​SPERMACETI (from Lat.sperma, seed, andcetus, a whale),a wax found in the head cavities and blubber of the sperm-whale(Physeter macrocephalus), where it is dissolved in the sperm oilwhile the creature is living; it also occurs in other Cetacea (seeWhale Oils). At a temperature of about 6° C. the solid matterseparates in a crystalline condition, and when purified by pressureand treatment with weak solution of caustic alkali it formsbrilliant white crystalline scales or plates, hard, but unctuousto the touch, and destitute of taste or smell. It is quite insolublein water, very slightly affected by boiling alcohol, buteasily dissolved in ether, chloroform, and carbon bisulphide.Spermaceti consists principally of cetin or cetyl palmitate,C₁₅H₃₁CO₂C₁₆H₃₃. The substance is used in making candles ofstandard photometric value, in the dressing of fabrics, and inmedicine and surgery, especially in cerates, bougies, ointments,and in cosmetic preparations.