In this groundbreaking work, author A. S. Cooper offers a detailed scientific analysis of the origin and properties of petroleum and asphaltum in California. Drawing on years of research and firsthand observation, Cooper provides a comprehensive understanding of the geology, chemistry, and economics of this vital natural resource. For anyone interested in the history of energy production and environmental science, this book is a must-read. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.