Has anyone ever thought about how a bunch of seamen came up with the name sperm whale?
No, I didn't have to, I had to read Mobi Dick at school when I was 8. It mentioned ambergris which I found fascinating so I did some research and learned about spermaceti oil which is the reason they hunted the whales. I found whaling romantic back in those days, life at sea, man against beast. Now I find it abhorrent and have been an anti whaling campaigner for over 40 years.
I was not aware of spermaceti oil. I always thought spermaceti were funky little rice looking things that were cooked and added to food