Fulminating Powder

Syn. Detonating powder ; Pulvis fulminans , L. Prep. 1. Nitre, 3 parts; carbonate of potash (dry), 2 parts; flowers of sulphur, 1 part; reduce them separately to fine powder, before mixing them. A little of this compound (20 to 30 gr.), slowly heated on a shovel over the fire, first fuses and becomes brown, and then explodes with a deafening report. 2. Sulphur, 1 part; chlorate of pota a, 3 parts. When triturated, with strong pre ure, in a marble or wedgwood-ware mortar, it produces a series of loud reports. It also fulminates by percu ion. 3. Chlorate of pota a, 6 parts; pure lampblack, 4 parts; sulphur, 1 part. A little placed on an anvil detonates with a loud report, when struck with a hammer. No. 1 is the substance commonly known as ‘ FULMINATING POWDER ,’ See Blasting Powder .