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- # Introduction (Chapter 45)
## Overview
This is the introductory section of [Chapter 45. The Affidavit.](arke:01KG8AM7BAM0HY3MVSS1XZFHJB) from the novel *Moby Dick*. It sets the stage for the chapter's exploration of sperm whale habits and aims to address potential skepticism regarding the "natural verity" of the subject matter. The introduction spans lines 8190-8207 of the source text file.
## Context
This introduction is part of [Chapter 45. The Affidavit.](arke:01KG8AM7BAM0HY3MVSS1XZFHJB), which is contained within the text file [moby_dick.txt](arke:01KG89J198KE6FY8WPVJQQRCZ6). The text file is part of the [Melville Complete Works](arke:01KG89HMDZKNY753EZE1CJ8HZW) collection. The introduction is followed by the subsection [First:](arke:01KG8ANJ173GKHF8ABPRVYYKWY).
## Contents
The introduction explains the importance of the preceding chapter in terms of narrative and insights into sperm whale behavior. It states the chapter will further elaborate on the topic to ensure understanding and dispel any doubts about the accuracy of the information presented. The author indicates that the chapter will present separate citations and personal experiences as a whaleman to support the conclusions drawn.
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- Introduction (Chapter 45)
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- CHAPTER 45. The Affidavit.
So far as what there may be of a narrative in this book; and, indeed,
as indirectly touching one or two very interesting and curious
particulars in the habits of sperm whales, the foregoing chapter, in
its earlier part, is as important a one as will be found in this
volume; but the leading matter of it requires to be still further and
more familiarly enlarged upon, in order to be adequately understood,
and moreover to take away any incredulity which a profound ignorance of
the entire subject may induce in some minds, as to the natural verity
of the main points of this affair.
I care not to perform this part of my task methodically; but shall be
content to produce the desired impression by separate citations of
items, practically or reliably known to me as a whaleman; and from
these citations, I take it—the conclusion aimed at will naturally
follow of itself.
- title
- Introduction