Summary

This 1865 publication by Alfred Nobel outlines regulations for the safe handling, storage, and transportation of nitro-glycerine and other blasting oils. Its central thesis is that the inherent volatility of these compounds necessitates stringent, scientifically informed protocols to prevent catastrophic accidents and ensure public safety during their widespread industrial application, particularly in mining and construction. Nobel sought to codify best practices that minimized the risks associated with these powerful explosives, thereby facilitating their continued and expanding use by establishing clear guidelines for responsible management.

The book details specific requirements for packaging, designated storage locations, permitted quantities, and methods for transport. Readers would gain a precise understanding of the safety measures deemed essential at the time for working with these substances, including their stability characteristics, the dangers of shock and friction, and the necessary precautions to mitigate ignition. The intended takeaway is a comprehensive awareness of the regulatory framework designed to balance the utility of these explosives with the imperative of preventing severe harm.

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Key concepts

Nitro-glycerine — A highly explosive liquid organic nitrate, known for its instability and sensitivity to shock.
Blasting Oil Regulations — A set of rules and guidelines established for the safe handling and use of explosive oils.
Volatility — The tendency of a substance to vaporize readily at a low temperature, indicating its potential for rapid expansion and explosion.
Industrial Application — The use of explosives in large-scale projects such as mining, quarrying, and civil engineering.