228 ZOOLOGY. 



are the oily appearance it assumes, and the odour it 

 emits, upon the application of heat; and its perfect 

 solubility in hot alcohol. 



Some medical virtues have been attributed to this 

 odoriferous substance, but they are all doubtful and 

 unimportant. It is said to be tonic, aphrodisiac, and 

 antispasmodic ; it is certainly an aperient. 



The Ivory of which the tooth of the Sperm Whale 

 is composed, is hard, heavy, elegantly marked, and capa- 

 ble of a good polish ; but is somewhat variable in its 

 quality, and often deficient in purity of colour. It is 

 received into the English market, though deemed in- 

 ferior in value to the ivory of the Elephant or Hippo- 

 potamus. 



