Is anyone aware how coal oil was produced in pots prior to destructive distillation? I'm trying to replicate how this was done centuries ago, and all I can come up with is a website that says coal "sweats" coal oil when it is heated. Does anyone think that it would be possible to produce coal oil by mixing tar with an alkaline substance like ash? The idea is that the alkaline substance would mix with the tar and leave behind a clarified oil like substance.
