Subject
Coal Books
Best books
Raphael Meldola
Coal, and What We Get from It
"Coal, and What We Get from It" by Raphael Meldola is 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.
Homer Greene
Coal and the coal mines
"Coal and the Coal Mines" by Homer Greene is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This work explores the geological processes behind coal formation, the structure of coal beds, and the development of the coal mining industry, particularly in the U.S. The book emphasizes the importance of coal as a natural resource and its historical significance to economic growth. The opening of the book introduces readers to the fundamental question of how mineral coal was formed and sets the stage for an exploration of geological history, beginning with theories like the Nebular Hypothesis. Greene discusses the layers of the Earth’s crust and the role of ancient vegetation in creating the coal deposits that we mine today. He also touches on the major geological periods, leading up to the Carboniferous age, during which the coal plants thrived, giving way to a rich narrative on the complexities and the environment that fostered the eventual creation of coal over millions of years. The text is rich in scientific detail yet aims to remain accessible, illustrating Greene's intent to provide a comprehensive understanding of coal mining’s intricate nature to a broad audience.
Robert W. (Robert Walter) Bruère
The Coming of Coal
"The Coming of Coal" by Robert W. Bruère is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work discusses the pivotal role of coal in the development of modern civilization and industry, particularly focusing on its impact during the industrial revolution. The book explores the interplay between the economic advantages brought by coal and the social challenges that arose as a result of its exploitation and the necessary labor conditions. The opening of the book introduces readers to the historical context and importance of coal, emphasizing its origins and how it became a driving force in industrialization. Bruère reflects on how coal transformed human societies, enabling unprecedented energy production while simultaneously prompting ethical concerns about labor exploitation and the consequences of unregulated industrial growth. He raises critical questions regarding humanity's preparedness to manage the benefits of coal, suggesting that the real measure of progress lies not in material wealth but in the spiritual and ethical evolution of society.
Charles Fitzhugh Talman
The Mentor: The Story of Coal, vol. 6, Num. 6, Serial No. 154, May 1, 1918
"The Mentor: The Story of Coal, vol. 6, Num. 6, Serial No. 154, May 1, 1918" by Charles Fitzhugh Talman is an educational publication from the early 20th century that delves into the geological and industrial significance of coal. As a part of the Mentor series, this work seeks to inform readers about the origins, types, and uses of coal while also addressing its implications for society and industry during a period when coal was a dominant energy source. The book is structured in sections that discuss the formation of coal from ancient vegetation during the Carboniferous Period, detailing the process that transformed peat into coal over millions of years. It explores the extensive coal fields in the United States, highlighting the regions rich in coal deposits, and elaborates on the history and evolution of coal mining practices. Talman emphasizes the various products derived from coal, including electricity and industrial chemicals, and examines issues like air pollution from coal combustion, safety concerns within coal mines, and the future sustainability of coal resources. Through informative prose and illustrations, the book provides a comprehensive view of coal's essential role in shaping modern energy use and industrialization.
Edward A. (Edward Alfred) Martin
The Story of a Piece of Coal: What It Is, Whence It Comes, and Whither It Goes
"The Story of a Piece of Coal: What It Is, Whence It Comes, and Whither It Goes" by Edward A. Martin is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The book explores the geological and chemical history of coal, examining its origins from ancient vegetation, the processes that transformed it over time, and its immense significance in various fields such as ecology, geology, and industry. The opening of the book sets the stage by discussing the widespread ignorance regarding the remarkable story behind coal. Martin outlines his intention to document the main facts and events related to coal's formation, from the ancient forests that contributed to its creation to the modern implications of its use, including what he calls the "fog-problem." He emphasizes the need to appreciate the complex journey of coal from its vegetative roots to its current state as a vital energy resource, teasing the detailed exploration of coal's origins and properties that is to follow in subsequent chapters.
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