GENERAL REPORT OF THE JUDGES OF GROUP XVI. jg nitrate, is widely different in its properties, being safe against friction, and slower in action. Abel has recently proposed to use it in shells, under the name picric powder, and Hill is experimenting with it as a possible substitute for gunpowder in spar torpedoes. The Fulminates.—The salts of fulminic acid are easily exploded, and some of them are dangerously sensitive to friction, electricity, etc. They are never used in large quantities, not only because of the great danger of handling them, but also because the volume of gas given off is small, thus limiting the range of effect. Fulminating mercury (C 2 HgN 2 0 2 ) is the only one of them which at the present time has much practical value; it is largely used in fuses, percussion- caps, primers, etc. When wet it is unexplosive, and for security it should always be kept and handled in that state.
