The Story of a Piece of Coal: What It Is, Whence It Comes, and Whither It Goes

The book traces coal from its botanical origins — accumulated peatified forests transformed by pressure and heat — through its geological setting in alternating seams and strata, and explains methods for identifying plant remains microscopically. It surveys varieties of coal and carbon, mining practices and hazards, historical extraction and uses, and industrial processing into gas, illuminating oils, and coal-tar by-products. It discusses by-product applications such as dyes and chemical products, addresses concerns about supply and smoky pollution, and outlines the global distribution and economic implications of coal resources.