CHA PTHR VII: 
THE MANUFACTURE OF COKE. 
By ‘Henry Newton, E.M. * 
Coke is the combustible residue remaining after the volatile parts 
_ of a bituminous coal have been expelled by heat. The objects aimed at in 
its manufacture are, Ist, to obtain a fuel of a higher calorific power and 
greater density, and 2nd, to obtain from the cementing or coking coals 
a fuel which will not agglomerate in the furnace. A small amount of 
sulphur is also at the same time expelled. 
All varieties of bituminous coal may be made to produce a coke, 
but the character of the coke will vary very greatly with the kind of 
coal. Usually it is customary to coke only those coals in which the 
cementing or coking character is well marked—the coking coals—and 
which cannot be used raw in the furnace, because of their cementing 
together and clogging up the furnace. The non-cementing or open 
burning coals, though they will produce a coke, which, however, is 
very light, porous and fragile, because of their free burning character, 
are used in the blast furnace in the raw state. 
The early iron industry in all countries was dependent on the use 
of charcoal, and the precise time of the first manufacture and use of 
* Mr. Henry Newton, E.M., whose untimely death in 1877 was deplored by all who knew him, was 
employed for parts of several years by Dr. Newberry in the collection and preparation of materials for 
the volume on Economic Geology, which the Legislature had ordered. The chapters which Mr. New- 
ton had prepared for publication pertained exclusively to the various subjects connected with the 
manufacture of iron. Professor Lord has used some of this material in the preceding chapter, with 
due acknowledgment, but it is deemed fitting that at least one chapter of the present volume be given 
in Mr. Newton’s own words. For this purpose, the Chapter on Coke seems to be the best adapted, and 
it is accordingly introduced at this point. A few analyses have been added by Professor Lord, but the 
text is in all essential respects as it was left by the author. 
The chapter might have been made somewhat fresher by the introduction of the investigations 
and experiments of the last 8 or 10 years, but as it is, its statements will be found clear, compact and 
reliable, fitly representing in these particulars the mind and work of the author. 
The coke interest of Ohio is not a large nor a growing interest, as will be seen from the chapters of 
the present volume that treat of our coal fields. The production of inferior grades of coke from slack 
and refuse coal is extending somewhat, but Leetonia is the only point in Ohio in which iron-making 
is now carried on by the exclusive use of native coke. E. O. 
