Lyddite

(from Lydd, England, its birthplace), called also melinite, peroxilene, and other names, is the most powerful of explosives used in war, It is made by boiling carbolic acid with an equal quantity of oil of vitriol, to which mixture some aquafortis is added. When cool it solidifies in yellow crystals which, after a course of washing, becomes pure picric acid. When this composition unites with oxide it forms lead picrate and a fearful explosion instantly takes place. In using the mixture the liquid picric acid is poured into empty cases, and, solidifying, it is transported without danger. The solidified acid, in proper charge, is placed in the gun and a small detonating charge of lead oxide is inserted in the shell, when it is to be fired.