Entitled "Molten Iron without a Furnace," photographic reproduction depicts rail workers melting a mixture of metallic aluminum and iron oxide, known as thermit. When heated, a chemical action results in metallic iron and aluminum oxide, with the molten iron used for welding tram rails. Onlookers include men and children.

This plate is found within The Romance of Modern Chemistry, which is a layman's introduction to topics in chemistry. Includes a history of chemistry along with alchemy and the philosopher's stone; elements including organic, invisible, metals, acids, alkalies, and water; chemical changes such as fire, freezing and explosions; chemistry of the stars; food; electricity; solutions and crystals; as well as discoveries in chemistry.