Moby Dick; Or, The Whale

Lucky Omen

They are accounted a lucky omen among sailors, and those who can withstand three cheers at beholding these vivacious fish are said to lack “the spirit of godly gamesomeness.”

Oil Yield

A well-fed, plump Huzza Porpoise will yield one good gallon of good oil, making them valuable for their oil production.

Jaw Fluid Extraction

The fine and delicate fluid extracted from the Huzza Porpoise’s jaws is exceedingly valuable and in request among jewellers and watchmakers. Sailors also put it on their hones.

Porpoise Meat

Porpoise meat is noted as good eating, establishing it as a viable food source.

Spouting Behavior

It may never have occurred to many that a porpoise spouts. The Huzza Porpoise’s spout is so small that it is not very readily discernible, requiring careful observation to witness.

Sperm Whale Analogy

The next time you have a chance to observe the spouting, you will see the great Sperm whale himself in miniature, suggesting the Huzza Porpoise offers a smaller version of the larger whale’s characteristics.

LIBRO III. (Duodecimo), CHAPTER II. (Algerine Porpoise).—A pirate.

The Algerine Porpoise is described as a particularly savage creature, found only in the Pacific Ocean. It is somewhat larger than the Huzza Porpoise but shares a similar general build. Despite being a fierce fighter that will eagerly engage sharks, the narrator has attempted to lower bait for this creature many times without ever succeeding in capturing one.

Algerine Pirate Porpoise Profile

He is somewhat larger than the Huzza Porpoise, but much of the same general make.

Algerine Porpoise Savage Nature

The Algerine Porpoise is described as very savage in nature. It is found only in the Pacific Ocean and is somewhat larger than the Huzza Porpoise, though sharing a similar general build. Despite its aggressive temperament—including a willingness to confront sharks—the creature has never been successfully captured, despite the author’s repeated attempts at lowering for it.

Algerine Porpoise Pacific Habitat

He is only found, I think, in the Pacific.

Algerine Porpoise Size Comparison

He is somewhat larger than the Huzza Porpoise, but much of the same general make.

Algerine Porpoise Shark Aggression

Provoke him, and he will buckle to a shark.

Algerine Porpoise Capture Elusiveness

I have lowered for him many times, but never yet saw him captured.

LIBRO III. (Duodecimo), CHAPTER III. (Mealy-mouthed Porpoise).—The

This is Book III (Duodecimo), Chapter III of the cetological work, focused on the Mealy-mouthed Porpoise—the largest porpoise species and the smallest whale in the presented classification framework. The chapter includes a detailed description of the Mealy-mouthed Porpoise, a list of unconfirmed half-fabulous small whale species, and a closing reflection on the intentionally unfinished nature of the broader cetological system outlined in the work.

Mealy-mouthed Porpoise

This section provides a detailed description of the Mealy-mouthed Porpoise, the largest porpoise species currently only documented in the Pacific, also called the Right-Whale Porpoise by fishers due to its frequent presence near the larger Folio-classified Right Whale. It has a neat, slender build unlike the rounder Huzza Porpoise, lacks a back fin (a trait uncommon among most porpoises), has a lovely tail, and soft hazel “sentimental Indian” eyes. It earns its name from its distinctive pale, mealy-looking mouth and sharp “bright waist” marking: a clear dividing line running the full length of its body, with deep black coloring above the line and white below, covering its head and entire mouth to give it the appearance of having just raided a meal bag. Its oil is comparable to that of common porpoises.

Uncertain Fugitive Half-Fabulous Whales

This section notes that the cetological classification system does not extend beyond the Duodecimo tier, as the porpoise is the smallest whale. It lists unconfirmed, half-legendary small whale species known to American whalers by reputation only, which can be formally incorporated into the system if caught and measured to fit into the Folio, Octavo, or Duodecimo size classes. The listed species include the Bottle-Nose Whale, Junk Whale, Pudding-Headed Whale, Cape Whale, Leading Whale, Cannon Whale, Scragg Whale, Coppered Whale, Elephant Whale, Iceberg Whale, Quog Whale, Blue Whale, and others. The author omits obsolete, uncouth whale names from older Icelandic, Dutch, and English sources, which he suspects are meaningless Leviathan-related terms with no actual referent.