Whale oil

Whale oil is oil obtained from the blubber of whales. Whale oil was sometimes known as train oil, which comes from the Dutch word traan ("tear" or "drop").

History

Whale oil was used in some of the earliest street lamps in the 18th century. It was also used in oil lamps as a cheap alternative to the more expensive olive oil. In the 19th century, it was used as a lubricant for industrial machinery.

Production

The production of whale oil involves the boiling of the blubber of whales. The oil is then skimmed off the top of the boiling liquid. The process is known as trying out.

Uses

Whale oil was used in a variety of products, including soap, paint, and varnish. It was also used as a lubricant for machinery and in the production of margarine and shortening.

Decline

The use of whale oil declined in the 20th century due to the development of cheaper alternatives, such as petroleum. The whaling industry also faced increasing criticism for its impact on whale populations.

See also

• Whaling
• Petroleum
• Blubber

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