This reference work investigates the classification and practical utility of various natural resources found within the global environment. The authors, Nora and Philip Penn Jackson, compile technical data regarding the extraction, processing, and application of raw materials to provide a systematic overview of resource management.

This text serves as a foundational reference for students and researchers interested in the historical and practical uses of natural materials. Readers frequently note the clarity of the definitions provided, making it a useful tool for quick identification of resource utility in academic settings.