16 Mr. E. T. Newton on the Microscopic Characters 



of ourself is dissociated from another part ; and the principles 

 which underlie chemical work this hour, become in the next 

 the springs of moral action. Here, then, is neither mist nor 

 vagueness ; these tests are decisive and at hand. All real 

 philosophy is human ; its foundations lie deep in the granite 

 of every day experience ; and the superstructure is lucid as the 

 noon. In that keen light I place the issue. 



II. On the Microscopic Characters of some Peculiar Forms of 

 Coke. By E. Tulle y Newton, Assistant Naturalist H. M. 

 Geological Survey*. 



[Plate L] 



IN the extensive collection of fuel substances formed by 

 Dr. Percy, F.R.S., there are certain specimens of Coke 

 presenting very peculiar forms. The Doctor kindly placed 

 these specimens in my hands that I might have the oppor- 

 tunity of examining them microscopically, and also suggested 

 the desirability of publishing a short account of my obser- 

 vations. 



The specimens are of two kinds, both obtained from a coke- 

 oven, and are so unlike each other that there can be no doubt 

 that they have been formed in an entirely different manner. 

 One of them has a silvery metallic lustre, and is usually attached 

 to some object, either as a flat expansion, or in masses of 

 feather-like branches (Plate I. figs. 1 & 2), having much the 

 appearance of minute stalactites. The surface, which is some- 

 times smooth, mostly appears to consist of a number of minute 

 globules or bubbles closely packed together. When any con- 

 siderable thickness is formed it becomes very hard and dense. 

 Specimens of this kind of coke may be seen in the Museum of 

 Practical Geology, Jermyn Street ; and perhaps the most 

 remarkable example is that in which some plaited cane and 

 straw, and also some clay tobacco-pipes, are coated over with 

 the most beautiful feathery stalactitic masses of this peculiar 

 coke. 



The bubble-like appearance of some specimens might lead 

 one to suppose that they were formed by the bubbling of the 

 semifluid hydrocarbons, in a manner similar to that which 

 may be often seen when ordinary coal is burnt in a grate ; 

 but the fact that objects, such as the tobacco-pipes just men- 

 tioned, become coated with this coke, shows conclusively that 

 this cannot be the case. And, again, the bubbling process 



* Cominunicated by the Author. 



