of increasing the Force of Gunpowder. 247 



much more so bv this powder had it not broken, and fur- 

 nishes a new proof ot the superiority of the French gun- 

 powder to the English, whicli, when tried several tinies by 

 the same proof, gave only from 13 to IS degrees. 



Though the results of these proofs seem to indicate that 

 m both cases the presence of the quicklime hurt the strength 

 of the gunpowder, we are far from wishing to employ theni 

 to refute what has been announced on this subject. We 

 are of opinion that it is too much connected with the public 

 and private interest to be combated by our proofs alone, 

 whatever care may have been employed in making them. 

 We do not know \\ hether we have omitted in these trials 

 any circumstances necessary for obtaining tlie favourable 

 results of Dr. Baini ; but we are certain that we followed 

 exactly the proportions and processes indicated in the notes 

 before mentioned. i 



We therefore request all those to whom this point is of 

 importance, and it must be so, no doubt, to a great num- 

 ber, to repeat and vary these trials, as we propose to do, in 

 order that we may attain, if possible, to the results of the 

 two philosophers here quoted, and to induce them to give 

 some further details in regard to their experiments, by the 

 help of which we may attain to the proposed end : they 

 seem to be too much animated with a desire to promote the 

 public good, to refuse it*. 



These proofs induced me to try others, to ascertain whe- 

 ther the whole quantity of the charge of cannon, supposing 

 it inflames entirelv before it issues from the piece, is neces- 

 sary for producing the greatest effect; and if it would not be 

 possible, without hurtmg that efl'ect, to substitute for the 



• Wc think it our duty to quote here a passage from the numerous 

 additions which M. Borni)t, captain of artilitiy, had made to his trans- 

 lation of Henry s Manual of Cbtmiitry ^ 



" Mixiicre of Suicklim:' with Qmipoiuikr. 



" M. Griffith has confirmed, by r great number of experiments, tliat 

 a mixture of gunpowder and quicklime, well dried and pulverized, in 

 the proportion of two parts of gunpowder and one of quicklime, produced 

 as much effect on blocks of granite us tliree parts of povvdcu. A mixture 

 in equal parts makes also an explosion, and may serve to establish the 

 communication between the match and the charge, which is wlrtady a 

 considerable saving. Dr. Haini has found meani to increase s third the 

 force of gunpowder by adding to it three gros of pulverizeil (|uickiinic 

 per pound. It is sufficient to stir the whole in a vessel until the surface 

 no longer appears while." — Noff of tht Ficiub cilitor, 



P 4 nucleus. 



