Physics
Scientific paper
May 1900
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1900natur..62q..54b&link_type=abstract
Nature, Volume 62, Issue 1594, pp. 54 (1900).
Physics
Scientific paper
THE extraordinary explosive power of fulminate of mercury is known to all chemists, but it is not generally known that the explosion of a percussion cap on a gun will cause a current of air sufficient to extinguish a candle at a distance of ten or fifteen feet. The distance, of course, varies with the length and bore of the gun, and with the nature and the size of the candle. The gun must be pointed at the lower part of the wick, and in order to blow out the candle the aim at this distance requires to be nearly as accurate as would be required to make a centre with a rifle at a hundred yards. In a speech to the Primrose League on May 9, Lord Salisbury mentioned the expediency of every man having the chance to learn to handle a rifle within reach of his own cottage. By beginning with percussion caps children might be taught to handle a gun at such an early age, that, in case of invasion of this country, boys of fourteen might be able to act as soldiers, as they are said to be doing amongst the Boers at the present time. The objections to training children to handle a rifle are, first of all, the danger of the child shooting either itself or some one else; and secondly, the expense. But the inclination of children to play soldiers might readily be utilised by teaching them to handle first of all a toy gun, and then to practice shooting at a candle with caps. For those who shoot best with caps, the practice with a saloon rifle might be held out as a reward. One single-barrelled old muzzle-loading gun would suffice for many children, and as 240 caps cost a shilling, the expense of providing a gun and material for practice would be very small.
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