第九十二章 Ambergris.
CHAPTER 92. Ambergris.** This chapter explores ambergris—a valuable commodity that prompted a Nantucket-born Captain Coffin to testify before the English House of Commons in 1791. The substance remained a mystery to scholars until relatively recently, much like amber itself. The chapter distinguishes ambergris from amber, examines theories about its formation in whales, defends the whaling industry against accusations of bad odors, and celebrates the surprising fragrance of the sperm whale.
The Nature of Ambergris
The Nature of Ambergris** Ambergris is described as a very curious substance, highly valued in commerce. So important was this commodity that in 1791, Captain Coffin—a native of Nantucket—was examined at the bar of the English House of Commons regarding it. At that time, and until a comparatively late period, the precise origin of ambergris remained an unsolved problem for the learned, paralleling the mystery surrounding amber itself.
Distinguished from Amber
Distinguished from Amber** Though “ambergris” is merely the French compound for “grey amber,” the two substances are fundamentally distinct. Amber, while sometimes found on sea coasts, is also unearthed in far inland soils; ambergris, however, is never discovered except upon the sea. Additionally, amber is hard, transparent, brittle, and odorless—commonly fashioned into pipe mouthpieces, beads, and ornaments. Ambergris, in contrast, is soft, waxy, and highly fragrant and spicy, making it valuable in perfumery, pastiles, precious candles, hair-powders, and pomatum. The Turks employ it in cooking and carry it to Mecca similarly to how frankincense is carried to St. Peter’s in Rome. Some wine merchants even add grains to claret for flavoring.
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