Spermaceti

Spermaceti is a waxy matter obtained mixed with oil from the head of the sperm-whale, Physeter macrocephalus. The mass obtained from an ordinary sized whale would fill twelve barrels. It is purified by draining off the oil and repeatedly washing with hot water and weak boiling potash-lye. It is in white, pearly, semi-transparent masses, somewhat unctuous to the touch, lighter than water, and melting a little above 100° (38° C.). It is insoluble in water, but soluble in ether, chloroform, &c. Medicinally it is no longer given internally, but it is an ingredient of many ointments, to which it gives a crystalline appearance. Chemically it is almost pure cetyl palmitate, but contains small quantities of other fats. See WHALE.