal history of sensory science

This article traces the history of Sensory Science in America. It starts with the roots of psychophysics in nineteenth-century Germany, following from Weber to Fechner to Wundt to Titchener to Boring and finally to SS Stevens. Next it discusses early discrimination testing at Carlsberg Brewery in Denmark and at Seagram Corporation in the USA. A brief history of the start of hedonic testing at the Chicago Quartermaster's store by David Peryam will be followed by the start of descriptive testing. Specifically, the work by Jean Caul, Herbert Stone, and Joel Sidel, as well as Elaine Skinner and Gail Civille, is covered. Lastly the seminal effect of Rose Marie Pangborn, and especially her Sensory Evaluation of Food Course on sensory science worldwide, is discussed.