It was mainly whale oil that was used to light Europe. It also lubricated machinery, was an ingredient in soaps and cosmetics, and was used in leather, wool, and paint processing.
Vaalarasva kasutati tollal Euroopas petrooleumilampides ning peale selle masinate õlitamiseks, seepide ja kosmeetikatoodete valmistamiseks ning naha, villa ja värvide töötlemisel.