Coal, and What We Get from It

A scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This work explores the complex relationship between coal and its various byproducts, particularly within the context of applied science and industrial chemistry. The book aims to demystify coal production and utilization, emphasizing the valuable products that can be derived from coal processing, including gas, tar, and ammonia. The opening of the book delves into the origins of coal, tracing its formation back to the Carboniferous period and explaining the geological processes that transformed ancient vegetation into coal deposits. Meldola discusses the significance of coal as a source of energy and its critical role in the industrial supremacy of nations, particularly in the realms of metallurgy, energy production, and chemical manufacturing. The chapter sets the stage for a deeper exploration of coal's applications, highlighting the interplay between natural resources and industrial innovation that characterizes the dawn of the modern chemical industry.