The answer is all too mundane: The blobs are old whale blubber.

But other things were: coal oil, maybe, or whale blubber.

It was a bit like if you had a source of whale blubber in the 1840s and it could be used as fuel.

Before gas came along, if you traded in whale blubber, you were the richest man on Earth.

Then gas came along and you'd be stuck with your whale blubber.

It does this for everything from whale blubber to peach leaves.

But when it comes to whale blubber, Japan is absolutely for free trade.

They also used whale blubber to oil machines and make lots of expensive makeup.

It turned out they were nothing more than old whale blubber.

"Anything made from motor oil and whale blubber is turned to begin with."