University Health Network - Academy of Medicine Collection
Category
Pharmacy and Drug Artifacts
Classification
Pharmacy, General
Accession Number
1984.6.10
Description
Clear cylindrical glass jar with black metal screw-on lid with cream paper label affixed to jar with black text describing contents; contents are pale yellow-white cubes ; sealed closure.
Clear cylindrical glass jar with black metal screw-on lid with cream paper label affixed to jar with black text describing contents; contents are pale yellow-white cubes ; sealed closure.
On label: "UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO // PHARMACEUTICAL LABORATORY // Spermaceti
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-A5-3 Box 1
Unit Of Measure
centimeters
Copy Type
original
Reference Types
Book
Website
Reference Comments
“The Historical Apothecary Compendium” by Daniel A. Goldstein
https://www.whalefacts.org/spermaceti/
https://medicalmuseum.org.uk/spermaceti-2
Research Facts
Found in head cavity of Sperm Whale (it is NOT semen, but was believed to be so in past by whalehunters), used in ointment, oil and wax form to soothe irritated skin and create a protective film for irritated mucous membranes. It is tasteless and odourless, and can be made into candles, ointments, cosmetics, textiles.