Nitro-Explosives: A Practical Treatise

"Nitro-Explosives: A Practical Treatise" by P. Gerald Sanford is a detailed scientific exploration from the 1800s, offering a thorough examination of nitro-explosives like nitro-glycerine and different smokeless powders. Aimed at chemists, analysts, and explosives manufacturers, the study emphasizes real-world uses in areas like mining, controlled blasts, and making propellants work. It starts by charting updates in how nitro-explosives are made, breaking down the chemical reactions that add nitrate groups to things like glycerine and cellulose. The study deeply explores the features of nitro-glycerine, how it's used in dynamite, and the critical need for safety when dealing with explosives, diving into the design of explosion-resistant buildings. The opening establishes a technical foundation on nitro-explosives, pointing out why chemical purity matters and laying out solid rules for safely making and handling these powerful materials, all leading into more specific analyses and methods later on.