Macintosh found that naphtha - a volatile, oily liquid created in the distillation the aforementioned coal tar, as well as petroleum - could be used to waterproof fabrics.

Because of the low thermal conductivity of coal and the slow rate of distillation, coking is a slow process.

Any of various thick, dark, sticky substances obtained from the distillation residue of coal tar, wood tar, or petroleum and used for waterproofing, roofing, caulking, and paving.