ASPHYXIANTS. Chemical substances inclosed in shells or other projectiles, and which act by producing a suffocating and poisonous effect. The French secretly made experiments with asphyxiating shot at Brest in 1851. The principle of these missiles seems to have been to carry into an enemy's ship the means of generating deadly gases which would suffocate the crews between decks. Scientific artillerists dread and dis countenance these novelties; they have learned to regard war almost as a mathematical science, or, at any rate, as an elaborate application of such science; and they see nothing but savage cruelty in the " diabolical chemistry" of asphyxiants. General Sir Howard Douglas, in a late edition of his Natal Gunnery, says: " The author learns, with great regret, that some awful experiments have been made with fearful success, in the royal arsenal, with asphyxiant projectiles, combining in a frightful degree incendiary with suffocating effects." Adverting to sick and wounded men on board a ship-of-war, he exclaimed: " What shall be said of that inhuman system preparing for naval warfare in this age of enlightened humanity, which would advisedly, purposely, and deliberately consign the whole of these, and all other survivors, to indiscriminate death or mutila tion? A ship may be sunk in action; yet there is always time to remove the sick and wounded, and save the survivors; but who shall approach a ship on fire to rescue her crew from the sudden and awful effects of that merciless and barbarous system, the object of which is to set tire to her at heart, and, if possible, blow her up?" The earl of Dundonald, captain Norton, Mr. Macintosh, and many other inventors. some years
ago brought asphyxiating compositions before the notice of the English admiralty and war-office; and the French arsenals were known to possess many such in store. Some of these compositions are liquids which burn fiercely, and ignite wood and canvas readily; some are contained in shells which, on bursting, scatter the suffocating and burning substances all around; and some assume other forms.