Full Idea
I can distinguish the scent of lilies from that of violets, even though there is no scent at all in my nostrils.
Gist of Idea
I can distinguish different smells even when I am not experiencing them
Source
Augustine (Confessions [c.398], X.08)
Book Reference
Augustine: 'Confessions', ed/tr. Pine-Coffin,R.S. [Penguin 1961], p.214
A Reaction
Augustine has a nice introspective account of how we experience memory, and identifies lots of puzzling features. I know I can identify the smell of vinegar, but I can't bring it to mind, the way I can the appearance of roses.