CETACEANS. 227 



that a mass of prodigious size, weighing 182 Ibs., was 

 carried to Ireland in the year 1 694. An entire concre- 

 tion, which had been recently taken from a Cachalot 

 destroyed by the South-Seaman Hoffly, and which was 

 shown to me by her commander, when we spoke that 

 vessel in 1835, did not exceed four ounces in weight. 

 It was in the state as removed from the whale ; of an 

 oval form, and pointed at each extremity; of a dull- 

 black colour ; smooth on the surface -, resembled soap 

 in texture and consistence ; and was similarly unctuous 

 to the touch. Its odour was slight and peculiar ; but 

 not decidedly fragrant, unless heat was applied. 



The analysis of Bouillon la Grange gives, as the 

 chemical composition of 3,820 parts of Ambergris, adi- 

 pocire 2,016, a resinous substance 1,167, benzoic acid 

 425, and coal 212. Pelletier and Caventou consider 

 the chief constituent of Ambergris to be a substance 

 analogous to cholesterine, (the basis of biliary concre- 

 tions in the human system,) and to which those excel- 

 lent chemists have given the name of Ambreine. Ac- 

 cording to Dr. Ure, the specific gravity of Ambergris is 

 from 780 to 926 ; and its point of fusion 144. At the 

 temperature of 212 it volatilises, producing a white 

 vapour. 



The only use made of Ambergris in this country is 

 as a perfume, and for this purpose it is chiefly pre- 

 pared in the form of an alcoholic solution, or essence. 

 It possesses a peculiar property of increasing the power 

 of other perfumes to which it may be added, and when 

 combined with musk, has a remarkable effect in soften- 

 ing the odour of that drug and rendering it more 

 agreeable. The retail price it bears in London is 

 about one guinea the ounce a value which invites to 

 its frequent adulteration. The best tests of its purity 



Q2 



