Spermaceti
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Spermaceti is a solid, waxy substance obtained from the cranial cavities and paired cavities along the spine of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus L.). It was previously used for treating respiratory pathways and intestinal catarrhs but is now primarily used in making fine ointments and creams.
Encyclopedia article (1928–1936)
SPERMACETI (Ph. VII), Cetaceum, Sperma Ceti, a solid, waxy substance obtained from the cranial cavities and paired cavities located along the spine in the sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus L. A white, odorless, leaf-crystalline mass that is translucent in thin layers and feels greasy to the touch. Specific gravity 0.940-0.945, melting point 45-50°. Unlike fats, it does not leave a greasy spot on paper (when rubbed). It dissolves in 50 parts of boiling 95% alcohol, in ether, chloroform, and is insoluble in water. It consists mainly of the cetyl ester of palmitic acid. Previously used for treating respiratory pathways and intestinal catarrhs in the form of emulsions and powders. Today it is used for making fine ointments and creams. It is an ingredient in ointments Ph. VII: spermaceti ointment (Ung. Cetacei) (wax 2 parts, spermaceti 4 parts, almond oil 14 parts), cold cream, Ung. leniens (Ph. VII) (wax 3 parts, spermaceti 6 parts, almond oil 24 parts, glycerin 4 parts), lipstick, and others. In technology, it is used for making candles and for finishing fabrics.
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“Spermaceti.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/spermaceti/