AQUATIC PRODUCTS IN ARTS AND INDUSTRIES. 



203 



the stearin is substituted to quite an extent for that article. The 

 market price approximates 5 cents per pound. It maj' be refined in 

 a manner similar to spermaceti, though it is generally sold in the 

 crude shape, iDacked in barrels. The chemical constituents are mainl}' 

 glycerides of stearic and palmitic acids, mixed with oil. It is used 

 principally as a sizing for yarns, smaller quantities being used in 

 Europe for smearing sheep after shearing. Other uses are in making 

 soaps and in filling or stuffing leather. 



The various whale oils are hard and strong, and range in specific 

 gravity from 0. 900 to 0. 927 at 59° F. Oil of the right whale has specific 

 gravity of 0.925 to 0.927 at 59° F. Oil from the humpback and like- 

 wise from the sulphur-bottom whale is somewhat lighter in weight, 

 the specific gravity varying between 0.915 and 0.920 at 59° F. Ac- 

 cording to Brannt, the composition of right whale oil is carbon 76.85 

 per cent, hydrogen 11.80 per cent, and oxygen 11.35 per cent; while 

 that of humpback and sulphur-bottom whales is carbon 77.05 per 

 cent, hydrogen 12.05 per cent, and oxygen 10.90 per cent. Refined 

 whale oil is extensively used in machine shops to reduce friction, 

 particularly in cutting bolts and screws. It is also used as stuffing in 

 leather-dressing, especially in the manufacture of chamois leather. 



The following summary, compiled from the trade journals, shows the 

 range of prices per gallon for crude sperm oil and for whale oil during 

 a series of years ending in 1901 : 



Statement of the maximum and minimum prices per gallon of sperm and of whale 

 oil each year from 1868 to 1902, inclusive. 



In the earlj^ j^ears of the whale fishery nearlj' all the sperm oil pro- 

 duced in the United States fisheries was exported in a crude condition, 

 and during the period of greatest prosperity in the fishery about one- 

 half was exported, but at present the exports in a crude state are very 

 small. For the first time in a hundred years none whatever was 

 exported in 1901. Most of it is refined at New Bedford, and some of 

 the refined oil and a large percentage of the spermaceti are exported. 

 Of the whale oil the greater part is consumed in this country. 



