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whale oil

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whale oil, oil extracted from the blubber and other parts of certain species of whales. It varies in composition, color, and the degree of fishy odor according to the method and extent of refining. Formerly widely used as an illuminant, it was superseded by petroleum products. It is used today in soapmaking, as a leather dressing, and as a lubricant. Some is hydrogenated to form edible fats. The term is also sometimes used to include 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.
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whale oil [′wāl ‚ȯil]
(materials)
A combustible, nontoxic, yellow-brown fixed oil obtained from whale blubber; soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, carbon disulfide, and benzene; used as a lubricant, illuminant, and leather dressing, and in soapmaking and fat manufacture. Also known as blubber oil.
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Whale oil was once used during the 19th century but has since been replaced with petroleum.
Evolution of Different Types of Alternative Energy and Their Uses in ... by John Reid / Computers and Internet community
Petroleum replaces the use of whale oil back in the 19th century.
Energy Alternative-Information at Your Fingertips by S Moronse / Reference and Education community
The display carried rushlight candles used in the 1700s; whale oil and lard oil lamps used from 1820 to 1830; burning fluid lamps used from 1840 to 1850, and kerosene lamps used through the late 1800s.
Lamp collection sheds light on history by Telegram & Gazette (Worcester, MA)
 
 
 
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