The Daily Dispatch: May 14, 1861., [Electronic resource]

Asphyxiating Explosions.

‘ "It is a well known fact that 'Alkarsin,' (a compound of the Alcohol series, in which one component of the oxygen is replaced by an equivalent of Arsenic,) is peculiarly fitted for military purposes, although its use has been entirely neglected. A thin shell of iron filled with this material, and fired from a gun, would explode only on striking its mark, when the Alkarsin would take fire, burning with a fierce flame and emitting dense volumes of the most deadly poisonous gases.

Such a weapon would never fail to reduce any fortress or stronghold in the shortest possible time. 'Rongases' or explosives on the Jacobi principle, are very valuable in coast and fortification defences. The explosive material consists of chlorate of potash and sugar, which when brought in contact with sulphuric acid, instantly explodes with great violence. These last were used very extensively in the Russian War for the defence of both Sevastopol and Kronstadt.

If you think proper to call attention to these suggestions, and it should be desirable to make use of these weapons, they can be furnished to the State by a competent Chemist.

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