The Sun.
London, England, 1847-01-02 00:00:00

GUN COTTON,
BY MR. MONTAGUE L. PUIL LIPS

- As gen
as a substitue fur powder, scon,;ren=l.s upon iii pre-
paration, propertie,i, and itsa may not be altogether un-
ucz,-eptable. Nobody need trouble themselves to make it,
as Schonbein's gun,dottori can be purchased shortly from
the makers ; but perhaps the following observations will
be interesting to those who may use it::--'
Upon the first mention of this discovery, I commenced
a variety of experiments, with the object of discovering
its mode of preparation, properties, use, and theory.
It has been long known to chemists that paper, if
steeped in strong nitric acid for a short time, bedomes
converted into a tough parchment-like substance, which
is so inflammable that it may be Used for tinder. This
seems to have suggested the idea of gun-cotton.
It is possible -to prepare gun cotton by steeping the
cotton for a few minutes in very strong nitric-acid ; but
so much of the cotton is converted into a tough felty
matter, like the paper spoken of, that very little explo-
sive cotton is obtained by the process.
I have tried nitric acid of all strengths without good
results. Suspecting that the partial success was owing
to the presence of sulphuric acid in the nitric acid
distilled, I made experiments by adding sulphuric acid
gradually. I found the cotton more and more explosive,
and at last came to the conclusion, which was afterwards
arrived at by others, that the best gun-cotton was obtained
by using a mixture of equal measures of strong sulphuric
acid and nitric acid of about 1500 specific gravity.
The cotton is immersed in the mixed acids for half a
minute, and then immediately thrown into a large earthen
pan of clean water. Whenever the action has been right,
a large quantity of red fumes escape from the cotton.
To get rid of the acid which would prevent the cotton
from exploding, and would rust the gun, I wash it four
times in fOur fresh quantities of clean water. After this
I immerse it for about two or three minutes in water to
which ammonia has been added—about a table spoonful
to half a gallon of water. This neutralises any acid left
in the cotton, and then, after washing the cotton twice in
clean water and drying it, it is ready for use.
In this way we obtain a perfect gun- cotton. It does
not heat the barrel ; it does not rust it ; and has eight
times the force of powder. The cotton increases one-
fourth in weight by the process. It increases more if
not washed in ammonia, but then it is not good, and rusts
the gun ; for it always contains acid, from which water
alone cannot free it. My experiments have been made
with quantities of cotton weighing from one to three
ounces at a, time.
Prepared with acid alone, the gun-cotton frequently
misses fire with the copper cap. Prepared as I described
it, it never misses fire with a copper cap—has more force.
and suits the patent breach as well as powder. I can
state this from having fired it more than a hundred times
in charges varing from 2 to 100 grains.
To try the force and range of this gun-cotton, I have
tried a variety of experiments—using equal weights of
cotton and powder against each other--and find the
cotton eight times-as strong as the powder. 20 grains
of cotton fired lj, oz. of shot, at 44 yards, and buried
them out of sight in a wooden. target. The same weight
of fine powder only just stuck the shot in the surface. I
made a number of experiments with the assistance of the
chief boatman of the Hove Coast Guard Station. We
used one of their large heavy muskets, firing with
charges of 60 grains, the balls weighing between one
and two ounces. The range, as nearly as we could mea-
sure it, was one mile—how much farther the ball went
we could not tell. We fired over the sea, which was
smooth and calm along shore, and found the range by
knowing the distances of various objects along shore.
To try the force of the cotton, we fired at targets of
various thickness, our distance being 44 yards, that
being as far as any accurate aim could be taken with
the musket, so as to ensure the target being hit. -At
that distance the ball passed quite through a target
five inches in thickness, and then flew about a quarter
of a mile out to sea, when we lost sight of it. At 44
yards, the ball would have passed through two such tar-
gets. It will easily go through an oaken log six inches
thick. In these experiments, a great deal of force was
lost owing to the balls being rather loose, and the vent
of the musket large. The musket was a flint and steel
one. We primed with a grain or two of powder, as the
explosion was too rapid in the pan to fire that in the
barrel when cotton was used for priming The musket
which had been first cleaned with warm water and
dried, was quite bright and clean inside at the end of a
week, and a gun which I have used now constantly for
a month with gun cotton is quite clean inside.
My next experiments were in its use for shooting ;
but having no license for game, I have only shot small
birds like starlings and tieldfares. I used charges va-
rying from 10 to 20 grains ; 15 grains .make a ,good
charge for a range of from 70 to 100 yards, at which
distance it kills readily, using 11 oz. of shot.
In loading the gun, the cotton should be put in loosely,
a little at a time, and gently rammed down, not hard, or
else it does not go off well. Then a wad is to be rammed
down as usual, not too hard ; then -shot ; then another
wad, which may be rammed down rather harder upon
the shot. Put on a cap as usual, and then it will ex-
plode just as certainly as powder in the patent breach,
without any trouble. When no ammonia has been used
in the preparation, the cotton frequently misses fire in
the patent breach.

;(ILI 1

The gun may be loaded with perfect safety directly
after firing, as I have proved this by firing a dozen times
rapidly, loading as fast as I had fired.
The cotton occupies about a finger's breadth in the
gun when there is the proper charge.
During my experiments, I found that grease, particu-
larly palm oil, entirely destroys the explosive property
of the cotton, so that it will not explode, or even fire, in
a greasy gun barrel. This has led me to propose its
use for making snuffiess candles ; and having made se-
veral candles with gun-cotton wicks, I find them answer
perfectly. Palm-oil makes the best.

The various explanations given of the explosive pro-
perty of gun-cotton are not at all satisfactory, owing to
the presence of nitric acid in all the specimens operated
upon.
My explanation of the explosive property is derived
from the results of my experiments. Cotton fibre, when
pure, is chemically nothing but lignine. Lignine con-
sists of equal weights of water an carbon combined.
The sulphuric acid has the property of removing water
from organic bodies. Its use, therefore, in the prepara-
tion is to remove water from the cotton. The loss of
water is immediately replaced by an equivalent quantity
of oxygen gas, derived from the nitric acid, which under-
goes decomposition. The gun cotton is thus only oxidized
carbon, or nearly so, or idizod cotton from' which the
greater part of the constituent water has been removed
by the sulphuric acid. It undergoes a change in the
shape of its fibre, which from vesicular becomes cylin-
drical and plump.

The lignine of the cotton, thus chemically and physi-
cally changed, is easily exploded, because it contains
nearly enough oxygen to convert all its carbon into car-
bonic acid gas in the open air, or into carbonic oxide gas
in the gun-barrel. As the result of its rapid combus-
tion is entirely gaseous, its explosion can be no mystery.
That this is the true explanation is proved by the decom
position of the nitric acid during the preparation of the
gun cotton ; for no good "cotton is obtained unless orange•
coloured fumes escape during the process. Indeed, the
cotton is, when taken out of the acid and opened under
water for the first time, saturated with nitrous gas.
Good gun cotton produces only carbonic acid and a very
little steam during its explosion. When the cotton is
loosely rammed, as I have said, its fibres are mixed with
air, which improves the explosion.
Some time ago I proposed it as a motive-power instead
of steam, for which I think in many cases it might be.
substituted. I certainly was the first to try it and to pro-
pos‘it publicly for this purpose.
During the experiments with the muskets, the reports
was insignificant, and the recoil almost nothing. The
expense on the small scale, using the best sea-island
cotton, would be about 7s. 6d. to prepare a pound of
the cotton; but the prepared cotton would weigh lilbs.,
furnishing 1,000 charges. So that, in practice, it will be
nearly four times as cheap as the best gunpowder, while
it is much cleaner, safer, and leaves the gun clean and
nice. Any vegetable fibre or matter containing lignine,
such as tow, flax, or paper, will do; but nothing excels
the best sea-island cotton.

The gun-cotton made as I describe may be.exploded on
the hand with a warm wire. It will explode on powder
without firing the powder; will not rust the gun; or pro-
duce steam. I consider it perfect, and adapted for every
purpose to which gunpowder may be applied. It leaves an
almost imperceptible stain upon white paper. —Brighton
Herald.

FOREIGN GREEN PEAS.—A small importation, as
sample, has already been received in this country, by the
Royal Tar steamer, from Lisbon, consigned to Keeling
and Hunt, being the precursor to a periodical supply.
Those sent bear a fresh appearance, the pods being quite
green, and the peas are of good flavour, although inferior
to those that are usually " forced" in our country to
supply epicures at two or three guineas the quart, in the
early spring months. This is a commencement of an
importation which is to follow on an extended scale, to
embrace early fruits, vegetables, and other luxuries which
from the cold character of our climate are not obtain-
able until an advanced period of the year, affording
another favourable evidence of the new scale of import
duties aided by steam conveyance, by which the people
of this country are enabled to partake of them at
moderate prices. The Royal Tar brings several cases of
" mandarin" or scented oranges, which are rare in this
country, and which ort opening throw out an aromatic
flavour, and are sweet to the taste. The tree is supposed
to have been originally brought from China, and trans-
planted s_-
planted in Malta, the Azores, and Lisbon, fromt t o
this
which
places small quantities are occasionally brought
country.
DEATH IN THE STREET AND HEARTLESS ROB-
BERY.—Yesterday, shortly after twelve o'clock, a man
of verypectable appearance was observed to stagger
and fall respectable
the corner of Water-street and William-
street, Whitefriars. A female who witnessed the occur-
rence immediately ran for medical assistance, and fortu-
nately met Dr. Hutchinson, of Bridge-street, Black-
friars, who hastened to the spot, and had the unfortu-
nate man removed into the shop of Mrs. Devonshire, a
grocer, in Water-street, when it was ascertained that
life was extinct. In the hurry of removal, some heart-
less ruffian decamped with a blue merino bae, which the
female before alluded to had observed in the deceased's
possession. As this was supposed to contain papers by
which the deceased could be identified, a pursuit was
instituted, but in vain—the miscreant got clear off.
After Dr. Hutchinson had left, the deceased's pockets
were searched by the sergeant of police, end a large sum
of money in gold and silver found upon him, by which,
and the blue bag, it is supposed that he was atown com-
mercial traveller. The body was soon after removed in
a shell to await a coroner's inquest.
• It is understood that the Alutine brig has been de-
tained at Spithead, to take out Mr. Mandeville, who is
to be charged by Government to proceed to the River
Plate to endeavour to settle affairs in that part of the
world.

THE FRENCH iN OTAHEITE:

!; ravourolwtli

OtLi...:c, June 1, 1846:

" The natives here and at liit:Citine have proved heni-
selves better men than the Freec!i, having .beaten them
out of the field at that island, added to which they re-
pulsed La Uranie, a heavy frigate of GO guns, and she
returned to Otaheite without having effected a single
advantage out of the many which they anticipateci.by the
attack and capture of the island.. The natives here, no
doubt stimulated by the example of the Huahineansi
made a smart and very effective attaak on the town; they
came in, burned the houses of the French officers who
had made themseives most ohnoxiouS, killed and wounded
a great many soldiers, and retreated Without losing a
single man. This put the French in a most awful flut-
ter; they stationed outposts on all the hills surrounding
the town; and these' unfortunate Wretches afforded prime
sport for the natives, who picked them off every day.
Upon the arrival of
.the French Admiral in a 60-gun
frigate, they marched out to attEek. repent) with 1,400
men; they were beaten, and returned without. having
done anything but burnt a church -and stolen a few
horses. They returned after nine days' absence, and the
soldiers were allowed two days to recruit their exhausted
strength before marching upon Bonnalia, which they did
last Friday. They attacked the native fort at six o'clock
A.M. on Saturday, and were cut up dreadfully, The
steamer Phaeton came 'up on Saturday afternoon with
54 .wounded, amongst whoin were several officers, in-
cluding the commander-in-chief of the forces and the
governor's aide-de-camp: they are expected back to-day
(Monday). There is no other news of consequence, ex-
cept that her Majesty's brig Osprey has suffered total
shipwreck at New Zealand.
" P. S.—The Phaeton has just arrived with another
cargo of wounded and dying; they are taking them on
shore as fast ap possible; there are, I believe, about 50.
There is not at present the least possible prospect of our
getting out of this, let alone coming home." .

DESTRUCTION OF QUEEN ANNE'S BOUNTY-OFFICE
BY FlRE.—(Tans DAY.)—We have to record the de-
structiun of this office,. situated in Dean's...yard, West-
minster, by fire. s It appears-that the first cause of alarm
took,place about three o'clock this morning, at a lower
room on the south side of the premises. Information
was sent to the different fire -engine stations, and but a short
time elapsed before the Chandos-street brigade engine
was at the spot, very quickly followed by the County,
West of 'England, Watlieg-street, and other stations.
There was a good supply of water from the Chelsea
mains; and although the utmost exertions were used
by the firemen, by five o'clock the whole df the
building was destroyed ; but through the excellent
management of the officers of the fire depart-
ments, by their well-directed exertions,. the valuable
documents were pre-erved from that destruction which
Isar some time was considered inevitable. Through the
excellent management also of Inspecter Lowry and In-
spector Forbes, of the B division of Police, the surround-
ing property was protected from a gang who infest the
neighbourhood. As to the cause of the fire; nothing
authentic could be ascertained; but the loss of furniture
and other property must amount to a very heavy Sum.
PRINCESS'S THEATRE.—This elegant place of
amusement has been nightly crowded to witness the
attractive entertainments that have been selected for the
holidays. The- pleasing and wonderful drawing-room
performances of. Professor Hemming and his sons must
be seen to be appreciated—they have all the talent of
the Risley's, but being five in number makes the Lout en-
semble more complete ; some of their groupes are the
most classsical we ever beheld. The magnificent comic
pantomime of Ihe Enchanted Beauties of the Golden.
Castle ; or, Rarlequin and the One- Eyed Genii (written
by Mr. Medea), is decidedly the best of the season. The
scenery and splendid costumes in the opening are of the
most co.qty description, and elicits shouts of admiration.
The Isle of Patrots and the Golden Apartment are per
ft ct gems. Too much praise cannot be lavished on the
liberal manager, Mr. Mar7dox, for the manner in which
this pantomime has been put on the stage ; nor must we
omit Mr. Emden, under whose superintendence. it has
been precluei.d, for the great care he has bestowed in get-
ting it up. We should advise those who wish to visit this
house to go -early, as money has equally been refused
at the doors, the theatre having bee.,more than
crammed nightly.

POLICE.—We understand that the Commissioners
of Police have promoted Sergeant James Fraser, of the
C division; to an Inspector in thee-K division, stationed
at Bow. This appointment eras conferred on Mr. Fraser
entirely front. his general good- conduct, and is alike
honourable to both parties. We have no doubt that this
appointment will act as a stimulus to steady and deserv-
ing young men. _ .

DEATH OF Ma. JOSEPH CALKIN.—We regret to
announce the decease of this accomplished musician, at
his residence in Pall-mall; yesterday afternoon, after a
short
..but severe illness. Mr. Calkin was born in 1781.
He was a pupil of Mr. Lyon, and afterwards was arti-
cled for two y ars to Spagneletti, so many years leader
of the Opera band. Mr. Calkin was a violin player in
the Drury-lane orchestra in 1798, and was one of the
few survivors present at the first performance .of the
Iron Chest, which was condemned, as Colman attributed,
to John Kemble's bad acting. Mr. Calkin assisted in
the arrest of Hatfield when he fired at George the
Third. Mr. Calkin was a tenor player in the Philhar-
monic band, of which . society he was a member and
honorary librarian. In 1821 Mr. Calkin was appointed
one of the King's state band by George the Fourth.
For many years Mr. Calkin was an active member of
the Royal Society of Musicians. lie was much re-
spected in the profession.

The Emperor and Empress of Austria have this
year, as they did the last, made donations from their
privy purses of 10,000 florins for the relief of the poor
of Vienna. The other members of the Imperial Family
have contributed towards the same benevolent purpose
different sums, amounting to upwards of 14,000 florins.
'I'UE CONDE DE IVIONTENIOLIN.—The Conde de
Montemolin, attended by his Excellency the Marquis of
Villa Franca and Colonel Merry, and by Mr. Sheriff
Kennard, proceeded at an early hour to the Model
Prison at Pentonville. The Conde de Montemolin and
the party were received at the prison by the governor,
Mr. Husking, the secretary, Mr. Weaver, and the assis-
tant chaplain, the Rev. J. P. Bust, by whom they were
conducted over the various departments of the establish-
ment. The Conde de Montemolin expressed the verb'
highest interest in the system of discipline and in all the
arrangements adopted in the prison. The Conde re-
peatedly observed that he had seen nothing so complete
or so likely to be effectual fur the great moral and social
purposes intended. The Conde was pleased to express
his great obligation to the governor and officers for their
polite attention, and for the trouble they took to.afford
the fullest information 'upon the numerous and minute
points into which he inquired, in order that his idea of
the whole might be complete.
ADVANCE IN THE PRICE OF GRAIN.—ID the corn
market at Wakefield yesterday, wheat advanced 4s. per
quarter. A corresponding advance took place in the
price of other grain, as will be seen from our Wakefield
corn lkter. In the Liverpool corn market, on Tuesday,
the business done was unusually large, and the orders
were very considerable. On wheat, the advance since that
day week was equal to 6d. the bushel of ?Whs., or•about
3s. 6d. the quarter. On flour the advance was equal to
ls. 6d., or 2s. a barrel. Indian corn sold freely at 70s.
to 725. per quarter ; and on oats the advance was equal
to 2.1. or 3d. per bushel.—Leeds Mercury.
THE GREAT SEA EAGLE.—One of the most perfect
and full grown specimens of this splendid bird was shot
lately at Glengarry. Its dimensions were full three feet
in length, and weighing fifteen pounds. The great size
and muscular !strength of its legs and talons showed at
once how easy it could destroy beast, bird, or fish, equal
in bulk with isseif. No wonder that the sea eagle has
long been multiplied into several varieties, for even
among scientific naturalists each stage of the bird's pro-
gress to maturity had its syuonyme as a separate species.
The &infusion did not end here ; for the remarkable
similarity of the lull grown sea eagle to the white-
headed or bald eagle—the symbol of the American
States—incuced some ornithologists to consider them the
same. Clever observation disclosed a remarkable change
in the plumage of the latter, which, when full grown,
asSumes a beautiful white over all the head and neck.
It is a fourth less in weight than the European eagle.—
Inverness Courier.

THE GREATEST STAND EVER MADE I OR CIVILISA-
TION.—The iulr stand.—The Man in the Mo'on.

We see by the Belgian papers that a magnificent
banquet was given on Tuesday, the 29th, by the English
resident at 'Brussels, to his Excellency Sir Hamilton
Ssymour, G.C.H,, who is upon the eve of quitting that
city for Lisbon. The chair was taken by the Mvrquis
of Westmeath, Sir E. Haggerston acting as Vice-Presi-
dent: A more well merited tribute of esteem and re-
spect was never offered to any British diplomatist than
Has thus proffered to the talented and amiable gentle-
man whose departure from Brussels will be long and
deeply deplored.—Morning Paper,
FEARFUL DEATH OF A BRIDE.—On Saturday, as
Mr. and Mrs. Jacques, of Jarrow, who had been married
plane,upon up
the
only five days, were proceeding along a coal railway,
whichnear
Mr toNe. wjcaaetistulee,s
p thug
should u d inclined
ride
waggons. his wife assented, and on attempting to get
op proposed
came to
into the waggons, she fell, and seven of them passed
over her. She was immediately taken up and conveyed
r‘onhenth
to the Newcastle Infirmary, where she died shortly
this eveis fearful of
going
acc i
after. Mr. Jacques had conducted a school in Jarrow,
accident
a more
t hep.
eaxntdenhseivaendfiehlids Wifea
Tabouruee ~
pened.—Sunderlaitd Herald.

- LAND SLIP AT FLAG HEAD.—On Tuesday se'n-
night one of those earth slips for which the coast of this
county has of late years been remarkable took place at
the Coast-guard station, Flag Head, about three•and-a-
half mileS from this town. The summit of the cliff rises
a considerable height above the British Channel, and is
quite exposed to the winds and waves. It had been re-
marked that the edge appeared unsettled for some days
previously, and it was expected that in the next high
wind a small portion might *fall. On the afternoon of
the day in question, however,. nearly 30 feet of the cliff
gave way, falling to the shore, leaving but about the
same width of surface between the precipice and the
station-house. So imminent had immediate further
danger become, that Lieutenant Aldrich and his family,
residing in the hotise, were compelled to vacate, and re-
move their furniture to an adjacent .residence. ' No
further fall taking place, this officer has returned to his
old abode It is not improbable, however, that if heavy
weather makes its appearance, a further disruption will
happen.—Poole Herald. •
BRAZILIAN SUGAR.—A cargo of 300 tons, direct
from Rio, is daily expected to arrive at this port. This
will 'hi the first cargo brought into Liverpool, and the
second into the United liingdom, under the Bill of last
session, imposing a differential duty upon colonial and
foreign sugars. The duty at which this cargo will come
.in will be 21s. per cwt. (reduced from 635.); colonial
sugar of corresponding quality pays 13s.—Liverpool
Hamm. •