The ratfish (Chimera monstrosa), like the dogfish and the shark, is a member of the elasmobranch class of fish which are characterized by their distinctive lamellate gills. The oil from its liver is an ancient remedy among the fishermen along with west coast of Norway and Sweden. In addition to using it for the treatment of general debility, it had several specific applications. These included wound healing, and the treatment of irritations of the respiratory and alimentary tracts. Of particular interest, the oil was used to treat what was referred to in those days as glandular disease, and nowadays would be called lymphadenopathy.