DYNAMITE ( from Gk. (WImikts, dynamis, power). An explosive substance consisting of nitroglycerin and an absorbent such as infu sorial earth (ki,selguhr) or diatomaceous silica, tripoli, rotten stone, wood, fibre, etc. It was in vented in 1866 by Alfred Nobel. The original dynamites varied from 75 per cent. of nitro glycerin and 25 per cent. of absorbent, down to 30 per cent. of nitroglycerin and 70 per cent. of absorbent, hut 40 per cent. of nitroglycerin may be given as the average amount. • In the United States the absorbent often is of an ex plosive nature and consists of a mixture of wood pulp and sodium nitrate, with small quantities of calcium or sodium carbonate to neutralize any acid which may be present in the mixture. The product when thus formed is known as a 'straight dynamite,' hut gunpowder or sonic resinous substance may be used for the ab sorbing material. Perhaps the most powerful form of dynamite is the explosive or blasting gelatin also invented by Nobel. in 1875. where
pyroxylin or soluble cellulose nitrate is dis solved in nitroglycerin and a jelly-like mass produced. When this material is mixed with wood-meal or wood-pulp, the resulting product is known as gelatin dynamite. For commercial use the compound is made up in sticks or cartridges S inches in length and inches in diameter, which are usually packed in sawdust in boxes containing fifty pounds each. In the twelfth United States census the follow ing table is given. showing the production of dynamite by decades in the United States: Dynamites have various names. neeo•ding to the absorbent used, as 'Atlas powder,' giant powder.' 'Hercules powder.' 'Neptune powder.' `rendroek powder,' Titan powder,' etc. See Ex PLOSIVES: NITROCI YCERIN.