+ KO)+5C=2(CO,-h KO)-r3CO 2 +2N.

More sulphur than is ordinarily used, would increase the strength of the powder ; but would injure the fire- arms, by forming higher sulphurets of potassium which part with a portion of their sulphur without difficulty.

Sulphur, changed to sulphurous acid, or having no element in the powder with which it may combine, would evidently be very improper.

Too much nitre, also, would be mischievous : but is not likely to be in excess on account of its expense.

Nitrate of soda, being very deliquescent, cannot be substi- tuted for nitrate of potash, in the manufacture of gunpowder, 239 Theoretically, gunpowder ought to contain one atom nitre, one atom sulphur, and either three or six atoms carbon : since these would be entirely converted into sulphuret of potassium, carbonic acid or carbonic oxide and nitrogen.