184 Memoranda on Explosive Cotton. [Feb. 



power of the best article — and show that this quality is obtainable 

 despite of difference of manipulation in the process, and that it is depen- 

 dent on the definite chemical composition of the compound itself. The 

 fact is one which affords the most encouraging prospects to those inter- 

 ested in developing the qualities of the article. 



The trials made with this variety of the cotton with small arms have 

 been very numerous and satisfactory. The ratio of superior power to that 

 of powder, is evidently much greater than in the cannon and mortar 

 practice, but as the experiments are not capable of being expressed in 

 figures, I will not dwell on them in more detail. 



In all the ordnance experiments above narrated there were remarked — 



1. — Entire absence of smoke. 



2. — As far as could be judged very trivial heating of the guns. 



3. — Entire absence of dirt or wetting. 



The report, recoil and time of flight of the shot and shells seemed 

 equal, as closely as could be estimated, to these effects from the charges 

 of powder required for equal ranges. 



It should further be observed that of this quality of cotton from 6 to 

 7 ounces on two trials burst an 8 inch 46 lb. shell, but it should be 

 stated that it was with considerable difficulty this quantity of cotton 

 was forced into the shell. 



2d and 3d quality of Cotton. 



The 2d is prepared as above described, by mixing together the whole 

 of the 100 tola weight manufactured from the quantity of acids above 

 specified. No. 3 or worst, is the product of the last 50 tolas of cot- 

 ton and expressed acid. 



It was with the 2d quality my first experiments were made ; 4 ounces 

 tried at the Eshapore powder works by Major Anderson and myself 

 gave, with a 68 pound shot, a range of 461 yards, thus : — 

 Best quality, 4 oz. 68fb. shot, range 839 yards, tried at Dum Dum. 



2d quality, ditto ditto 461 Eshapore. 



3d quality, worst 250 Dum Dum. 



H. C.'s powder, best ordnance quality 189 Eshapore. 



The effect of the mixture or quality No. 2 it will be observed is 

 inferior to the arithmetical mean of the two forces, the range being 

 461 instead of 544 yards; but this variation may have proceeded from 



