Sperm whale on factory ship

TB00020

Sperm whale on factory ship

 

Sperm whale on a factory ship, probably NEW SEVILLA, South Georgia. Sperm whales have a huge cavity inside their heads full of oil from which a wax called spermaceti can be extracted. A grey, cheeselike substance called ambergris is sometimes formed in their intestines. The oil from their heads makes an excellent lubricant especially for watches and other delicate instruments, and was also used to dress leather, to protect plants from insects, in tempering steel, and in making soap. Spermaceti is mostly used in ointments and cosmetics, and was formerly used to waterproof oilskins. Ambergris is used as a perfume fixative and is especially valuable.

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