Petroleum

"Petroleum" by Albert Lidgett is a detailed look at the oil industry from the early 1900s. The account gives a full summary of petroleum, talking about where it comes from, how it's taken out of the ground, and how it's made into usable products; it's meant for everyone to understand and not just experts. The book thinks about how important petroleum was back then, pointing out how crucial it was for fuel, keeping things running smoothly, and many types of businesses. It starts by explaining the word "petroleum" and looking at how the mineral was first formed, considering different ideas about whether it came from living things or not. Lidgett also brings up old stories about oil, going back to the Bible and ancient societies, before talking about where oil is found around the world. This beginning really gets readers ready to learn more about all parts of the petroleum business, including finding it, getting it out of the earth, and refining it, while also highlighting the big improvements that had been made in these areas over the years.