Information AboutHarpoons |
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A harpoon is a long spear-like instrument used in Fishing to catch fish or other large aquatic animals such as Whale s. HISTORY OF THE HARPOON The Greek historian Polybius (''ca'' 203 BC - 120 BC ), in his Histories , describes hunting for swordfish by using a harpoon with a barbed and detachable head. {Link without Title} Whaling For over 1000 years, the Two Flue Harpoon was the primary weapon used in Whaling around the world, though in the Arctic , natives used the more advanced Toggling Harpoon design. In the early 19th Century the One Flue Harpoon was introduced, which reduced failed harpoonings due to the head cutting its way out of the body of the whale. In the mid-19th century, the toggling harpoon was adapted by Lewis Temple , using iron. This iron toggle harpoon or "Temple's Toggle" was widely used, and quickly came to dominate the whaling industry. Modern whaling harpoons Formerly the harpoon was thrown by hand but now is shot from specially constructed guns. Usually a harpoon consists of a launcher (mostly a Cannon ) and a Projectile which is a large spear connected to a thick Rope . The spearhead is shaped in a manner that it will penetrate the thick layers of whale fat and stick in the flesh. It has sharp spikes to prevent the spear from sliding out. Thus, by pulling the rope with a motor, the Whaler s can drag the whale back to their ship. SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS |
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