Wood and Forest

by William Noyes

"Wood and Forest" by William Noyes is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a detailed examination of American woods, including their structure, properties, growth, and uses. The book is particularly beneficial for students, educators, and woodworkers interested in understanding the fundamentals of wood as a material within both ecological and practical contexts. The opening of the work begins with a foreword where Noyes acknowledges contributions from various individuals who assisted in refining the text. He outlines the organization of the book and its purpose as a companion to his previous volume, “Handwork in Wood.” The first chapter dives into the structure of wood, teaching readers about its classification among plant life, including gymnosperms and angiosperms, and detailing the unique characteristics of wood as a living organism. Noyes emphasizes that understanding wood’s structure is essential for its effective use in woodworking, laying a solid foundation for the more practical information that follows in later chapters.