Before oil, whale oil dominated the world❗🐋🐳🐋

Whale oil, primarily extracted from sperm whales and baleen whales, was a vital resource for humanity from the 16th century until the early 20th century. This valuable product not only lit homes but also lubricated machines and was incorporated into products as diverse as soaps and explosives.

In the 16th century, whale oil became popular as a source of lighting. Appreciated for its slow combustion and bright flame, it became the preferred fuel for household lamps, street lighting, and lighthouses in Europe and America. The “train oil” from baleen whales was one of the most accessible and reliable sources of light before the widespread adoption of kerosene and electricity.

By the 17th century, this oil had become an essential component in soap manufacturing. Its high fat content made it ideal as a base for soaps, which were fundamental for hygiene. Whale fleets expanded from Europe to America and Africa as the demand for lighting and cleaning grew.

The Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries multiplied the uses of whale oil. Spermaceti from sperm whales was especially valued as a lubricant for high-pressure machinery. Factories depended on this oil to keep their equipment running properly, making it an indispensable part of early industrial progress.

This product found applications in textile production, leather tanning, and even rope manufacturing. Hardened whale oil was used to create candles that were cleaner and longer-lasting than tallow candles.

By the 20th century, its uses extended beyond lighting and lubrication. With chemical advances, hardened oil became a key ingredient in margarine and soaps. It also proved essential for producing nitroglycerin used in explosives during the world wars. Whale liver oil was a vital source of vitamin D until synthetic alternatives were developed.

Despite its many applications, whale oil began to be replaced by petroleum products and vegetable oils in the early 1900s. Kerosene quickly dominated lighting, and new industrial lubricants surpassed whale oil. By the mid-20th century, environmental concerns and declining whale populations spurred international movements against hunting.

The decline of this industry accelerated in the 1960s when synthetic products replaced natural oils in most industries. Conservation movements and increasing environmental awareness led to the prohibition of commercial whale hunting by the International Whaling Commission in 1986, effectively ending whale oil trade.

This resource, once a pillar of daily life and industrial growth, has a complex history. It was crucial for lighting homes and powering machinery but also contributed to the overexploitation of whales. Today, its legacy reminds us of the importance of sustainably managing resources and seeking alternatives to endangered raw materials.