In the field of chemistry Mr. Parker's achievements are also remarkable. He it was who solved the problem of the successful pyro-electric extraction of phosphorus, and his patented processes are at present used in all the great phosphorus works. In 1900, Mr. Parker was called in by the Directors of the Metropolitan Railway to take charge of the contemplated electrification of the line, and from the results of his experiments the Directors caused specifications to be drawn up by Mr. Parker, and ultimately not only the Metropolitan but also the District Railway was electrified on almost identically the same principle as that employed in his construction of the Liverpool Overhead Railway. Something over 50 specifications stand to his credit in the Patent Office.

Mr. Parker has also written and spoken much upon the subject of the reform of Units of Measurement, and is one or the most active members of the British Weights and Measures Association, formed to oppose the introduction of the Metre and its derivatives into this country. He has pointed out, with all the weight of his long engineering experience behind him, that the inch forms in every way a more advantageous and practical unit than the metre.

Quite apart from the hygienic aspect of the smoke evil, Mr. Parker was deeply impressed by the enormous economic waste of which coal-smoke is merely the outward and visible sign. Before ever the Royal Commission on our coal supplies reported that, of the 150 millions of tons of coal annually used in this country, 60 millions are burnt to waste, Mr. Parker had recognized the facts and had realised the import of this gigantic loss and the consequences that are bound to ensue if the national resources continue to be squandered with this reckless and senseless prodigality. As early as 1881 a Gold Medal was awarded to Mr. Parker at the Smoke Abatement Exhibition for his invention of the "Kyrle" grate for the consumption of anthracite and other fuels. He soon realised, however, that what was needed was the production of a smokeless fuel, and not merely the provision of mechanical contrivances for economical consumption.

The fuel must be absolutely smokeless, and must be of such a nature that it cannot emit smoke. Unlike coke, the fuel must be capable of being readily lighted. It must be adapted for satisfactory consumption in any existing grate, stove, or kitchen range, and must provide the cheerful ore insisted upon by popular choice, and must emit neither unpleasant nor unhealthy fumes. It must be in other respects as convenient and relatively as cheap as the present alternative fuels.

In the midst of his busy life, Mr. Parker tried many extensive experiments with a view to eliminating the smoky gases from bituminous coal. In the end he discovered a process of treating coal of any size or quality in such a manner as to extract completely the whole of the smoke-producing elements, and at the same time to increase the calorific value of the resulting product.

Coalite is much more bulky, by reason of its porosity, than an equal weight of coal, and since it lasts much longer, radiates more heat, and burns more steadily than a coal fire, and is converted entirely into carbon dioxide (no loss occurring in the shape of smoke or of carbon monoxide), and since also, even at its present price, it is cheaper than coal, it may reasonably be expected before long to prove itself so very economical that its use will become universal, not perhaps so much from any urgent desire to assist in the promotion of smokeless London, as simply on the ground of the actual money - saving effected through its use. Coalite has triumphantly passed the ordeal of independent and searching tests made under the direction of the Coal Smoke Abatement Society, and has amply demonstrated its ability to meet the points already referred to as being essential in a perfect fuel.

Tests were conducted in rooms forming part of the large block of buildings situated at the corner of Great George Street, Westminster, now being constructed under the superintendence of Sir Henry Tanner, Chief Architect to H.M. Government. The trials, which extended over 13 days, were performed under conditions and regulations precisely similar to those issued for the grate tests held under the auspices of the same Society in July, 1905 (the Lancet of 19th May, 1906).

The tests of the sample submitted for examination have demonstrated that Coalite is easily lighted, and that it remains most of the day glowing and cheerful, with a yellow flame varying in size, while it emits no smoke. It further requires little or no attention, as it has no tendency to cake. No carbon monoxide was detected in the flue gases, indicating that practically perfect combustion had been secured. As with with good coal, Coalite maintains a more uniform fire and keeps the temperature of the room more steady. It does not die down into an inert looking mass, and deposits no soot.

The founders of the Coalite industry have no doubts about its successful future, and they are laying their plans upon a scale commensurate with the expected demand for a fuel which combines within itself all the qualities which have so long been vainly desiderated. A long frontage to the Thames, over a mile in length, together with some hundreds of acres of hinterland, have been secured, and works are being put down of a size sufficient to deal with from three to four millions of tons of coal annually. The plant used in the preparation of Coalite is entirely different from that used at present in the gas and coke manufacture. The stills are automatic and continuous in their action, and the coal fed in at the top emerges as Coalite at the bottom. As the apparatus undergoes no destructive high temperatures, the wear and tear is small, and the perpetual renewals common in gas making practice are rendered unnecessary.

Last, but not least, Coalite will bring to fruition the hopes of those who have written, preached, and striven for a cleaner life in a purer atmosphere. At last it will be possible for Londoners to breathe a wholesome air, uncontaminated with the smoke fumes and fogs they have so long endured. Every one will rejoice if the lives of our cathedrals and other national buildings may be lengthened, and if the beauty of our priceless treasures of art may be preserved. The flowers and trees in our parks and gardens will at last be able to grow with natural vigour; and, most important of all, we may rejoice in the thought that our children will not be handicapped by those abnormal and unhealthy conditions which the black smoke nuisance has too long imposed. They at least will see and enjoy the fulfilment of the long - cherished dream of A SMOKELESS LONDON.