The heat test is performed as before, except that the temperature of the bath is kept at 170 deg.  F. (66 deg.  C.), and regulator set to maintain that temperature.  Twenty grains (1.296 grm.) are used, placed in the test tube, gently pressed down until it occupies a space of as nearly as possible 1-5/10 inch in the test tube of dimensions previously specified.  The fine cotton adhering to the sides of the tube can be removed by a clean cloth or silk handkerchief.  The paper is moistened by touching the upper edge with a drop of the 50 per cent. glycerine solution, the tube inserted in the bath to a depth of 2-1/2 inches, measured from the cover, the regulator and thermometer being inserted to the same depth.  The test paper is to be kept near the top of the test tube, but clear of the cork, until the tube has been immersed for about five minutes.  A ring of moisture will about this time be deposited upon the sides of the test tube, a little above the cover of the bath.  The glass rod must then be lowered until the lower margin of the moistened part of the paper is on a level with the bottom of the ring of moisture in the tube.  The paper is now closely watched, The test is complete when a very faint brown coloration makes its appearance at the line of boundary between the dry and moist parts of the paper.  It must stand the test for not less than ten minutes at 170 deg.  F.  (The time is reckoned from the first insertion of the tube in the bath until the appearance of a discoloration of the test paper.)

B.  Schultze Powder, E.C.  Powder, Collodion-Cotton, &c.—­The sample is dried in the oven as above for fifteen minutes, and exposed for two hours to the air.  The test as above for compressed gun-cotton is then applied.

C.  Cordite must stand a temperature of 180 deg.  F. for fifteen minutes.  The sample is prepared as follows:—­Pieces half an inch long are cut from one end of every stick selected for the test:  in the case of the thicker cordites, each piece so cut is further subdivided into about four portions.  These cut pieces are then passed once through the mill, the first portion of material which passes through being rejected on account of the possible presence of foreign matter from the mill.  The ground material is put on the top sieve of the nest of sieves, and sifted.  That portion which has passed through the top sieve and been stopped by the second is taken for the test.  If the mill is properly set, the greater portion of the ground material will be of the proper size.  If the volatile matter in the explosive exceeds 0.5 per cent., the sifted material should be dried at a temperature not exceeding 140 deg.  F, until the proportion does not exceed 0.5 per cent.  After each sample has been ground, the mill must be taken to pieces and carefully cleaned.  The sieves used consist of a nest of two sieves with holes drilled in sheet copper.  The holes in the top sieve have a diameter = 14 B.W.G., those in the second = 21 B.W.G.