Fulminating Powder. Mix together in a warm mortar 3 parts of pulverized nitre, 2 of dry carbonate of potash, and 1 of sulphur. A small quantity heated on an iron shovel or ladle till it fuses, suddenly explodes with great violence. It should be used with great caution. Another kind of fulminating or detonating powder is made by mixing 3 grs. of chlorate of potash with 1 of sulphur: by strongly triturating it with strong pressure in a marble mortar, a succession of sharp explosions is produced. The same mixture, or 6 grs. of chlorate of potash, 1 of sulphur, and 4 of charcoal, struck with a hammer on an anvil, gives aloud report.

Chloride, or Terchloride of Nitrogen, and Iodide, or Teriodide of Nitrogen cannot be meddled with without extreme danger. Fulminating gold, and the fulminating silver prepared with ammonia, are also dangerous compounds, even in minute quantities. As they serve no practical use, the mode of preparing them is omitted.

Fulminating Mercury (Howard's, as improved by Dr. Ure). Dissolve by a gentle heat 1 oz. of quicksilver in 7 1/2 fluid oz. (or 10 oz. by weight) of nitric acid, of l.4 specific gravity, in a glass retort, the beak of which is loosely inserted into a large balloon or bottle. When the mercury is dissolved, the solution, at the temperature of 130° Fahrenheit, should be slowly poured through a funnel into 10 fluid oz. of alcohol of 0'830 specific gravity, contained in a vessel that will hold 6 times the quantity of ingredients. When the action ceases, pour the contents of the matrass on a double filter in a glass funnel; wash out any powder that may remain in the matrass with a little cold water, and throw this also on the filter; and wash the fulminate with more water till it passes free from acid. When sufficiently drained, lift the filter out of the funnel, and lay it open on a copper or earthen plate, and dry the fulminate at 212oF, or under, by hot water or steam. Its manufacture requires great caution: some valuable lives have been sacrificed in its preparation.