Paper, regarding ambergris found in whales by Dr Boylston

Description

Boylston writes: 'The most learned part of mankind are still at a loss about many things, even in medical use; and, particularly, were so in what is called ambergris, until our whale fisherman of Nantucket.' He describes how 'the ambergris is when first taken out moist and of an exceedingly strong and offensive smell.'

Subject: Zoology / Ambergris

Read to the Royal Society on 11 February 1724

Published in Philosophical Transactions as 'Ambergris found in whales. Communicated by Dr. Boylston of Boston in New-England'

Reference number

CLP/15ii/2

Earliest possible date

1724

Physical description

Ink on paper

Page extent

2 pages

Format

Manuscript