Abstract
IN this book the author of “Modern High Explosives” has collected much useful information about the various explosives now in use. The greater part of the work is devoted to nitro-compounds, but short accounts of the other types of explosives now being manufactured are added. The manufactures of gun-cotton and nitroglycerine receive full treatment, together with the modifications introduced in the various large factories both of America and Europe. The important subject of the use of explosives in fiery mines has a chapter to itself. The description of the tests of flameless powders is of especial interest; in fact, the official reports of the tests of many of the most important explosives are perhaps the most instructive portions of the book. The chapter dealing with the practical application of explosives should be useful not only to the miner, but also to officers of both services to whom blasting and the use of explosives generally may at any time become a necessary auxiliary. An interesting account of the history and trials of the Lalinsky gun, together with the manufacture and use of gun-cotton shells, is also well worthy of their perusal. Little is said on the use of explosives below water, especially on the subject of the removal of wrecks, which would stand far fuller treatment. Four appendices are added, two dealing with the analysis and determination of stability of explosives, and one containing abstracts from the principal provisions of the Explosive Act of 1875. Although there is much that is necessarily old, still this is a book that will be read with interest by most who are accustomed to work with high explosives. The illustrations are well executed, and the whole wonderfully free from printer's errors.
A Hand-book of Modern Explosives
By M. Eissler. (London: Crosby Lockwood and Son, 1889.)
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A Hand-book of Modern Explosives. Nature 41, 224 (1890). https://doi.org/10.1038/041224c0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/041224c0