Not P but Moby-Dick (52)

[Mark Kohut]

definition 1....

On Sat, Dec 9, 2023 at 11:12 PM Mike Jing <gravitys.rainbow.cn at gmail.com>
wrote:

> From Chapter 68:
>
> True, from the unmarred dead body of the whale, you may scrape off with
> your hand an infinitely thin, transparent substance, somewhat resembling
> the thinnest shreds of isinglass, only it is almost as flexible and soft as
> satin; that is, previous to being dried, when it not only contracts and
> thickens, but becomes rather hard and brittle.
>
> What does "isinglass" refer to here?
>
> 1. A firm whitish semitransparent substance (being a comparatively pure
> form of gelatin) obtained from the sounds or air-bladders of some
> freshwater fishes, esp. the sturgeon; used in cookery for making jellies,
> etc., also for clarifying liquors, in the manufacture of glue, and for
> other purposes. Also extended to similar substances made from hides, hoofs,
> etc.
>
> 2. A name given to mica, from its resembling in appearance some kinds of
> isinglass.
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>