SPERMACETI

a white, waxy, unctuous substance obtained by filtration and treatment with potash lye, from the oily matter found in the head of the sperm-whale. Good grades come in fine, white, smooth and nearly transparent flakes, dry and friable but soft to the touch, with a flavor somewhat like butter and a faint tallow smell. It is used by pharmacists as the basis of ointments, etc. It was formerly employed in the manufacture of candles, in the laundry, etc., but for these purposes it has been generally superseded by the cheaper paraffin.