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Explosives Books
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Arthur Marshall
Dictionary of Explosives
"Dictionary of Explosives" by Arthur Marshall is a specialized reference work written in the early 20th century. This publication serves as a comprehensive dictionary detailing various types of explosives, including their compositions, classifications, and historical context. The author, a chemical inspector in the Indian Ordnance Department, aims to provide updated information in light of the many new explosives that have emerged since the last edition was published. The opening of the text sets the stage by recognizing the passage of time since the last dictionary on explosives was produced, which was over a generation ago. The author emphasizes that this dictionary focuses on modern explosives with proprietary names, while also identifying the two main categories: propellants and high explosives. It introduces nitrocelluloses and coal-mine explosives, highlighting the rigorous testing and regulatory measures these substances undergo to ensure safety and efficacy. This thorough introduction serves as a foundation for the detailed entries that follow, which systematically categorize explosives used in various industries.
P. Gerald (Percy Gerald) Sanford
Nitro-Explosives: A Practical Treatise
"Nitro-Explosives: A Practical Treatise" by P. Gerald Sanford is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The book serves as a comprehensive guide to the properties, manufacture, and analysis of various nitro-explosive compounds, including nitro-glycerine and smokeless powders. It is intended for chemists, analysts, and those involved in the manufacturing of explosives, emphasizing practical applications in mining, blasting, and propulsive technology. At the start of the treatise, the author outlines the advancements in nitro-explosive manufacturing, detailing the chemical processes involved in the nitration of organic substances, primarily glycerine and cellulose. It elaborates on the properties of nitro-glycerine, its applications in dynamite, and the significance of maintaining safety in explosive environments, particularly in constructing "danger buildings" designed to minimize the risks of explosions. The opening chapters provide a technical definition of nitro-explosives, discuss the importance of chemical purity, and examine the protocols for safe manufacture and handling of explosive materials, setting a detailed groundwork for the more specific analysis and methodologies to follow in subsequent sections.
George M. Mowbray
Tri-nitro-glycerine, as Applied in the Hoosac Tunnel, Submarine Blasting, etc., etc., etc.
"Tri-nitro-glycerine, as Applied in the Hoosac Tunnel, Submarine Blasting, etc." by Geo. M. Mowbray is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The text discusses the properties and applications of the explosive tri-nitro-glycerin, particularly in relation to its use in the construction of the Hoosac Tunnel and various submarine blasting operations. Topics include manufacturing details, safety considerations, and the comparison of tri-nitro-glycerin with other explosives. At the start of the work, Mowbray recounts historical explosions caused by nitro-glycerin, highlighting notable incidents in New York and San Francisco that led to significant destruction and loss of life. The text emphasizes the importance of understanding this explosive's properties to ensure safety and efficacy in engineering applications. Mowbray's motivation to explore the use of nitro-glycerin stems from the need for a powerful and reliable blasting agent that could improve tunneling efforts, as evidenced by experiments and reports from engineers involved in the Hoosac Tunnel project.
Anonymous
The Whole Secret Laid Open, Or the Complete Art of Making the Chemical Fulminating Objects, Such as the Lace, or Girt of Security, Fulminating Letters, Balls, Bombs, Garters, Cards, Spiders, Segars, Chairs, Drawers, Boots, Shoes, &c. &c.
"The Whole Secret Laid Open, Or the Complete Art of Making the Chemical Fulminating Objects, &c." is a scientific publication authored anonymously and likely written in the early 19th century. This book serves as a comprehensive manual on creating various explosive and fulminating objects using chemical compounds, particularly focusing on fulminating silver and its applications. It reflects the era's fascination with chemistry and its practical applications in both entertainment and scientific exploration. The book details a variety of methods for constructing items that create explosive effects, such as fulminating letters, balls, and even household items like chairs and boots. Each section provides specific instructions on the materials needed and the procedures to safely create these novelty items, emphasizing the importance of precision and caution in handling sensitive materials. Though presented as a guide for amusement, it also raises awareness about the potential dangers involved in chemical experiments, ultimately serving both as a tutorial and a warning to practitioners.
Bertram O. Stull
U.S. Patent 4,293,314: Gelled Fuel-Air Explosive October 6, 1981.
"U.S. Patent 4,293,314: Gelled Fuel-Air Explosive" by Bertram O. Stull is a scientific publication written in the late 20th century. This patent details an innovative method involving the use of 1,2-butylene oxide as a fuel for fuel-air explosive weapons. The publication is primarily focused on improving the safety and handling properties of fuel for these explosives. The content of the patent outlines the advantages of substituting 1,2-butylene oxide for traditional fuels like ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Stull explains that this chemical is significantly less toxic and easier to handle, as it has a higher boiling point and lower vapor pressure. The document discusses both neat liquid and gelled forms of 1,2-butylene oxide, emphasizing that when gelled with agents such as silicon dioxide, it remains dispersible and safely usable in explosive applications. The patent claims improvements in safety, storage, and overall usability of fuel-air explosive devices by utilizing this new fuel option.
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