What are differencies between whale oils and earth oils?

The first principal use of whale oil was as an illuminant in lamps and as candle wax. Other uses came in time. In the 1700's it was noted that the burning oil from sperm whales glowed brightly and clearly and did not have a disagreeable odor like the oil from right whales did (Bonner, 1989). read more

As Cetaceans, they are split between toothed whales (Odontoceti) and baleen whales (Mysticeti). There are 66 species of Odontoceti whales. To name a few of the most popular whales to fit in this category: orcas, beluga whales, narwhals, dolphins, sperm whales, porpoises. read more

Roberts traces the whale oil rumor back to a book titled The Whale: in search of the giants of the sea, by Philip Hoare. When I started searching around, I also found it here, in what looks like a freelance piece by Mr. Hoare in The Independent. read more