Coal and its Scientific Uses. By W. A. Bone. (Longmans
and Co. 21s. net.)—Professor Bone's treatise is of great interest and importance. He discusses not merely the chemical composition and combustion of coal and the gas industries, but also the coal question in its national aspects, the need for economy in fuel, domestic heating, and the smoke nuisance. In regard to coal pro- duction he quotes an estimate of 1913, showing that, out of the average price of 10s. lid. per ton, 6s. 4d. went in wages, 60. as royalty, and 104d. as interest and profit. The-figures are worth re- membering. Professor Bone denounces the " barbarous use " of raw coal in open fireplaces, and advocates the use of gas, electricity, or a smokeless fuel. He admits that factory chimneys produce twice as much smoke and soot—to the amount of nine million tons a year —as domestic chimneys, but he thinks that domestic soot, being more tarry, does the greater damage, and is more effective for harm in the winter, when we need clear skies most of all.
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