Examination of Fire-Arms. — (Proposed by M. Boutigny.)
The examination of fire-arms is sometimes useful in determining the date at which a weapon has been discharged or reloaded. The methods used in examinations of this nature vary, as the weapon under inspection is one provided with a flint or an ordinary percussion lock. The value of the tests employed is also affected by the kind of powder used; i. e., whether common gunpowder, gun-cotton or white gunpowder (prepared by mixing yellow prussiate of potassa, chlorate of potassa and sugar) has been taken.