Amateur.
[However much we may agree in the views expressed in the latter part of An Amateur's letter, we have been obliged to omit it, as it violates our rule of not opening the columns of "N. & Q." to the recommendation of any particular manufacturer.]
Is it dangerous to use the Ammonio-Nitrate of Silver? (Vol. viii., p. 134.).—No: it is now generally used as the best of marking inks, without preparation; and we have never yet heard of an explosion from its use. Mr. Delamotte has evidently confounded this preparation with the chloride of silver precipitated with strong ammonia, which, when dried, forms the article known as fulminating silver; or by adding to the oxide of silver lime-water, and afterwards a strong solution of ammonia, a black powder is thrown down, which, when dried, is known as Berthollet's fulminating silver. There is also one other, formed by adding chloric acid to oxide of silver; after drying this, and then adding potassa to a solution of it, the precipitate, by again being dried, becomes an explosive compound.
The photographer forms a weak solution for his purpose with one of the least soluble and weakest of the ammoniacal preparations, and which, by drying around the stopper of the bottle, is very unlikely to become explosive, from its wanting the addition of another element as necessary to the formation of an explosive compound. For my own part, I must say, that I have found, from experience, all the compound solutions of silver keep much better, and the photogenic effect more satisfactory, by mixing only so much as I may require for immediate use, at this time of the year especially.
J. H.
Replies to Minor Queries.
Burke's Marriage.—I am obliged to Mr. Gantillon (Vol. viii., p. 134.), but the authority referred to does not answer my questions (Vol. vii., p. 382.): When and where was Burke married? There is no doubt as to who he married. But some biographers say the ceremony took place in 1766, others in 1767. Some leave it to be inferred that he was married at Bath, others in London.
B. E. B.
Stars and Flowers (Vol. iv., p. 22.; Vol. vii., pp. 151. 341. 513.).—To the passages quoted from Cowley, Longfellow, Hood, Moir, and Darwin, may be added the following ingenious application of this metaphorical language:—