Inquisitive And Descriptive, With An Air Of Scientific Interest Intermingled With Philosophical Contemplation.

Ishmael examines the heads of the sperm whale and the right whale, emphasizing their anatomical differences, particularly their eyes and ears, and contemplates the limitations of their sensory perceptions.

As both a sperm whale's and a right whale's head hang from the Pequod's side, Ishmael invites the reader to explore the significant contrast between them, with a focus on the sperm whale's symmetrical and dignified head. He notes the peculiarly positioned eyes and small ears of both whales, which limit their visual and auditory perception. The positions of the eyes make it impossible for the whales to see directly ahead or behind, offering Ishmael an opportunity to ponder the implications of such limited senses. He describes the complexities of whale vision and questions whether the whale can process two different images from each eye simultaneously. Ishmael also illustrates the labor of extracting teeth from the sperm whale's jaw for practical purposes, as well as giving a descriptive account of the mouth's interior.