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Spermaceti

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spermaceti (spûr`məsē`tē), solid waxy substance, white, odorless, and tasteless, separated from the oils obtained from the sperm whale (see sperm oil sperm oil, liquid wax obtained from the sperm whale, or cachalot, and related marine mammals. It flows readily, is clear, and varies in color from pale yellow to brownish yellow. Chemically it is not a true oil.
..... Click the link for more information. ) and other marine mammals. A mixture of esters of fatty acids, it is composed chiefly of cetyl palmitate. Spermaceti is insoluble in water and does not putrefy. It is used mostly in ointments and cosmetics and in fine candles and was widely employed formerly as the waterproofing medium for oilskins.
spermaceti
a white waxy substance obtained from oil from the head of the sperm whale: used in cosmetics, candles, ointments, etc.
spermaceti [‚spər·mə′sed·ē]
(materials)
A white, crystalline, oily (waxy) solid that separates from sperm oil; soluble in ether, chloroform, and carbon disulfide, insoluble in water; melts at 42 to 50°C; used in ointments, emulsions, candles, soaps, and cosmetics; and for linen finishing. Also known as spermaceti wax.
Spermaceti 

the waxy substance obtained by cooling the liquid animal wax contained in a large fibrous sac in the head of the sperm whale. Spermaceti, a complex ester of palmitic acid and cetyl alcohol, crystallizes in the form of white platelets. It is insoluble in water but dissolves readily in ether, acetone, and hot ethanol. It melts at 53°-54°C. The term “spermaceti” was originally used to refer to the sperm of the sperm whale. The substance serves as a sound conductor for the whale. During the 18th century spermaceti was used in the manufacture of candles; today it is used as a lubricant and as a base for the production of creams and ointments.
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As in decapitating the whale, the operator's instrument is brought close to the spot where an entrance is subsequently forced into the spermaceti magazine; he has, therefore, to be uncommonly heedful, lest a careless, untimely stroke should invade the sanctuary and wastingly let out its invaluable contents.
Moby Dick LXVIII-CXXXIV by Melville, Herman View in context
You must go to New Bedford to see a brilliant wedding; for, they say, they have reservoirs of oil in every house, and every night recklessly burn their lengths in spermaceti candles.
Moby Dick I-LXVII by Melville, Herman View in context
It is in the upper part of this enormous head, in great cavities divided by cartilages, that is to be found from six to eight hundred pounds of that precious oil called spermaceti.
20,000 Leagues Under The Sea by Verne, Jules View in context
 
 
 
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