84 THE MEDALS OF CREATION. Cuap. V. 
and the changes it undergoes when rendered subservient to 
the necessities and luxuries of man. 
“Few persons are aware of the remote and wonderful 
events in the economy of our planet, and of the complicated 
applications of human industry and science, which are in- 
volved in the production of the coal that supplies with fuel 
the metropolis of England. 
“The most early stage to which we can carry back its 
origin, was among the swamps and forests of the primeval 
earth, where it flourished in the form of gigantic Calamites, 
and stately Lepidodendra, and Sigillarie. From their 
native bed, these plants were transported into some adjacent 
lake, or estuary, or sea. Here they floated on the waters, 
until they sank saturated to the bottom, and being buried 
in the detritus of adjacent lands, became transferred to a 
new estate among the members of the mineral kingdom. 
A long interment followed, during which a course of | 
chemical changes, and new combinations of their vegetable 
elements, converted them to the mineral condition of coal. 
By the elevating force of subterranean agency, these beds 
of coal have been uplifted from beneath the waters, to a 
new position in the hills and mountains, where they are 
accessible to the industry of man. From this fourth stage, 
coal has been removed by the labours of the miner, assisted 
by the arts and sciences, that have co-operated to produce 
the steam-engine, and the safety-lamp. Returned once more 
to the light of day, and a second time committed to the 
waters, it has, by the aid of navigation, been conveyed to 
the scene of its next and most considerable change by fire ; 
a change during which it becomes subservient to the most 
important wants and conveniences of man. In this seventh 
stage of its long eventful history, it seems, to the vulgar eye, 
to undergo annihilation; its elements are, indeed, released 
from the mineral combinations which they have maintained 
for ages, but their apparent destruction is only the com- 
