In reply to Mr. Chase's question regarding sperm oil in automobiles.
I know that sperm oil was a vital part of the lubricant used in the
early General Motors Positraction differentials.  Sperm oil has a great
film strength as well as a high flash point.  Much research was done to
provide a suitable replacement.  My experience suggests that this was
not totally accomplished.  Since Sperm oil was a great lubricant for
the oil filled clutches used in the Positraction, it would not surprise
me if it was used in automatic transmissions, since they had, and still
have, oil filled clutches.  I'm guessing on the latter, however.

Jim Cook