The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-01-06
rIAsHLroHr PHoroeRAPHr.
An Expert In Expiosivcs Discusses the Use ana
Dangers or E1nnh Pow deru.

To THE EDITOR OF THE SuN-Sir Tor several
years 1 have noted the frequency Of accidents
occurring in the use OF flashlight powders for
photography, and moro recently tho explosion
OF n magazine fashlamp in a church In New
York city.
Explosive engineering in all Its branches
having been followed by me for upward Of
twenty years, / have Investigated all such occur
rences as closely as circumstance would per-
init, and believe that a few remarks concerning
fash powder explosions may BIO of interest and
serve their purpose, especially at this season
when indoor photography involving the use Of
flashliRht is at It's height.
The possibilities presented in fnshlight pho
Biography are destined to make 1t more and moro
popular. There is no reason why it should not
proceed 'uninterruptedly, provided those who
undertake 1t not only select their materials with
proper care, but also post themselves thorough
~ in the practical manipulation OF the powders.
some of Which have resulted fatally. are caused
by using, dangerous Iiashlight COMPOSITIONS.
Some such have been placed on the market for
general use, Other accidents are caused by an
all too ambitious desire on tho part of those
composition to mix up a flash powder. sui
others are duo to carolessness In the use of the
l would strenuously advise those who pur-
chase flash powders to insist upon determining
their safety. II they are dangerous compost
Instant. The ambitious but ignorant person
should remember that the chemistry Of powders
Of any and all kinds Is . distinct branch OF
study. Unless he is in q position to spend tho
necessary time In studying the essential princi-
Piles. he had better abandon the idea of making
produet. / have heard Of flash si,I powder being
advertised rs safe because IL can be eaten. 1t
contains chlorate Of potash. which is sometimes
I. remedy for sore throat, but this same chlorate
tromeiy dangerous. With great care accidents
may be avoided, but the danger is there, Turk:
accidents that have happened.
The abuse Of flash powders after they fall into
the photographers hands reflects severely upon
their intelligence and good sense. l would ur-
gently recommend to photographers. profess
sional and amateurs:
!. The observance of the greatest care under
2. A thorough series of private experiments
before making any demonstrations or taking
any fashlight pictures. with a view to acquiring
knowledge and confidence.
3. To remember that a fiashlight powder is in
tended to burn when 1t comes into contact with
powder and the flame or spark separated by a
respectable distance until the moment arrives
when the picture is to be taken.
chlorate Of potash. Accidents are liable to hap
pen, and the fumes are very corrosive. therefore
likely to injnre curtains. hangings, SC:
8. II you have an assistant, do not intrust to
him any part Of your flash-powder work. unless
he knows tho work practically.
6. Never use a compounded flash powder in a
magazine lamp. 1t is intended only for pow
dered magnesium.
Flashlisht photography is now playing such
an important part that it may almost be looked
upon as n necessity. 1t certainly will be such
at no very future day. and | am in hopes that
some benefit may be derived from what / have
written. which is intended as "a word to the
Formerly First Lieutenant Cd U. S. Artillery.
NEW YORK. Jan. 8.