The Sun.
London, England, 1844-09-17 00:00:00

EXPLOSIVE COMPOUNDS.

CHLORIDE OF NITELOGEN.—One of the most for-
midable and one of the most dangerous explosive com-
pounds known to the chemist is a substance called
chloride of nitrogen. It is so dangerous to handle
that chemists have been contented to take for granted
those powers assigned to it by its original discoverers.
The examination of this substance caused its dis-
coverer, Dulong, a severe mutilation of his fingers
and the loss of an eye, and Sir H. Davy, who con-
tinued the experiment, was wounded in the eye by a
sudden explosion. The greatest care should be taken
in its preparation, the face should be protected by a
sheet of iron gauze, and the hands by thick woollen
gloves. For its preparation a glass vessel is filled
with a not completely saturated-solution of sal ammo-
niac in water, and inverted in a basin filled with the
same solution. Chlorine is introduced into the bell,
. _

and is by degrees absorbed, the fluid at the same time
receiving a yellow tinge. The formation of oily drops
is perceived on the surface, which collect and sink to
the bottom, forming a deep yellow.oily liquid. This
is chloride of nitrogen. At common temperatures
the formation of it takes place but slowly, but when
the solution of sal ammoniac in water is heated to

90 deg. Fahrenheit the action begins very quickly,
and the operation is speedily completed. It explodes,
producing a very loud detonation, at a temperature
immediately below that of boiling water (212 deg.
Fah.), shattering to pieces wood, glass, or iron. In
order to show most simply, and in the least danger-
ous manner, the explosive powers of this compound,
we may allow a drop of it to be sucked up by
blotting paper, and on bringing it quickly to the
light it will explode with a louder report
than that of a rifle. In order to show its
destructive properties we need only adduce the follow-
ing experiment :—lf we were to take a cup,- set it on

a piece of board on the floor, and drop a single drop
of chloride of nitrogen into it, and cover it with
water; the mixture, touched with a piece of hot iron,
would explode, the cup be broken in pieces, the water
thrown about, and the piece of the cup on which the
chloride of nitrogen lay be driven deep into the board.
The chloride of nitrogen is resolved into chlorine and
nitrogen gases, the instantaneous production of which,
accompanied by heat and light, is the cause of the vio-
lence of the explosion. It is, however, not always ne-
cessary to heat it to cause it to explode, for if we
touch it with a stick, dipped into oil of turpentine
or nut oil, with amber, myrrh, India-rubber, and
a few other substances, the same will take place.
A compound analogous to this is iodide of ni-
trogen, which explodes with nearly as much vio-
lence as the chloride, but is more dangerous, because
less governable. More powerful in its effects, and a
little better known than chloride or iodide of nitrogen,
is the fulminate of silver. It is prepared by taking
100 grains of melted and finely pounded nitrate of
silver, putting them into a roomy glass, pouring one
ounce of lukewarm alcohol upon them, stirring them
well together, and then pouring one ounce of fuming
nitric acid into the glass. Violent effervescence
takes place, and when the black powder deposited
at the bottom of the glass becomes white, cold
water poured into the glass will cause all action
to cease. The whole operation is completed in
a few minutes, and one of the chief precautions
in making it, is to take a high and roomy glass,
for explosions often happen when the liquid runs
over, and a portion of the fulminate adheres to the
glass. The powder is now to be washed on to the
filter by means of water, and great care is to be taken
that it be not touched with any hard substance, as
the mere contact of a glass rod with the powder has
caused it to explode, and has more than once cost the
life of the operator. The powder must be dried with
very gentle heat, and spread on blotting paper, with
about two grains on each piece. The electric spark,
hard pressure, a blow of the hammer, or contact with
a glass rod dipped into a solution of concentrated
sulphuric acid, are sufficient to ignite it, causing it to
explode.
GUNPOWDER.—The mixture of sulphur, charcoal,
and nitre, called gunpowder, is well known. The
elastic fluid produced by the firing of gunpowder is
found, by experiment, to occupy a space at least 244
times greater than that taken up by the powder from
which it was originally obtained. But from the heat
generated during its explosion, this elastic fluid
is rarefied to upwards of four times its former
bulk. The expansive force of this fluid is there-
fore, at the moment of conifagration, 1,000 times
greater than that of common air. The granula-
tion of gunpowder increases its explosive force.
A charge is thus made sufficently porous to
allow flame to penetrate and to kindle every grain
camposing it at the same time. A mixture of three
parts of nitre, two of dry carbonate of potash and one
of sulphur, forms what is called pulsis fulminans,
which, heated gently till it enters into fusion, inflames
suddenly, and explodes with a deafening report. The
violence of the explosion is caused by the reaction
between the sulphur and the nitre being instantaneous,
from their fusion and perfect intermixture, and the
consequent sudden formation of a considerable quantity
of nitrogen gas from the decomposition of the nitre.
FULMINATE OF MERCURY.—Fulminate of mercury
is similar to the former, though not quite so power-
ful. It crystallizes in fine silky needles, detonates
loudly by percussion, or when rubbed between hard
bodies. In the flame of the candle it deflagrates with
a feeble explosion. Mixed intimately with six times
its weight of nitre it forms percussion powder, which
is introduced in the state of a paste with water into
the copper caps. The daily papers state that M. Jo-
bard, of Brussels, who has devoted much attention to
pyrotechnic works, has communicated to the French
Government what he states to be the composition
of Captain Warner's destructive power. It consists,
says he, of a congreve rocket made in this way :—The
head of it is composed of a hollow iron cone, of great
strength, containing a kilogramme of fulminate
of mercury, on which is placed the usual charge
of the rocket, of which the body is twice as
long as those generally in use. He discharges his pro-
jectile from a directing tube from the port-hole of the
vessel, and on a level with the water, so that his projectile,
skimming along the waves, which support a part of its
weight, fixes itself in the side of the enemy's vessel,
where it bursts when the fire reaches the fulminating
powder, and making an immense opening in it, sinks
it at once. The proper range of this rocket is three
or four miles, but Captain Warner imagines he can
send it five or six, by discharging it from a cannon.
He does not say that he will attain his object in the
first attempt, but he will try on until he succeeds.
FULMINATE OF GOLD.—Fulminate of gold is a
body analogous to the two former, but being inferior
in its effects, and far more costly, it will not be
made use of. A substance scarcely inferior to
chloride of nitrogen or fulminate of silver is a
combination of oxide of silver with ammonia,
the so-called ammoniaret of silver. It is of a
highly dangerous character, owing to the faci-
lity with which it explodes. It may be formed
by dissolving nitrate of silver in ammonia, and pre-
cipitating the liquor by a slight excess of potash. If
this substance be pressed by a hard body, while still in
a moist state, it explodes 'with very great violence ;
when dry, the touch of a feather is sufficient to cause
it to fulminate. The explosion is occasioned by the
reduction of oxide of silver to metallic silver by the
combustion of its oxygen with the hydrogen of the
ammonia, and the consequent evolution of nitrogen
gas.—Atheneum.

COMPENSATION TO SHERIFFS
OFFICERS.

In consequence of the operation of the new In- •
solvent Act, it is determined by that large, influential,
and singularly useful body of men, the sheriffs'
officers, to apply to Government for compensation.
We give a few of the most heart-rending cases :
Lazarus is a ruined man. There was a time
when he could make twenty pounds by bail-bonds
before breakfast. Now, he can't make twenty pence.
Had a flourishing sponging-house always full. Now,
there isn't a soul in it. Did a good deal in small
acceptances under twenty pounds to clerks, and such
people—who'd trust 'em now ? Calculated that his
loss by the Bill was five thousand pounds, every
honest penny.
Moses is also a ruined man. has his sponging-
house empty, and dreadful expenses going on. Time
was when he could get a guinea a-day out of every
prisoner; now, the money goes to creditors. Believes
that all the world will be insolvent, with nobody to
arrest 'em, if the Act isn't repealed. Has lost by it—
for he is a conscientious man, and has calculated every
penny-6,0001. 17s. 6id.
Aaron is entirely ruined, with nothing but
his wine and coal business to provide for his family.
Can't get off his wine, because he can't discount small
bills. Can't sell his coals, because nobody will give
ready money for 'em—and can't give credit because
of Lord Brougham's Bill. Thinks the world is going
to end, or Parliament had never passed such a wicked
law. Had a beautiful sponging-house. In fact, was
born in a sponging-house, as was his father and mother
before him ; all that's gone, Used to make five cap-
tions a-day ' • hasn't nabbed a single soul these three
months. If there's to be any security for property,
Government can't give him less than 8,000/., besides
places in the Treasury for his five little boys.—Punch.

THE ROBBERY OF PLATE AT
THE COVE OF CORK BY LIEUT. PUDDI-
COMBE.

The officers of the Marine force stationed at Spike
Island, of which force Lieut Puddicombe is a member,
have addressed the following letter to Capt. Warren :
" Lieut.-Col. Burton, and the officers of the battalion
of Royal Marines serving in Ireland, beg, individually
and collectively, to convey to Captain Warren the ex-
pression of their indignation at the reported conduct of
one of their brother officers, Lieut. Puddicombe, for
whose infamous violation of every principle of hospita-
lity and honor in Captain Warren's house, on a recent
occasion, they blush with shame.
" But while the Lieutenant-Colonel and officers de-
plore, and repudiate in the highest degree, the scandalous
act with which Lieutenant Puddicombe stands charged,
they feel that they cannot in any way be identified with
it ; nor can they admit that the character of their corps
is, in the remotest possible manner, affected by the op.
probrious misdeeds of an unworthy member ; and the
Lieutenant-Colonel and officers rest satisfied that Cap-
tain Warren will fully enter into, and psi ieirite in their
feelings, and concur with them in the view which they
have taken of the circumstances of this lamentable affair.

"It only remains for the Lieutenant-Colonel and
officers to intimate to Captain Warren their intention to
see such measures immediately adopted, as will remove
Lieutenant Puddicombe from her Majesty's service ; and
the Lieutenant-Colonel and officers beg Captain Warren
will have the kindness to allow them to make good the
art'cles of plate that have been abstracted.
" Head-Quarters, Spike Island, 10th Sept., 1E44."
The following particulars relative to the accused
are given in the Cork Constitution :
" The name of the accused is Robert Bruce Puddi-
combe, a First Lieutenant in the Royal Marines, ,who
lips been stationed for some time at Haulbowline
Eland in charge of the supernumerary force attached
to the flag-ship of Rear-Admiral Sir Hugh Pigot, in
command o the Irish squadron. On ref rence to
Haultaine's New Navy List," Mr. Puddicombe appears
to have entered the service the 20th February, 1834, and
his commission as First Lieutenant bears date the 26th
August, 1838. It is said that he became attached to the
force when but sixteen years of age, and, therefore, has
merely entered on his 27th year. He is a member
of a highly respectable family residing in Devonshire. On
Monday morning he was put under close arrest, a sentinel
being placed upon his room door. In the course of the
day it was intimated to a magistrate at Cove that it
would be prudent to have the prisoner removed in to the
custody of the civil power, and in the course of the even-
ing Robert Holmes Esq., J.P., accompanied by head-con-
stable Roe, and two other police officers, went to the island,
and took the prisoner to Cove and placed him in the Con-
stabulary station, where he remained for the night. The
following morning (Tuesday) he was taken to the Petty
Session Court, where an investigation took place, which
resulted in informations being sworn against the pri-
soner, who is to be tried before the Assistant Barrister.
at the East Riding Sessions, which takes place in this
city on Monday week.

BRITISH NAVAL SUPREMACY.
As early a period as the year 1200 it was enacted
"that if any ships refuse to strike to the British flag,
they should be deemed lawful prizes."
In 1554, Lord William Howard, Lord High Ad-
miral, cruising in the narrow seas, with twenty-eight
sail, compelled the Spanish fleet, with Prince Philip
of Spain on board, carrying the Spanish flag at the
main, to lower their colours as an honour to the Bri-
tish flag, before he would pay his compliments to the
heir apparent of Spain, and the consort of his sove-
reign.

In 1587, Rear-Admiral Sir J. Hawkins, lying
with a fleet in Catwater, compelled the Spanish Ad-
miral, who was going to escort Anne of Austria, to
pay the usual honours to his Majesty by striking his
colours.

In consequence of a dispute between the English and
Dutch, in 1604, with respect to the compliment of the
flag, Sir William Monson, who commanded in the
Downs, would not be satisfied by the Admiral thrice
lowering his colours, but he would hot admit him to
hoist them during his cruise on the English coast.
Sir Robert Mansell, in the Mediterranean, in 1620,
compelled a French Admiral, with six sail of the line,
to strike his flag, and pay the usual compliment to
the British.

On the 14th May, 1652, Commodore Young
brought a Dutch squadron to action for refusing to
pay the usual compliment to the British flag ; but
having submitted, they were allowed to proceed on
their voyage.

In 1654—a treaty of peace was concluded with the
Dutch, and one of the articles acknowledged that the
sovereignty of the sea belonged to England; " that
the ships of the Dutch, meeting any British man-of-
war on the British seas, shall strike their flags and
lower their topsail, in such manner as has ever been
at any time heretofore practised under any former
Government."

It is to be observed, that this was at a time when
Ale Dutch possessed one hundred ships, mounting
From 50 to 76. guns.

In concluding another treaty of peace with Hol-
land, on the 9th o'C February, 1654, it was stipulated
" that the acuntomed compliments should be paid to
the British flag from Cape Finisterre to the land of
Staten in Norway."
This custom prevailed to a late period ; but since
the peace of 1815, we have gradually declined into an
equality with other nations ; and it would appear from
the result of a recent court-martial, that a British
cruiser is no longer permitted to search a suspicious
vessel wearing the colours of another power. This
courtesy should not be carried too far; we must not,
by too much conciliation, lose sight of our own
dignity ; for we know by experience how readily ad-
vantage may be taken of a well-intended concession.
—Hampshire Telegraph.

CHRIST'S Ho SPIT AL.—On Saturday next, the 21st
inst., being St. Matthew's Day, the Llrd Mayor, Alder-
men, and Sheriffs, with the Governors of the several royal
hospitals, will attend Divine service at Christ's Church,
Newgate-street, where a sermon will be preached by the
Rev. James Cohen, M.A., curate of Cheshunt ; after
which they will repair to the Great Hall, in Christ's
Hospital, where four orations on the benefits of the
royal hospitals will be delivered, according to annual
custom, by four of the senior scholars :—ln Latin, by
Langham Dale; in English, by Morton Amos Liecester•
in Greek, by Edward Taylor Hudson; and in French,
by Edward Algernon Newton. Eight poems will also
be recited by the other senior scholars, viz:—A Latin
Alcaic Ode to the Queen on the birth of a second Prince,
by Gowen Edward Evans ; Greek lambics on " The
Spanish Armada," by George Voigt ; an English Ode
to the Prince of Wales on his being appointed a Go-
vernor of Christ's Hospital, by John Daniel Williams•
Latin Hexameters on " The Conversion of St. Paul," by
Edward Tudor Scargill; a Greek lambic translation of
the Soliloquy of the King in Hamlet, by William
Frederick Greenfield ; a Latin Elegiac translation of
Cowper's Boadicea, by Thomas Johnson Potter; Greek
Sapphics on " The Death of the Poet Cambell," by
Malcolm Laing; and an English Poem on " Edward the
Sixth," by Thomas Stedman Polehampton.
PORTRAITS BY HER MAJESTY.--Mr. Brown, sur-
geon to the royal household, has recently been honoured
with two very valuable presents from the Queen, viz,
two portraits of the Princess Royal, in water-colours, exe-
cuted by the Queen herself. One of these portraits
(both of which are described as admirable likenesses) was
taken by the Queen when the Princess Royal was only
four months old, and the other just before her Royal
Highness had attained her first year.—Hampshire
Advertiser.

THE HARVEST IN SCOTLAND. —The weather is so
dry, and so admirably adapted for carrying on and com-
pleting the labours of the harvest, that we have nothing
in the shape of complaint to make, and can only repeat
what is now pretty well known—that the crop is not
more satisfactory in respect of bulk than in yield and
quality. Every variety of grain, upon every variety of
soil, has been successful; and although an occasional
thin field may be seen, they form the exception to the
general rule. In this neighbourhood, reaping is all 'out at
an end ; and in the latter districts, in the neighbourhood
of Linlithgow, it is fully half over. Much is already
in the stack-yard in the finest condition, and a week or
ten days of such weather as we have enjoyed for some
days past, will secure the whole crop in all the earlier
districts of Scotland.—Scotsman.

Mr. NASMYTH, VERSUS CAPTAIN WARNER._-We
understand, from undoubted authority, that Mr.
hti ahoneu
power
shewreewr
of and,tw h
Nasmyth, engineer, of Manchester, has submitted to the
consideration of the Lords Commissioners of the Admi-
ralty, the plan of an iron-steamer," homb-proof, which
will effectually destroy any ship or
wsqilularduronwnsht.eemnSghooneinii
mhiaptanhotrosoeuethr prhoesieipueltpl
ilhrsfe dl
andaaaiacoetneneeb.tdoyl:,f::
iratslhei vtx:ei
msAka,neihr lsei
fact,maine \
re her,understand
with each other at theanryate o
feetn.
wide, below
nipksncootrsninang
by mechanical means, in the hands of not
otes
dnierStand that this inven-
tion is now undt7
their Lordships' consideration,
Captain
and
there can h, no doubt but it will pn
Warner's
itr.:entibh at a discount.—Devonpor t Independent.
BELFAST AND BALLYMENA RAILWAY.—We are
gratified in learning that, of the 7,500 shares to be
issued for this undertaking, more than one-half have
already been taken—a considerable number of them by
English capitalists. It is scarcely a fortnight since the
prospectus first appeared.—Banner of Ulster.
AMERICAN HAY.—A very considerable quantity of
hay, the produce of the United States, arrived in this
port in the course of last week, and is now in the market.
The Samuel Hicks, which arrived in the early part of
the week, brought 28.5 bales, and the New York, which
arrived on Thursday, brought 192 bales. The former
importation was announced for sale on Yriday last, upon
the quay, but the weather prevented the attendance of
buyers. The second cargo will be offered to-day. The
hay appears coarse and of a heavier quality than that
grown in this country, and whether it will become a
regular article of commerce is questionable, particularly
in good native seasons.—Liverpool paper.
The Bremen Gazette has an article from the Po.
lish frontiers, 3rd Sept., which states that the Emperor
Nicholas has approved of the plan of the Minister of
War for very vigorous offensive operations in the Cauca-
sus ; and that he is resolved, if not to make the ULM
paign in person, at least to be in the vicinity of the
theatre of war. Count Nesselrode is shortly expected
to return to St. Petersburgh. It is affirmed that he has
communicated to the English Cabinet the decided inters
tions of the Emperor respecting the war in the Caucasus.
and has obtained the assurance that the assistance Sept
to the rebels by English agents from Coast
shall cease.—Hanthurgh Papers, 15th Sept.