The Chemistry of Powder and Explosives - Sciencemadness Dot Org

ROCKETS 75
one ounce and a half. It does not matter what charcoal it is;
that of light wood is best, particularly of wood of the vine.
For rockets weighing two ounces. Take of the above-said
powder four ounces and a half, of saltpeter one ounce.
FIGURE 24. Details of Construction of Rocket and of Other Pieces, Audot,
1818. The rocket case, already crimped or constricted, is placed upon the
spindle (broche); the first portion of the propelling charge is introduced
and pounded firmly into place by means of a mallet and the longest of
the drifts pictured in the upper right-hand corner; another portion of the
charge is introduced, a shorter drift is used for tamping it, and so on until
the case is charged as shown at the extreme left. A tourbillion (table
rocket or artichoke) and a mine charged with serpents of fire are also
shown.
Otherwise for the same weight. Take powder two ounces,
of soft charcoal half an ounce.
Composition for rockets weighing from 4 to 8 ounces.
Take powder as above seventeen ounces, of saltpeter four
ounces, of soft charcoal four ounces.