Abstract

GLC represents a technique for recognising sperm oil and even its semi-quantitative determination by the use of an integrator. However, the technique must be used with care and intelligence. It is important to ensure that there is first of all a reasonably clear response. For reasons which are not absolutely clear, response to injection of the required amount of sample can be poor on occasions. Amplification of the signal can be used though this rules out any possibility of a quantitative evaluation. A low response considerably reduces the detection limit of sperm oil which is 5% of the total extract but can be improved under good conditions and be worse if these conditions depart in the other direction. Considerable work on examination of leathers and mixed fatliquors confirms that sperm oil can be recognised at this level.