H.R.H. THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE APPROVES IT. 35 



Mr. Boyle has likewise invented. The shell consists of two- 

 parts, which are screwed together, one end being conical. 

 Within the other part is a chamber for containing the 

 explosive compound. The shell may be termed an electric 

 ball, there being another substance in the chamber besides 

 the powder, by junction with which, as of two electric poles, 

 the explosive power is increased threefold. The powder has 

 at the same time the great advantage of being safe, as 

 compared with all detonating substances, and it stands a 

 great amount of friction, as Mr. Boyle convinced all present 

 by grinding a portion to dust between two irons. We 

 understand that means are being adopted, through the 

 instrumentality of those who have examined and approved 

 of the invention, to have it ultimately brought under the 

 notice of Government. Mr. Boyle, as his career has shown,, 

 is a man of peace, and has been long under the conviction 

 that the individual who could invent the most destructive 

 missile of war would be the greatest friend of peace." 



It was afterwards tested and reported upon favourably by 

 the principal military authorities, including H.R.H. the 

 Duke of Cambridge, who expressed a wish to see it adopted 

 at Woolwich. His Grace the Duke of Argyll introduced 

 Robert Boyle to the Minister of War, from whom he received 

 similar assurances of approval. Mr. Abel, the government 



chemist, issued a report testifying to its special merits, and 



c 



