natural history of the sperm whale, its anatomy and physiology, food, spermaceti, ambergis, rise and progress of the fishery, chase and capture, "cutting in" and "trying out", description of the ships, boats, men and instruments used in the attack, with an account of its favorite places of resort (Part I) A South Sea whaling voyage embracing a description of the extent, as well as the adventures and accidents that occurred during the voyage in which the author was personally engaged (Part II)