Whalebone Whales
The Fin-Back’s possession of baleen leads to its grouping with right whales under the category “Whalebone whales,” encompassing varieties such as broad-nosed whales, beaked whales, pike-headed whales, bunched whales, under-jawed whales, and rostrated whales. However, the text argues that classification by baleen, hump, fin, or teeth proves fundamentally flawed, as these features appear inconsistently across different whale species without regard to their more essential structural differences. The sperm whale and humpbacked whale both possess humps, yet share no further similitude; similarly, the humpbacked whale and Greenland whale both have baleen but differ in other critical respects. Attempts to systematize whales through these detached physical characteristics have uniformly failed, and even internal anatomy offers no more reliable foundation for classification than external features.
Bibliographical System
Given the inadequacy of both external and internal anatomical features as classification criteria, the chapter proposes the “Bibliographical system”—a method that takes whales in their “entire liberal volume” and sorts them bodily. This approach, it is argued, represents the only feasible and successful classification method for the Leviathan, acknowledging that while traditional anatomical categories may facilitate casual reference, they cannot yield a rigorous scientific system. The text presents this bodily classification as a bold, practical solution to the longstanding failure of naturalists to successfully categorize whales.
BUCH I. (Folio) CHAPTER IV. (Hump Back).—This whale is often seen
The Humpback whale is frequently observed along the northern American coast, where it has often been captured and towed into harbor. This species carries a substantial hump resembling a peddler’s pack, earning it the descriptive nickname the Elephant and Castle whale, though this common name inadequately distinguishes it from the sperm whale, which also possesses a smaller hump. The humpback’s oil is not considered particularly valuable, and the whale possesses baleen rather than teeth. Despite its modest commercial value, the humpback stands out as the most playful and light-hearted of all whale species, generating more gay foam and white water in its activities than any other whale.
BUCH I. (Folio) CHAPTER IV. (Hump Back) — This Whale Is Often Seen
BOOK I. (Folio) CHAPTER IV. (Hump Back) — This Whale Is Often Seen** The humpback whale is frequently observed along the northern American coast, where it has been commonly captured and towed into harbor.
Humpback Whale Northern American Coast
Humpback Whale Northern American Coast** The humpback whale is found on the northern American coast, where it has been frequently encountered by whalers.
Captured Humpback Whales Towed to Harbor
Captured Humpback Whales Towed to Harbor** Humpback whales have been frequently captured along the northern American coast and subsequently towed into harbor.
Humpback Whale Elephant and Castle Nickname
Humpback Whale Elephant and Castle Nickname** The humpback whale is characterized by a great pack resembling a peddler’s burden, earning it the nickname “the Elephant and Castle whale.”
Humpback Whale and Sperm Whale Hump Distinction
Humpback Whale and Sperm Whale Hump Distinction** The popular name for the humpback whale does not sufficiently distinguish it from other species, since the sperm whale also possesses a hump, though smaller in size.
Humpback Whale Hump and Oil Value
Humpback Whale Hump and Oil Value** The humpback whale’s oil is not considered to be of high value, making it less prized among whalers compared to other species.
Humpback Whale Baleen Feature
Humpback Whale Baleen Feature** The humpback whale possesses baleen, the bristled filter-feeding system found in the mouths of baleen whales.
Gamesome Humpback Whale Nature
Gamesome Humpback Whale Nature** The humpback whale is the most gamesome and light-hearted of all whales, displaying a notably playful and lively temperament.
Humpback Whale Foam and White Water Output
Humpback Whale Foam and White Water Output** The humpback whale produces more gay foam and white water than any other whale species, generally creating more of this spectacle during its activities.
BUCH I. (Folio), CHAPTER V. (Razor Back).—Of this whale little is
This chapter examines one of the least understood whales encountered by sailors and naturalists. The Razor Back whale has remained largely mysterious throughout maritime history, with knowledge of its habits and appearance remaining extremely limited. The chapter aims to document what fragments of information have been gathered about this elusive cetacean while acknowledging the vast unknowns that surround it.
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