The Card is of the pattern herein enclosed; it must be opened at one end with a pen-knife, as here shewn, into which opening put one-fourth, or one-third of a grain at most, of Fulminating Silver; the edges are then to be pasted slightly, and closed together; a notch should also be cut at the other end, as in the pattern. When dry it will be complete for use. The manner of using, is to take it by the notched end, and light the square end at the candle, when a sharp detonation ensues.—The Card should be three quarters of an inch wide, and from four to five inches in length. Cards thus prepared, have long sold in Paris under the denomination of "Detonating Cards."
The SEGAR is made by just opening the end of a common Segar, (which may be had at all Tobacconists) and gently placing within it one-fourth of a grain of Fulminating Silver between the leaves, the end is then to be closed again, and care taken to close it, so as to prevent the Powder falling out. This, on being set fire to, causes a loud explosion, and not a little disconcerts the nerves of the smoker; nor does it fail to move the risible features of the lookers-on.
The Segar, when exploded, may be smoked with perfect safety.
Fulminating Pins.
Take one third of a grain of Brugnatelli's Fulminating Silver, and enclose in a very small fold of paper; this enclose in a second paper, which has been previously pasted, and then let it be wrapped 2 or 3 times round a common pin, observing to leave the point clear.—Pins, thus prepared, may be stuck in the wick of the candle, in the candle itself, or thrown into the fire, and immediately on their taking fire a loud explosion will follow.
Observe, not to place them too near any person's eyes, least, on an explosion, the pins should be thrown out, which might prove unpleasant.
FULMINATING
WAX TAPERS.