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The Complete Art

OF

MAKING

THE

Chemical Fulminating Objects,

_&c. &c. &c._

_Entered at Stationers' Hall._




_The whole Secret laid Open_,

OR THE

COMPLETE ART

OF

MAKING

_THE CHEMICAL_

FULMINATING OBJECTS,

_SUCH AS THE_

Lace, or Girt of Security,

_Fulminating Letters_, _Balls_, _Bombs_,

GARTERS, CARDS, SPIDERS, SEGARS,

Chairs, Drawers, Boots, Shoes, &c. &c.


FOURTH EDITION.

LONDON:

Published by J. JOHNSTON, 98, CHEAPSIDE, for the Author, 12,
King-Street, Portman-Square, and sold by all Booksellers.




ADDRESS TO THE READER.


That Chemistry is one of the most sublime sciences is generally
acknowledged; to it may be ascribed the brilliant discoveries lately
made in the arts and sciences, and without whose aid the wonderful
phenomena, which are the subject of the following pages, could never
have been discovered. The Author has for some time observed the wonder
occasioned by the introduction of the chemical _Fulminating Objects_
to the Public: they are indeed objects of wonder, and when it is
considered how trifling a portion of matter it requires to produce
effects so surprising, we cannot but hail that science as truly grand,
which can create such rare productions, from what we daily handle, with
such safety and unconcern, and without which we should be at a loss to
carry on our intercourse in trade; I mean Silver, which is the basis of
all the objects presented to view. I have long seen with astonishment
the manufacture of these objects, and the knowledge of that manufacture
confined to very few persons, and I considered that it could not but be
very much wished by all who had witnessed these astonishing
productions, to acquire a true knowledge of how, and by what means,
they were produced; I therefore examined them minutely, and having
discovered their composition, I have given them to the Public in an
entire and perfect form, accompanied with patterns of the most
difficult, and have enlarged them by several objects of my own
invention. That they will be found an innocent amusement, as well as a
safeguard, need not be doubted, and also tend to exemplify the
astonishing powers of Chemistry, the study of which I would earnestly
recommend to all who have not studied that science, and to those who
have, to continue it with a steady perseverance. It is a study in
itself truly sublime, it is highly conducive to morality, and tends
most materially to convince every wavering or doubting mind, that the
world we inhabit, and all its necessaries, its conveniences, its
luxuries, and its blessings, are the work of that Divine Author

    "Who sees, with equal eye, as God of all,
    A hero perish, or a sparrow fall."

    _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.

N.B. When the glass composition cannot be conveniently obtained, glass
paper may be used, pasted in the same way as directed for the
composition.




COMPLETE ART, &c.




THE LACE,

_Or Girt of Security_.


The Lace or Girt is made of strong brace-web, after the manner and size
of the paper pattern enclosed; the parts marked with ink are to be
covered with the glass composition, to be laid on tolerably thick--say
the thickness of a three shilling piece, and about an eighth of an inch
broad in each place; let it remain until quite dry, and then sew it in
like manner as the pattern, and from one to one grain and a half of
Fulminating Silver to be enclosed in the part marked S; a piece of
paper or silk well pasted on one side is then to be wrapped twice round
in the same manner as the paper in the pattern is pinned; a strong
lace-hole is then to be worked at each end--the manner of applying it
is to hang it on two hooks, one on the door post, and the other on the
door, taking care to place the part in such a position as to come in
contact with the edge of the door, on its being opened, which will
cause an immediate explosion louder than a musket. Hooks may also be
placed on windows or shutters, and the Lace being hung on them will
produce the same effect: a greater safeguard against midnight intruders
has never been discovered.




FULMINATING

LETTERS.


The letter inclosed is a pattern of the manner in which they are put
together, an examination of which will give the true idea to every
attentive observer: a sheet of paper should be used doubled, and cut
according to pattern; two slips of parchment must be used instead of
those of paper, as enclosed in the pattern letter. The ends marked with
Ink must be slightly covered with glass composition, and about an
eighth of an inch wide, they must then be laid separately to dry, and
when quite dry they must be sewn at one edge as shewn in the pattern,
you must then put one third of a grain of Brugnatelli's Fulminating
Silver in between the parts marked S, a piece of coloured paper or
ribbon is then to be pasted well on one side, and wound twice round in
the same way as the paper is now pinned round. The parchment slips thus
prepared, must be pasted at each end for about an inch, and so fastened
to the letter marked with a cross; the letter is then to be folded, and
no further sealing is required.

It must here be observed, that although the pattern is in miniature,
the directions here given are intended for a common size letter; all
that is required to make it so, being to use longer strips of
parchment, taking care that the parchment is always as long as the
letter is wide. This letter may be sent to any part of the world, and
on its being opened will cause a report nearly as loud as a pistol: it
is consequently well adapted to prove a never-failing source of
amusement.




_FULMINATING_

BALLS & BOMBS.


The ball comprises a glass globe rather larger than a pea, having a
small aperture, into which should be put from one third to half a grain
of Brugnatelli's Fulminating Silver: a piece of paper is then to be
pasted carefully all over the ball, in order to cover the glass and
prevent the escape of the Silver.--The method of using the balls is to
throw them down smartly, or to place one under the ball of the heel and
tread hard upon it, which causes an explosion equal to a pistol and
free from danger; the latter method of using them is generally
preferred, and is assuredly the most certain.

                 *       *       *       *       *

A Bomb consists of the same materials as a ball, only on a larger
scale: the globe for a bomb is the size of a common nut, and the
quantity of Brugnatelli's Fulminating Silver is from one grain to one
grain and a half, according to the report wished to be produced. The
way of applying bombs is by throwing them down with violence, and it
should here be remembered that this is the less exceptionable method of
using them: they should on no occasion be used, without apprising the
bye-standers, nor must they ever be pressed on by the foot; as the
shock produced by the detonation would be rather too violent.




FULMINATING

SPIDERS.


The Spider is formed after the manner of the common spider, it has a
glass body, into which is put one third of a grain of fulminating
silver. The manner of using: being formed in every respect so as to
resemble the spider, they may be left on the ground, in closets, or on
any article of wearing apparel, from whence they will consequently soon
be dislodged, and from the natural antipathy towards this disagreeable
insect, there can be no doubt of its being soon trod upon, when, to the
no small surprise of the treader, a report equal to that of a pistol
will be produced.--Many persons apply them to Ladies' Dresses, but from
the well-known delicacy of female nerves, it were better perhaps to
abstain from this experiment. Observe, the spiders cannot be exploded
but by pressure, which is best done by the foot.




FULMINATING

CARDS & SEGARS.


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.


These Tapers are prepared by taking off a small part of the wax, near
the tip of the wick, and putting one-third of a grain of Fulminating
Silver in the wick, then replace the wax, and on its taking fire, a
loud Detonation will be produced.




FULMINATING

GARTERS.


The garter is formed of common tape, or of the common worsted binding,
which should not exceed the length and breadth of the enclosed pattern;
the parts marked with ink are to be covered with the glass composition
in the same manner as directed for the Lace of Security; suffer it to
remain till quite dry, and then sew it together as in the pattern; half
a grain of the Fulminating Silver is then to be placed between the
parts marked S, and a piece of paper or ribbon, well pasted on one
side, is to be wrapped twice round in the same way as directed for the
lace. The manner of applying it is, to take one end in each hand, and
by suddenly pulling it, a loud report will be given, equal to a large
pistol.--This experiment may also be performed by offering one end to
another person, and requesting them to pull against you, or by giving
them the garter, and desiring them to use it as first directed. Keep
the garter below the eyes.




_Fulminating Chairs_


Are thus prepared: Enclose half a grain of Brugnatelli's Fulminating
Silver in a piece of glass paper, and that should be again enclosed in
a square piece of tinfoil; this doubled in a very small compass may be
placed immediately under the foot of a chair, and the chair placed very
lightly upon it, or pasting it would be much better; be careful to
stand the chair down very gently: on any one's setting down on a chair
so prepared, a loud Detonation will follow.--This experiment is
particularly innocent, and may be productive of much mirth.




FULMINATING

_DRAWERS_.


The preparation for the drawers is the same as used for the chairs: it
should be pasted directly under the drawer, or on the side; if the
drawer be left partly open, the effect will more certainly be produced:
on the drawer being opened or shut, a loud explosion will be caused.
This experiment is also perfectly harmless, and as there could be no
suspicion of the trick, it cannot fail to prove the source of much
amusement, to create great surprise, and to cause many whimsical
conjectures as to the origin of the wonderful phenomenon.




_FULMINATING_

SNUFFERS.


One fourth of a grain of Fulminating Silver is to be inclosed in a
small piece of paper, and put inside the snuffers; on the snuffers
being applied to the candle, a smart report will follow. Be careful to
notice, that the snuffers are quite cold when the paper is introduced,
as the heat would cause it to explode sooner than might be thought
agreeable.




FULMINATING

BOOTS & SHOES.


These are prepared by enclosing half a grain of Brugnatelli's
Fulminating Silver in a fold of glass paper, and pasting it in the
middle of a piece of court plaster; if the edges of the court plaster
are then slightly wet, it will adhere, and must be placed in the middle
of the heel of a boot or shoe, and by being pressed upon will detonate
loudly. Observe, it must be fastened on the outside of the heel.

This experiment may be easily accomplished, while you are left alone,
in any apartment where boots or shoes are kept, and would cause a
tolerable degree of astonishment to the wearer, on his placing his foot
to the ground.




FULMINATING

_PIPE LIGHTS_.


These lights are made by inserting one-third of a grain of Fulminating
Silver, in one end of a piece of hemp-stalk, in the same way as
directed for the Segars. A piece of stout deal shaving might be used,
prepared in the same manner as directed for the Fulminating Cards. Be
careful to notice, that, whatever is used, has some particular mark
attached to it, so as to point out which end is to be lighted.




_FULMINATING_

WALKING STICKS.


These may be made by inclosing half a grain of Brugnatelli's
Fulminating Silver in a small fold of glass paper, and putting it into
a ferule, which ferule may be placed gently on the stick; and on its
being applied to the ground, a loud explosion will take place.

                 *       *       *       *       *

A vast number of other Fulminating objects might be prepared by the
same means as here used, as it must have been observed, the Silver
detonates either by friction or heat. But great attention must be paid
to the quantity of Fulminating Silver used, as very unpleasant
consequences might arise from the use of too large a quantity; and on
the other hand, no effect produced by too small a quantity; but from
one fourth to half a grain will most commonly be found quite sufficient
for those purposes that require handling; and here again let me impress
it on the mind, how necessary it is to pay attention to the quantities
I have here specified for each object: and let me request that it may
in no one instance be exceeded.


FINIS.


_Printed by T. Hamblin, Garlick Hill, Thames Street._