APPENDIX.

1. There are very different qualities of Nitro-Glycerin, varying from 50 per cent. in blasting force, and the same manufacturer, unless able to control absolutely every detail of his work, cannot insure a precisely similar product, even from similar ingredients.

2. The best Nitro-Glycerin may be simply fired, or only exploded, or its full blasting effects achieved, precisely according to the initial velocity or force used to start the explosion; two cents in an exploder therefore may save ten dollars in a blast.

3. Ten per cent. of water diffused through Nitro-Glycerin, giving it a milky appearance (Nitro-Glycerin emulsion), will diminish its effective blasting results 30 per cent.

4. Thirty per cent. more blasting power is evolved, when the Nitro-Glycerin reaches the bare rock of the drill hole, than when, by insertion in cartridge, the metal of the cartridge and a layer of air or water are interposed between the blasting gases and the rock.

5. Pure Nitro-Glycerin may be safely stored, and does not readily change; impure Nitro-Glycerin needs only time and temperature to explode spontaneously.

6. In hard pan, or indurated clay, Nitro-Glycerin is not so economical as powder; in granite, gneiss, hornblende, quartz and other hard rocks, the harder the better, especially in large erratic boulders, the larger the better, Nitro-Glycerin will enable the tunneling, cut or block-holing, to be performed at half the cost as compared with gunpowder.

The term, “over-sensitive,” has been used in the foregoing pages, and applied to exploders. Mr. Joseph Dowse, of Lockport, Illinois, applied “fulminate of copper” (a discovery of Dr. John Davy) as a priming for exploders, and patented the application, observing in his patent that parties unaccustomed to the preparation of fulminates had better leave this preparation alone. The sequel shows Mr. Dowse’s caution was not superfluous. Two manufacturers, provoked by the commercial inconvenience of the constant return of exploders owing to their inefficiency, have resorted to this “over-sensitive” priming, and received the following warnings:

In 1869, Mr. Stowell was standing in the office, on Sudbury street, Boston, whilst Mr. H. Julius Smith was packing 200 exploders in arubber bag, in which an ebonite electric machine had been placed. Mr. Stowell remarked, “Is it safe to crowd them into a bag like that?” “Oh yes, perfectly safe,” was the reply, when instantly 170 out of the 200 exploded, severely burning and injuring both Smith and Stowell, the latter being confined to his bed for five weeks in consequence.

A similar explosion occurred to Mr. Smith on another occasion, the copper caps penetrating the fleshy part of the thigh, in almost the same parts as Mr. Stowell had been wounded, and burning the eyelashes, eyebrows and face severely; by this accident Mr. Smith was confined to his room for a considerable time.

Mr. Smith’s partner, in touching some of this priming, whilst moist, in a wooden bowl, was also severely burnt by its detonation, the face, eyebrows and eyelashes being injured, and himself confined to his room for four days.

On Thanksgiving day, 1869, Charles A. Brown was handling some of this priming, incautiously touching it on a piece of glass with a steel knife; it exploded, and the consequence has been deprivation of sight.

One Hogan, in the Fall of 1871, working in Charles A. Brown’s exploder factory, lost the sight of one eye, the other being severely injured, by imprudently omitting his helmet (usually worn whilst handling this material), and proceeding to move some of the primers whilst drying the same.

The superintendent, foreman of machine shop, foreman carpenter and blaster, engaged in connecting the wires, at the enlargement of the East End, were killed April 21, 1871, by a premature explosion, caused by the lightning striking the iron rails, whence the induced and ambient electricity, radiating to the leading wire, fired the over-sensitive exploders which were inserted in the charges of Nitro-Glycerin.

At the Burleigh Mine, Georgetown, two men were killed from similar causes producing similar effects.

An exploder, from one of the above manufacturers, placed in a cartridge that was being lowered with forty pounds of Nitro-Glycerin from the Government scow, at Dimon’s reef, to the diver below, exploded by reason of the friction of the insulating wire as it passed through the hands of Superintendent Pierce; now, as there were 300 pounds of Nitro-Glycerin on the scow, had it exploded, it must have destroyed the scow and every soul (about 40) on board. Fortunately, the fulminating charge was as imperfect as the priming was over-sensitive, confirming remarks onpage 42.

These casualties, the comments of the press, together with the constant explosions in the factories of those who prepare “over-sensitive” exploders, are beginning to influence both principals and employees, and it is hoped exploder makers will eventually succeed in either resorting to the Abel priming, or discover, in the records of the Patent office, some formula that they can imitate, not so sensitive as that of Mr. Jacob Dowse, and whose proprietor is equally indifferent, or not “over-sensitive” to infringement. It is too much to expect they will surprise their friends, as Sheridan is reported to have astonished his, when, after repeated failures to guess how he became possessed of a new pair of boots, he coolly announced, “he had actually bought and paid for them.”

Meanwhile, the manufacturer of Nitro-Glycerin, if he would avoid the additional risk of exploder accidents, which are invariably laid to Nitro-Glycerin, must make his own exploders, and try to construct the necessary electric apparatus to fire them, until further developments have stimulated those who have entered into these trades to perfect their wares.

Mr. Abel, of the Woolwich Arsenal, Great Britain, in an abstract of the Proc. Royal Society xvi. 395, observes:

The degree of rapidity with which an explosive substance undergoesmetamorphosis, as also the nature and results of such change, are in the greater number of instances susceptible of several modifications, by variation of the circumstances under which the conditions essential to chemical change are fulfilled. Excellent illustrations of the modes by which such modifications may be brought about are furnished by gun-cotton, which may be made to burn very slowly and almost without flame, to inflame with great rapidity, but without development of great explosive force, or to exercise a violent destructive action; according as the mode of applying heat, the circumstances attending its application, and the mechanical conditions of the explosive agent are modified. Nitro-Glycerin or Glonoin, which bears some resemblance to chloride of nitrogen in the suddenness of its explosion, requires the fulfillment of special conditions for the full development of its explosive force. Its explosion by the simple action of heat can be accomplished only when the source of heat is applied for a considerable time in such a way that chemical decomposition is established in some portion of the mass, and is favored by the continued application of heat to that part; under these circumstances the chemical change proceeds with very rapidly accelerating violence, and eventually brings about a sudden transformation of the heated portion into gaseous products, which transformation is instantly communicated throughout the mass of Nitro-Glycerin, so that confinement of the substance is not necessary to develop its full explosive force. This result can be obtained more expeditiously, and with greater certainty, by exposing the substance to the concussive action of a detonation produced by the ignition of a small quantity of fulminating powder placed in contact with or near to the Nitro-Glycerin.

The development of the violent explosive action of Nitro-Glycerin, freely exposed to air, through the agency of a detonation, was regarded until recently as a peculiarity of that substance; but Abel’s experiments have shown that gun-cotton and other explosive compounds and mixtures do not necessarily require confinement for the full development of their explosive force; this result being obtained (and very readily in some instances, especially in that of gun-cotton) by means similar to those applied in the case of Nitro-Glycerin, viz.: by the percussive action of a detonation.

The action of a detonation in determining the violent explosion of gun-cotton, Nitro-Glycerin, etc., cannot be ascribed to the direct operation of the heat developed by the chemical changes of the charge of detonating compound used as the exploding agent. An experimental comparison of the mechanical force exerted by different explosive compounds, and by the same compound employed in different ways, has shown that the remarkable power exhibited by the explosion of small quantities of certain bodies (the mercuric and argentic fulminates) to accomplish the detonation of gun-cotton, while comparatively large quantities of other highly explosive agents are incapable of producing this result, is generally accounted for in a satisfactory manner by the difference in the amount of force suddenly brought to bear in the different instances upon some portion of the mass operated upon. Most generally, therefore, the degree of facility with which the detonation of a substance will develop similar changes in a neighboring explosive substance may be regarded as proportionate to the amount of force developed within the shortest space of time by that detonation, the latter being, in fact, analogous in its operation to that of a blow from a hammer, or of the impact of a projectile. Several remarkable results of an exceptional character have, however, been obtained, which indicate that the development of explosive force under the circumstances referred to, is not always simply ascribable to the sudden operation of mechanical force. Thus silver fulminate, which explodes much more suddenly, and with much more powerful local force than mercuric fulminate, nevertheless, when applied under the same conditions, does not induce the explosion of gun-cotton so readily as mercuric fulminate. Five grains of mercuric fulminate enclosed in a case of stout sheet metal, and exploded in close contact with compressed gun-cotton, caused the detonation of the latter, but five grains of silver fulminate enclosed in tin-foil, though it appeared to produce quite as sharp a detonation as the same quantity of the mercurysalt enclosed in the stout case, did not explode the gun-cotton with which it was surrounded, but merely scattered the mass; when enclosed in the stout sheet metal case, however, the five grains of silver fulminate accomplished the detonation of the gun-cotton. Iodide and chloride of nitrogen are much more susceptible of sudden explosion even than silver fulminate; nevertheless, the iodide does not appear to be capable of causing the explosion of compressed gun-cotton; and the chloride of nitrogen shows but little capability of producing the same effect, fifty grains being the smallest quantity that will answer the purpose.

Lastly, it is found that Nitro-Glycerin when exploded by a charge of mercuric fulminate, will not bring about the explosion of compressed gun-cotton placed in contact with it, though under precisely similar circumstances the explosion of gun-cotton or of Nitro-Glycerin will induce the explosion of a larger mass of its own kind.

These results point to the conclusion, that the effect of the detonation of one substance in causing the explosion of another depends not only on the force, but also on the nature of the vibrations developed in the former; the most probable explanation of the observed results being that the vibrations attendant upon a particular explosion, if synchronous with those which would result from the explosion of a neighbouring substance in a state of high chemical tension, will, by their tendency to develop those vibrations, either determine the explosion, or, at least, greatly aid the disturbing effect of mechanical force suddenly applied, while, in the instance of another explosion, which develops vibratory impulses of a different character, the mechanical force applied through its agency, has to operate with little or no aid, so that greater force or a more powerful detonation is required in the latter case to accomplish the same result.

The perfect safety with which Nitro-Glycerin can be transported, when congealed, is demonstrated in the following fact, which should effectually banish from the minds of freight agents and express companies the objections which they have heretofore successfully urged against carrying Nitro-Glycerin by rail; so far, at least, as concerns that manufactured by the writer.

On May 3, 1872, a special car loaded with seventy-nine cans containing 4,800 pounds of congealed Nitro-Glycerin, was being transported over the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, from Huntington to Charlestown; C. J. Cheshire, Assisting-Superintendent at the Maysville, Ky., Works, was on the car running at the rate of 18 miles an hour; suddenly the car jumped the track, and was dragged over the ties, some of which were two feet ten inches measured distance apart (the new roadway not then ballasted), for a distance of 684 feet, before the train could be brought to a stand still, to the no small consternation of Mr. Cheshire, the engine-driver and stoker. The rough jolting had no effect whatever on the Nitro-Glycerin, except tumbling some of the cans off the car, and in a few hours, the car being replaced, transportation was resumed, and one more experience of the properties of our Nitro-Glycerin added to the list.

Until within the last two years there has been no complete record kept in the State Engineer’s office of the casualties among the miners at work on this great undertaking; but a careful examination of the existing records, and of the superintendents at different portions of the work, has enabled us to present the following analysis of the accidents, causing death or injuries to miners, which have occurredwithin the past three years, and to this we append the accidents by gun-cotton, Erhardt’s powder and fire, which, although of an earlier date, from their peculiar nature have had special memoranda made in regard to them.

This analysis shows 46 killed, and 45 (allowing 8 as the “number” vaguely mentioned in the records) injured by the various sources of accidents referred to, and as the relation of Nitro-Glycerin to other explosives is what especially interests our readers, the following comparative analysis of the deaths in proportion to the number of pounds of each explosive used at the Hoosac Tunnel, will enable them to form some idea as to the comparative safety of those mentioned.

As Nitro-Glycerin has 13 times the explosive power of gunpowder, our readers, who are accustomed to use the latter for blasting, can easily ascertain the percentage of accidents in proportion to the amount used, and so judge for themselves as to the comparative safety of these explosives.

Really, whilst using, only two lives have been lost; one man rashly advancing to the charge, although advised to desist, whilst his fuse was burning; the other, on change of shift, after a blast, a cartridge having failed to explode, and the blaster neglecting to examine whether his cartridge had exploded, allowed the new shift to proceed drilling in the same rock, and within one inch of the same spot previously drilled, and where a charged cartridge was contained, when after a few inches of drilling progress, they came on to the concealed cartridge—explosion followed. In the magazine where three were killed, in order to hurry up, after a previous night’s spree, it had become the practice, notwithstanding peremptory warnings, to remove the cover of the stove, and expose the naked can of Nitro-Glycerin to the naked fire, of course, explosion must, as it did, follow this reprehensible folly, and disobedience to orders, resulting in killing three men.

I have established Tri-Nitro-Glycerin Factories

At North Adams, Massachusetts,Alfred Wallace, Foreman;At Maysville, Kentucky,John Wallace, Superintendent;At Kingston, Province Ontario, Upper Canada,H. H. Pratt, Superintendent;In order to facilitate supply, and make deliveries at least possible cost for freight.GEO. M. MOWBRAY,North Adams, Mass.Where orders for Exploders, both electric and tape fuse, gutta-percha insulated leading and connecting wire, of quality very superior to any hitherto made in the United States, should be addressed.Agent in New York City:W. B. TOWNSEND,No. 40 Broadway (Room 39.)

At North Adams, Massachusetts,

Alfred Wallace, Foreman;

At Maysville, Kentucky,

John Wallace, Superintendent;

At Kingston, Province Ontario, Upper Canada,

H. H. Pratt, Superintendent;

In order to facilitate supply, and make deliveries at least possible cost for freight.

GEO. M. MOWBRAY,North Adams, Mass.

Where orders for Exploders, both electric and tape fuse, gutta-percha insulated leading and connecting wire, of quality very superior to any hitherto made in the United States, should be addressed.

Agent in New York City:W. B. TOWNSEND,No. 40 Broadway (Room 39.)

Footnotes:[1]This property distinguishes it from the Mowbray Tri-Nitro-Glycerin, the latter contracting about one-twelfth of its bulk in congealing; further, the Nobel patents claim a preparation which congeals at 55°F, whereas the Mowbray Tri-Nitro-Glycerin congeals at 45°F. No further evidence is necessary to prove that a real difference of component parts exists between the two preparations.[2]This effect has never been produced by the Tri-Nitro-Glycerin (“Mowbray’s”) and is another and very emphatic proof of the difference between the two preparations.[3]Preparing for machine drilling.[4]September 1, to 24, 5-6 month. Rate 61 feet per month.[5]Pharmaceutical Transactions, vol. 7, 1848, p. 27, et seq.[6]Comptes rendus, V. xxxvii, p. 947.[7]Chemical News, March 1869, p. 151.[8]See abstract of Prof. Barker’s affidavit, towards the close of this pamphlet.[9]“Dynamite”—Patent No. 78,317, dated May 26, 1868, granted to Alfred Nobel, of Hamburg, Germany, assignor to Julius Bandmann, of San Francisco, California. The following is the substance of the claim: “My invention consists in combining with Nitro-Glycerin a substance which possesses a very great absorbent capacity, and which at the same time, is free from any quality which will decompose, destroy, or injure the Nitro-Glycerin, or its explosiveness. The substance which most fully meets the requirements above mentioned, so far as I know, is a certain kind of silicious earth, known under the various names of silicious marl, tripoli, rotten-stone, etc.”[10]“Porifera Nitroleum”—Patent No. 93,753, dated Aug. 17, 1869, granted to Taliaferro P. Shaffner, of Louisville, Kentucky. The claim is as follows: “I claim a compound composed of a mixture of Nitro-Glycerin with sponge or other vegetable fibre.”[11]“Selenitic Powder”—Patent No. 93,752, dated Aug. 17, 1869, granted to Taliaferro P. Shaffner, of Louisville, Kentucky. The claim is as follows: “I claim the combining of nitroleum or Nitro-Glycerin with plaster of Paris, or equivalent substances, in such manner as will make an explosive compound.”[12]“Metalline Nitroleum”—Patent No. 93,754, dated Aug. 17, 1869, granted to Taliaferro P. Shaffner, of Louisville, Kentucky. Claim as follows: “I claim a compound composed of a mixture of Nitro-Glycerin with metallic powder or atoms, however formed or produced.”[13]“Lithofracteur”—For a wonder this has not been patented.[14]“Dualin”—Patent No. 98,854, dated January 18, 1870, granted to Carl Dittmar, of Charlottenberg, Prussia. Claim as follows: “I claim a compound consisting of cellulose, nitro-cellulose, nitro-starch, nitro-mannite and Nitro-Glycerin, mixed in different combinations, depending on the degree of strength which it is desired the powder should possess in adapting its use to various purposes.”

Footnotes:

[1]This property distinguishes it from the Mowbray Tri-Nitro-Glycerin, the latter contracting about one-twelfth of its bulk in congealing; further, the Nobel patents claim a preparation which congeals at 55°F, whereas the Mowbray Tri-Nitro-Glycerin congeals at 45°F. No further evidence is necessary to prove that a real difference of component parts exists between the two preparations.

[2]This effect has never been produced by the Tri-Nitro-Glycerin (“Mowbray’s”) and is another and very emphatic proof of the difference between the two preparations.

[3]Preparing for machine drilling.

[4]September 1, to 24, 5-6 month. Rate 61 feet per month.

[5]Pharmaceutical Transactions, vol. 7, 1848, p. 27, et seq.

[6]Comptes rendus, V. xxxvii, p. 947.

[7]Chemical News, March 1869, p. 151.

[8]See abstract of Prof. Barker’s affidavit, towards the close of this pamphlet.

[9]“Dynamite”—Patent No. 78,317, dated May 26, 1868, granted to Alfred Nobel, of Hamburg, Germany, assignor to Julius Bandmann, of San Francisco, California. The following is the substance of the claim: “My invention consists in combining with Nitro-Glycerin a substance which possesses a very great absorbent capacity, and which at the same time, is free from any quality which will decompose, destroy, or injure the Nitro-Glycerin, or its explosiveness. The substance which most fully meets the requirements above mentioned, so far as I know, is a certain kind of silicious earth, known under the various names of silicious marl, tripoli, rotten-stone, etc.”

[10]“Porifera Nitroleum”—Patent No. 93,753, dated Aug. 17, 1869, granted to Taliaferro P. Shaffner, of Louisville, Kentucky. The claim is as follows: “I claim a compound composed of a mixture of Nitro-Glycerin with sponge or other vegetable fibre.”

[11]“Selenitic Powder”—Patent No. 93,752, dated Aug. 17, 1869, granted to Taliaferro P. Shaffner, of Louisville, Kentucky. The claim is as follows: “I claim the combining of nitroleum or Nitro-Glycerin with plaster of Paris, or equivalent substances, in such manner as will make an explosive compound.”

[12]“Metalline Nitroleum”—Patent No. 93,754, dated Aug. 17, 1869, granted to Taliaferro P. Shaffner, of Louisville, Kentucky. Claim as follows: “I claim a compound composed of a mixture of Nitro-Glycerin with metallic powder or atoms, however formed or produced.”

[13]“Lithofracteur”—For a wonder this has not been patented.

[14]“Dualin”—Patent No. 98,854, dated January 18, 1870, granted to Carl Dittmar, of Charlottenberg, Prussia. Claim as follows: “I claim a compound consisting of cellulose, nitro-cellulose, nitro-starch, nitro-mannite and Nitro-Glycerin, mixed in different combinations, depending on the degree of strength which it is desired the powder should possess in adapting its use to various purposes.”

Transcriber’s Notes:The illustrations have been moved so that they do not break up paragraphs and so that they are next to the text they illustrate.Typographical and punctuation errors have been silently corrected.

Transcriber’s Notes:

The illustrations have been moved so that they do not break up paragraphs and so that they are next to the text they illustrate.

Typographical and punctuation errors have been silently corrected.

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