Coal is a brown-black sedimentary rock which is combustible. It is a fossil fuel and is formed from fossilised biological matter (e.g. peat). Its main use is in the production of energy (coal power stations). It can be used as a fuel for a solid fuel hearth. It is also the raw material from which coke is made, a fuel which is also used in solid fuel forges as well as being the fuel of choice in steel production.

A substance which reduces inflammation. Anti-inflammatory drugs act by intervening in a part of the inflammatory pathway (a chain of reactions that leads to the inflammation being recognised by the central nervous system). There are two main classes of anti-inflammatory drugs; steroidal and non steroidal, which have different mechanisms of action.

A chemical compound that kills or prevents growth of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi).

Specific, y-shaped proteins that are secreted by cells of the immune system as a reaction to infection or contact with a pathogen. Antibodies bind to the surface of the pathogen, where they serve two functions: they label the pathogens so cells of the immune system can recognise and destroy them, and they can impair the function of the pathogen, thereby slowing down the progress of the disease.

Another term that can be used to refer to an anti-inflammatory drug. These substances relieve pain by reducing inflammation.

A chemical substance that is used locally that can kill or reduce growth of microorgansims on living tissue or on surfaces. It can reduce the risk of infection. In contrast to antibiotics they cannot be given systemically.

The anvil is an essential item for every farrier or metal worker as it acts as a base for the forging and shaping of metal, both cold and hot.

An anvil is made of wrought iron and/or steel and has a typical form, with a flat surface (face) and a beck (or horn) which is a conical structure extending to one side. The side of the face opposite the beck is called the heel, this may be squared or tapered depending on the type of anvil. On the face, there are two holes (the hardy and the pritchel hole).

The anvil rests on an anvil base.

The base is the structure upon which the anvil rests. Its height determines the height of the face of the anvil. The anvil base can be made of a variety of materials: wood, metal, concrete or a combination of materials. Ideally it should absorb or dissipate some of the concussion produced by the blows of the hammer on the anvil.

The main working surface of the anvil.

Anvil with the following features: an asymmetric conical beck to the left of the face extending into a table, the face slightly higher with hardy and pritchel hole at the right end and the heel terminating in two turning cams.