40 THE BUREAU OF SCIENCE 



The Bureau of Science is equipped with apparatus for deter- 

 mining the relative value of various kinds of stone for macad- 

 amizing streets by submitting them to an abrasion test and 

 determining their cementation value, toughness, absorption, 

 hardness, specific gravity, and strength. Over 800 samples of 

 stone from different parts of the Islands have been tested. 



68. Coal. — The Bureau of Science has made geologic recon- 

 naissances of all the better known coal localities, as well as a 

 study of their physical and chemical characteristics. The data 

 secured relate to the topography, transportation, labor, timber, 

 age and character of the formations, physical properties, chemi- 

 cal analyses, calorimetric value, coking qualities, oxidation, dete- 

 rioration, slacking, spontaneous combustion, storage, utilization, 

 the comparison with other coals on the market, etc. Data 

 concerning all features connected with coal from its discovery 

 and development to its most economical utilization, which will 

 assist commercial concerns, have been given. Geologic studies 

 have revealed the position, number, and relations of various 

 seams found in the scattered outcrops as well as of deposits not 

 outcropping on the surface, by the application of paleontologic 

 principles. The existence and extent of faulting and other dis- 

 turbing features have been studied. Chemical studies show that 

 certain coals which are subject to air slacking and spontaneous 

 combustion can be stored in a manner such that their phys- 

 ical integrity is maintained, avoiding great loses and possible 

 conflagration. 



69. Producer-gas plant. — Investigations show that certain 

 Philippine coals are not wholly satisfactory, a priori, as steam- 

 ing coals. This Bureau now has a 67-horsepower producer-gas 

 unit with the corresponding engine and electric generator 

 direct coupled. Coal from East Batan Island has been used 

 exclusively for this plant, and experiments have demonstrated 

 its excellent adaptability to this purpose. Philippine coal burned 

 in the producer unit is 50 per cent more efficient in the produc- 

 tion of electric power than the Japanese coal burned under a 

 steam boiler. It is probable that the poorest coals employed 

 in a producer-gas plant may become as valuable as the best 

 grades of coal used in a steam plant or, perhaps, even supersede 

 the steam plant altogether for stationary work. 



70. Petroleum. — Samples of petroleum have been collected 

 from Philippine formations. The geology has been worked out 

 in one field in sufficient detail to enable us to see that the 

 structure is favorable for the accumulation of commercial quan- 

 tities of oil. Various authentic samples have been studied, and 



