THE ROYAL ARTILLERY INSTITUTION. 
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relative forces of different kinds of powder; indeed. Major Mordecai remarks 
that the common eprouvettes are of no value as instruments for determining 
the relative force of different kinds of powder. The experiments in Belgium 
seem to indicate a method of very satisfactorily classing powders for every 
service, in the following manner. 
“ Let the requisite projectile force be determined, and let it be shewn by a 
min' Mm range of a solid shot from the mortar eprouvette for every sample of 
powder. The same powder should then be employed to fire a hollow projectile, 
the range of which must be below a certain amount. By means of these 
experiments a * slow 9 powder, or one which exerts a less destructive effect 
upon a cannon, and at the same time one which gives the required initial 
velocity (two qualities that are quite consistent with each other), may be 
obtained. It seems probable, that the lighter the hollow shell, provided of 
sufficient strength, and the less the windage, the more marked will be the 
results; perhaps an accurately turned cast-steel shell would be found best • 
suited for the purpose. 
“ Continuing the same reasoning, the solid shot ought to be as heavy as 
possible. 
“ Initial velocities ought to be fixed, and experiments occasionally made to 
ascertain that the standard has been obtained: Navez's electro-ballistic 
apparatus is well suited for this purpose. 
“It will probably be found especially advantageous to employ a 'slow* powder 
with rifled guns. As the projectile must follow the grooves, and a comparatively 
longer time is occupied in its passage up the bore, it may be concluded that 
the action of the powder ought, in such cases especially, to be gradual, and, 
as it were, pushing rather than sudden and percussive, in order to diminish 
the destructive effect upon the cannon. 
“ It is admitted that our present proof for gunpowder affords very imperfect 
indications of real qualities. Experiments similar to those made in Belgium 
can very easily be carried out in England, and I beg to recommend the 
subject to the consideration of the Secretary of State for War.” 
