Hugh Platt

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Hugh Platt

fl. 1600-1610

English scientist who discovered coke. In 1603, Platt heated a quantity of coal without burning it, which distilled the coal and left a residue. The latter was coke, which proved to be a highly useful fuel for heating and industry. Platt was also one of the first English writers to mention molasses, in his Delights for Ladies (1609).