346 
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF 
(a) Common shells . 
The common shell (Tigs. 9, 10) consists of the cast-iron shell, the 
coating, the fuze, and the bursting charge. 
The cast-iron shell (Tigs. 11, 12) is cylindro-ogival in form, on its nose 
are two drifts w, used in setting home and extracting the shell; internally is 
the screwed fuze hole m, which takes the fuze, and the cavity h for the bursting 
charge. On the cylinder of the shell are six grooves lengthwise, and three 
circumferentially for attaching the coating. 
The coating (Tig. 9,10, l) is composed of an alloy of tin and zinc poured 
when melted over the cast-iron shell; the latter by this process is furnished 
with six ridges, corresponding to the section of the bore (Tig. 9, l). These 
ridges extend from the base to the origin of the ogival nose of the cast-iron 
of the shell; they have the same pitch as the grooves of the piece. The 
diameter of the generating circle of the projectile is 2"*851, the projection 
of the ridges 0 //# 13, and their width 0"*389. 
The fuze is a “ concussion fuze,” it contains no percussion powder, and is 
so contrived as to explode the shell on its grazing or striking any solid 
object. The component parts of the fuze (Tig. 13) are: the iron fuze-hole 
screw-plug m, and the brass case n ; the latter, in the upper part, contains a 
hollow cylinder c of a compressed composition of mealed powder and charcoal; 
in the lower part, a small magazine of musketry powder, separated from the 
composition cylinder by a brass button r. The bottom of the case is closed 
with thin sheet brass. 
The fuze hole plug has a hollow neck, with holes in it communicating 
with the composition cylinder; a strand of quickmatch is wound round 
the neck, and the ends passed through the holes. The quickmatch about 
the neck is protected by tin-foil. 
The bursting charge of the shell weighs 4*94 oz.; the weight of the shell 
filled is 6*289 lbs. 
When the gun is fired, the quickmatch round the fuze-hole plug takes 
fire from the flame of the charge and consequently ignites the composition 
cylinder. At the instant the shell grazes, the brass button is loosened in 
its seat and falls forwards followed by the powder in the magazine; the 
latter comes in contact with the red-hot composition cylinder and commu¬ 
nicates its flame to the bursting charge.* 
(b) Shrapnel shells . 
The shrapnel shell (Tig. 14) is similar in exterior form to the common 
shell, but somewhat shorter; it differs from it, however, in the construction 
of the cast-iron shell, the fuze and bursting charge. 
* The same author in another work entitled “ Essay on Artillery Tactics in reference to Infantry 
armed with breech-loaders,” Vienna, 1868, states as regards the Austrian fuzes, “ The fuzes of the 
present construction used with rifled guns, have reached a high state of perfection, as compared 
with those of previous construction ; this may more especially be asserted with regard to the 
Austrian common and shrapnel fuzes. Nevertheless, the experience gained in the campaigns of 
the past year, indicates that the Austrian fuzes of both species are susceptible of improvement ; 
this statement does not refer to the principle of construction, but merely that it is desirable that 
the action of the fuzes should be made more trustworthy and regular.” 
Captain Hozier, writing of the campaign alluded to, says, ‘‘The Austrian shells burst truly.” 
