GUNCOTTON.—A highly nitrated cotton containing about 13 per cent. of nitrogen and only slightly soluble in ether-alcohol.

GUNPOWDER. See [BLACK POWDER].

*HALAKITE attracted public attention out of all proportion to its merits, of which it possessed none, in consequence of the extravagant claims made on its behalf by its “inventors” and their dupes. Early in 1917 the British Government caused an inquiry to be held, and the case for the explosive collapsed in a ludicrous manner. According to patent specification, No. 685 of 1915, the basis of the explosive was an admixture of lead nitrate with glycerine and other substances, and under the working conditions the glycerine was said to react with the nitrate to form a nitro-compound, which, of course, is not true. The substance actually submitted to the British and French authorities consisted of [cordite] mixed with lead nitrate, barium nitrate and lead chromate. This was stated by the promoters to be equally effective as a high explosive and a propellant! See “Interim and Final Reports of the Army Council (Halakite) Inquiry,” Cd. 8446.

HALALIT.—A German blasting explosive made by Nahnsen, containing not more than 65 per cent. of potassium perchlorate, ammonium nitrate, and not more than 32 per cent. of nitrated toluene, of which not more than 20 per cent. must be trinitro-toluene. It may also contain collodion cotton to gelatinise the liquid nitro-toluene, and sodium nitrate and wood meal or other vegetable meal.

Ammon-Halalit A, which has been introduced recently, is similar to [Astralit V].

HALOKLASTIT. See [PETROKLASTIT].

HAMMONIT.—A German blasting explosive containing not more than 40 per cent. of potassium or sodium perchlorate, not more than 4 per cent. of nitroglycerine, aromatic nitro-bodies, ammonium nitrate, sodium or potassium nitrate, neutral salts and vegetable meal or other combustible matter.

HASSIA-CHLORAT is an explosive that was introduced in Germany during the War. It consists of 65 per cent. potassium chlorate and 35 per cent. combustible, and it is claimed that the large proportion of the latter not only makes it a mild explosive, but also renders it comparatively insensitive. It is also called Spreng-chlorat.

HAYLITE.—A coal-mine explosive made by the National Explosives Co. There were three varieties on the Permitted List: No. 1 was also on the old Permitted List, but has now been repealed.

No. 1.No. 2.No. 3.
 Date of Permit  1-9-13  21-11-16  30-5-18
Nitroglycerine2615·59·5
Collodion cotton10·3—
Ammonium nitrate——60·5
Potassium nitrate20——
Sodium nitrate—59·5—
Barium nitrate20——
Trinitro-toluene—5—
Mineral jelly7——
Wood meal157·75·5
Sodium chloride——19·5
Ammonium oxalate11—5 
Borax—12—

Limit charge
10
18
16 oz.
Power (swing of ballistic pendulum)  2·181·962·44”