468 
MOULD EOR GUNPOWDER. 
The shape, I propose that this moulded gunpowder should be made 
is “a prism the section being a square with two opposite corners 
Now, on reference to the section below, it will be at once seen that 
these prisms when built up as shewn, will form passages for the flame, 
the size being regulated by the amount cut off the edges of the cube; 
and furthermore, that, like the German prismatic gunpowder, it will be 
a progressively burning one, inasmuch as the burning surface will be 
ever an increasing one. 
For purposes of comparison, the question of the flame passing 
through the joints of the prisms igniting the surfaces all round may 
be eliminated, as it is common to both ; while the requisite surface 
could be more easily given to the faces of the solid prism, than to that 
with a hole through the centre. 
In conclusion, the solid prisms could be moulded of considerable 
length, and the building up of the cartridge greatly facilitated. 
