The Misuse of Coal

Abstract

As England has taught the world how to use coal, she ought to think of teaching the world how to use coal without waste. Coal is so plentiful, so cheap; it is so much to the interest of many people that the waste should go on, and the general public, who alone can apply a remedy, are so ignorant of natural science that when, every few years, I draw attention to this subject, I feel my efforts to be hopeless. Nevertheless, you will perhaps allow me to call attention to the fact that in the very best and largest steam-engines less than 10 per cent. of the energy of coal is utilised; in many small engines only 1 per cent. The remaining energy is quite wasted.