1. Lighting: Whale oil was a primary source of fuel for lamps before the widespread availability of electricity. It burned cleanly and brightly and was widely used in homes, streets, and lighthouses.
2. Lubricants: Whale oil was also used as a lubricant in various industrial and mechanical applications, including in machinery, textile mills, and clocks. Its high viscosity and low freezing point made it suitable for use in cold climates.
3. Soaps and Cosmetics: Whale oil was used in the production of soaps and cosmetics due to its emollient properties. It added softness and smoothness to soaps and was an ingredient in many beauty products.
4. Margarine and Food Products: Processed whale oil was used in the production of margarine, a butter substitute, and in various other food products.
The whaling industry thrived in the 18th and 19th centuries due to the demand for whale oil and other whale products, such as baleen (used for various goods like corset stays) and spermaceti (used in candles and lubricants). However, with the development of alternative sources of fuel and materials, the whaling industry declined, and today, there are international regulations in place to protect whale species.