Pope.
Having said thus much, I can only assure my reader, that by adhering to the rules I have laid down in the following pages, they may enjoy a rational and innocent employment of time, and be able to inform learned enquirers the nature and properties of the objects of their leisure hours' amusement, and that it may inspire them with a thirst for nearer acquaintance with chemical truths, is the sincere wish of
THE AUTHOR.
March 1, 1818.
GENERAL
OBSERVATIONS.
In pointing out the method of forming the Fulminating objects I have endeavoured to be as explicit as possible; and I feel a confidence that every necessary information is here contained.
The reason why I sometimes mention Fulminating Silver, and at others preface it by Brugnatelli's, is, that there are two kinds: one sold under the name of Fulminating Silver, the other called Brugnatelli's Fulminating Silver. The quantities here directed for each object must be strictly adhered to, as it is of too dangerous a nature to be increased in quantity, without the risk of accident. I must also beg great care will be observed in handling it, both before and after the objects are manufactured: with a trifling degree of caution, no accident can possibly occur; all that is required is to avoid heat and friction, as either in excess produces instant detonation. It is also necessary to guard against exploding the objects near the eyes; these precautions observed, no danger need be apprehended.
The best place to purchase the principal materials are the undermentioned places: for the Fulminating Silver, and Brugnatelli's Ditto, is Messrs. Accum and Garden, Old Compton-Street, London, and every other Manufacturing Chemist; the glass globes, of all sizes, are to be had of F. Pastorelli, Barometer and Thermometer Manufacturer, No. 4, Cross-Street, Hatton-Garden, London. The spiders are to be had of most glass blowers—for the cards, &c. every one is aware where to apply.
The glass composition is made as follows: take one ounce of gum arabic, and dissolve it in a quarter of a pint of water, boil it till tolerably thick, and then add as much coarse powdered glass as will form a very thick composition.