1894.] Researches on Explosives, 215 



One gram of this ballistite gives rise to 610 c.c. of permanent 

 gases, and to 0*1588 gram of aqueous vapour corresponding to 197 c.c. 

 at C and 760 mm. 



Hence the total volume of gas is 807 c.c., and the heat generated 

 by the explosion is 1,365 gram-units (water fluid), 1,269 gram-units 

 (water gaseous). 



Although I have not made nearly so many experiments on detona- 

 tion with ballistite as with cordite, those I have made with the 

 earlier samples (50 per cent, gun-cotton and 50 per cent, nitro- 

 glycerine) neither detonated, nor did they show any tendency to 

 detonate, but the case is different with respect to a sample of ballis- 

 tite consisting of 60 per cent, gun-cotton and 40 per cent, nitro- 

 glycerine. This sample, 0'2-in. cubes, detonated with great violence 

 on two occasions, but I am unable, without further experience, to say 

 whether this result was due to the change in the composition of the 

 ballistite or to defective manufacture. 



The erosive action of ballistite is, as might perhaps be anticipated 

 from the higher heat developed, greater than with cordite, but the 

 remarks made with respect to the action of cordite apply also to 

 ballistite. 



The French B.N. powder consists of nitro-cellulose partially 

 gelatinised and mixed with tannin, with barium and potassium 

 nitrates. 



When exploded under a pressure of six tons per square inch the 

 permanent gases were found to consist of 



C0 2 28-1 vols. 



CO 32-4 



H 21-9 



N 16-8 



CH 4 0-8 vol. 



These permanent gases occupied at the usual temperature and pres- 

 sure a volume of 616 c.c. ; the aqueous vapour formed occupied in 

 addition 206 c.c., so that the total gaseous volume was 822 c.c. 



The heat generated was 1,003 gram-units (water fluid) or 902 

 gram-units (water gaseous) ; the ballistics obtained with this powder 

 are given along with those furnished by other explosives. 



For purposes of comparison I have introduced among the ballistic 

 results those obtained with amide prismatic powder, and with B.L.Gr. 

 Particulars as to both these powders have already been given* and 

 need not here be repeated. 



In a preliminary note like the present, the most convenient mode 



* ' Eoy. Soc. Proc.,' vol. 52, p. 125 ; ' Phil. Trans.,' Part I, 1880, p. 278. 



