Original Story：
Now this ambergris is a very curious substance, and so important as an article of commerce, that in 1791 a certain Nantucket-born Captain Coffin was examined at the bar of the English House of Commons on that subject. For at that time, and indeed until a comparatively late day, the precise origin of ambergris remained, like amber itself, a problem to the learned. Though the word ambergris is but the French compound for grey amber, yet the two substances are quite distinct. For amber, though at times found on the sea-coast, is also dug up in some far inland soils, whereas ambergris is never found except upon the sea. Besides, amber is a hard, transparent, brittle, odorless substance, used for mouth-pieces to pipes, for beads and ornaments; but ambergris is soft, waxy, and so highly fragrant and spicy, that it is largely used in perfumery, in pastiles, precious candles, hair-powders, and pomatum. The Turks use it in cooking, and also carry it to Mecca, for the same purpose that frankincense is carried to St. Peter’s in Rome. Some wine merchants drop a few grains into claret, to flavor it.
Who would think, then, that such fine ladies and gentlemen should regale themselves with an essence found in the inglorious bowels of a sick whale! Yet so it is. By some, ambergris is supposed to be the cause, and by others the effect, of the dyspepsia in the whale. How to cure such a dyspepsia it were hard to say, unless by administering three or four boat loads of Brandreth’s pills, and then running out of harm’s way, as laborers do in blasting rocks.
I have forgotten to say that there were found in this ambergris, certain hard, round, bony plates, which at first Stubb thought might be sailors’ trowsers buttons; but it afterwards turned out that they were nothing, more than pieces of small squid bones embalmed in that manner.
Now that the incorruption of this most fragrant ambergris should be found in the heart of such decay; is this nothing? Bethink thee of that saying of St. Paul in Corinthians, about corruption and incorruption; how that we are sown in dishonor, but raised in glory. And likewise call to mind that saying of Paracelsus about what it is that maketh the best musk. Also forget not the strange fact that of all things of ill-savor, Cologne-water, in its rudimental manufacturing stages, is the worst.
I should like to conclude the chapter with the above appeal, but cannot, owing to my anxiety to repel a charge often made against whalemen, and which, in the estimation of some already biased minds, might be considered as indirectly substantiated by what has been said of the Frenchman’s two whales. Elsewhere in this volume the slanderous aspersion has been disproved, that the vocation of whaling is throughout a slatternly, untidy business. But there is another thing to rebut. They hint that all whales always smell bad. Now how did this odious stigma originate?
I opine, that it is plainly traceable to the first arrival of the Greenland whaling ships in London, more than two centuries ago. Because those whalemen did not then, and do not now, try out their oil at sea as the Southern ships have always done; but cutting up the fresh blubber in small bits, thrust it through the bung holes of large casks, and carry it home in that manner; the shortness of the season in those Icy Seas, and the sudden and violent storms to which they are exposed, forbidding any other course. The consequence is, that upon breaking into the hold, and unloading one of these whale cemeteries, in the Greenland dock, a savor is given forth somewhat similar to that arising from excavating an old city graveyard, for the foundations of a Lying-in Hospital.
I partly surmise also, that this wicked charge against whalers may be likewise imputed to the existence on the coast of Greenland, in former times, of a Dutch village called Schmerenburgh or Smeerenberg, which latter name is the one used by the learned Fogo Von Slack, in his great work on Smells, a text-book on that subject. As its name imports (smeer, fat; berg, to put up), this village was founded in order to afford a place for the blubber of the Dutch whale fleet to be tried out, without being taken home to Holland for that purpose. It was a collection of furnaces, fat-kettles, and oil sheds; and when the works were in full operation certainly gave forth no very pleasant savor. But all this is quite different with a South Sea Sperm Whaler; which in a voyage of four years perhaps, after completely filling her hold with oil, does not, perhaps, consume fifty days in the business of boding out; and in the state that it is casked, the oil is nearly scentless. The truth is, that living or dead, if but decently treated, whales as a species are by no means creatures of ill odor; nor can whalemen be recognised, as the people of the middle ages affected to detect a Jew in the company, by the nose. Nor indeed can the whale possibly be otherwise than fragrant, when, as a general thing, he enjoys such high health; taking abundance of exercise; always out of doors; though, it is true, seldom in the open air. I say, that the motion of a Sperm Whale’s flukes above water dispenses a perfume, as when a musk-scented lady rustles her dress in a warm parlor. What then shall I liken the Sperm Whale to for fragrance, considering his magnitude? Must it not be to that famous elephant, with jeweled tusks, and redolent with myrrh, which was led out of an Indian town to do honor to Alexander the Great?
Expansion and Analysis
Summary and Explanation
This fascinating passage explores ambergris, a rare and mysterious substance produced by sperm whales. Ambergris was historically a valuable commodity, used in perfumes, cooking, and even religious ceremonies. The text explains the confusion that once surrounded ambergris’s origin, contrasting it with amber, a completely different material found on land. Ambergris is described as a soft, fragrant, waxy substance found only at sea, often in the digestive system of whales.
The author humorously discusses how ambergris might be related to whale indigestion and shares curious details about its composition, including small squid bones embedded within it. The passage also reflects on the paradox of something so fragrant arising from decay, drawing philosophical parallels to ideas of corruption and incorruption from religious texts.
Additionally, the author defends whalemen against the stereotype that they and their whales smell bad. He attributes this misconception to the early practices of Greenland whalers, whose methods of storing whale oil produced unpleasant odors. In contrast, South Sea whalers’ oil is nearly scentless, and whales themselves are not inherently foul-smelling creatures. The author poetically compares the scent of a healthy sperm whale to a musk-scented lady’s dress and even to a majestic elephant adorned with fragrant myrrh.
Background and Author Introduction
This excerpt is from Moby-Dick by Herman Melville, a classic American novel first published in 1851. Melville was a sailor and writer whose experiences at sea deeply influenced his work. Moby-Dick is renowned for its rich symbolism, detailed descriptions of whaling, and philosophical musings on nature, humanity, and the universe.
The passage reflects Melville’s deep knowledge of whaling and marine biology, as well as his skill in blending scientific facts with poetic and moral reflections. It provides readers with both an educational insight into ambergris and a broader commentary on perception, prejudice, and the beauty found in unexpected places.
Themes and Literary Appreciation
- Curiosity and Mystery: The text highlights how ambergris puzzled scientists and merchants for centuries, symbolizing the human quest for knowledge.
- Beauty in the Unexpected: The fragrant ambergris, arising from decay, challenges our ideas of purity and impurity.
- Prejudice and Misunderstanding: The defense of whalemen and whales against unfair stereotypes encourages readers to question assumptions.
- Nature and Symbolism: The whale, ambergris, and their scents serve as metaphors for transformation, health, and dignity.
Lessons and Learning Points for Children and Students
- Scientific Inquiry: The story encourages curiosity about natural phenomena and the importance of investigation and evidence.
- Vocabulary Building: Words like ambergris, incorruption, dyspepsia, and fragrant enrich language skills.
- Critical Thinking: Students learn to question stereotypes and consider different perspectives.
- Cultural Awareness: The passage shows how substances like ambergris have diverse uses in different cultures (e.g., Turkish cooking, religious ceremonies).
- Literary Devices: The use of metaphor, allusion, and humor can be studied to improve literary analysis skills.
Practical Applications and Inspirations
- Science and Nature Studies: Students can explore marine biology topics such as whale anatomy and the formation of natural substances.
- History and Commerce: The passage offers a glimpse into historical trade and economic importance of rare materials.
- Ethics and Environment: Discussions can arise about whaling, conservation, and respecting wildlife.
- Creative Writing: Inspired by Melville’s style, students can write descriptive or imaginative pieces about natural wonders.
Reading Comprehension Questions
- What is ambergris, and how is it different from amber?
- Why was ambergris valuable in the past?
- How does the author explain the unpleasant smell associated with some whales and whalemen?
- What philosophical or religious ideas does the author connect to ambergris?
- How does the author challenge common stereotypes about whales and whalemen?
- What comparisons does the author make to describe the scent of a sperm whale?
- Why might ambergris be found in the digestive system of whales?
- What cultural uses of ambergris are mentioned in the passage?
Answers
- Ambergris is a soft, waxy, fragrant substance found only at sea, often in whales, whereas amber is a hard, transparent, odorless resin found on land and sea coasts.
- Ambergris was valuable for use in perfumes, cooking, candles, and religious ceremonies because of its unique fragrance.
- The unpleasant smell came from early Greenland whalers’ methods of storing whale oil, which caused a strong odor similar to a graveyard.
- The author references St. Paul’s ideas of corruption and incorruption and Paracelsus’s thoughts on musk, highlighting transformation and purity.
- He argues that whales and whalemen do not inherently smell bad and that such stereotypes are based on misunderstandings and outdated practices.
- The scent of a sperm whale is compared to a musk-scented lady’s dress and a majestic elephant adorned with fragrant myrrh.
- Ambergris may be related to whale indigestion, possibly forming as a result of or cause of digestive issues.
- Ambergris is used in Turkish cooking, carried to Mecca for religious purposes, and added to wine for flavoring.
This passage offers a rich blend of science, culture, and literary artistry, making it a valuable resource for students to explore language, history, and natural science while developing critical thinking and appreciation for classic literature.
