Meaning: The quote "The German Doctors say that persons sensible of harmony have one sense more than others" by Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, a French lawyer and politician, highlights the idea that individuals who are sensitive to harmony possess an additional sense beyond the traditional five senses commonly recognized. This quote alludes to the concept of a heightened perceptual ability related to harmony, suggesting an enhanced capacity for appreciating and experiencing the sensory aspects of music, sound, and perhaps even broader notions of balance and coherence in life.

Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin is best known for his work "The Physiology of Taste," a seminal treatise on gastronomy and the pleasures of the table, in which he explores the sensory and psychological dimensions of eating and the enjoyment of food. Brillat-Savarin was a keen observer of human behavior and the intricacies of sensory experiences, and his writings often delved into the nuances of taste, smell, and the pleasures of the senses.

In the context of the quote, "The German Doctors" likely refers to a collective body of medical professionals or scholars in Germany who may have conducted research or espoused theories related to sensory perception and harmony. The reference to German doctors adds a layer of authority and credibility to the idea that sensitivity to harmony may entail an additional sense, suggesting that this concept may have been recognized within certain circles of medical or scientific thought.

The notion that individuals sensitive to harmony possess an extra sense can be interpreted in various ways. It may be seen as a metaphorical expression of heightened perceptual acuity, suggesting that those attuned to the nuances of harmony, whether in music, art, or other aspects of life, possess a deeper level of sensory awareness and appreciation. This interpretation aligns with the broader concept of synesthesia, wherein individuals experience a blending or crossing of sensory experiences, such as seeing colors in response to specific sounds or associating tastes with particular words or numbers.

From a more literal standpoint, the quote raises intriguing questions about the nature of sensory perception and the potential for unrecognized or underexplored senses. While traditional models of human perception typically recognize sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell as the primary senses, the idea that sensitivity to harmony represents an additional sense challenges conventional notions of sensory experience. This notion invites exploration into the possibility of undiscovered sensory modalities or the potential for individuals to develop heightened sensitivity in specific domains, such as music or artistic expression.

In the realm of psychology and neuroscience, the quote prompts consideration of the ways in which the brain processes and integrates sensory information, particularly in the context of aesthetic and emotional experiences. Research on the neurological foundations of music perception, for example, has revealed the intricate ways in which the brain responds to and interprets musical stimuli, highlighting the profound impact of harmony and rhythm on cognitive and emotional processes.

Ultimately, Brillat-Savarin's quote sparks contemplation about the multifaceted nature of human perception and the potential for individuals to possess unique sensitivities that transcend traditional sensory categorizations. Whether approached from a metaphorical, philosophical, or scientific perspective, the idea that individuals sensitive to harmony may have an extra sense encourages exploration into the complexities of human experience and the wondrous intricacies of sensory perception.