Tri-nitro-glycerine, as Applied in the Hoosac Tunnel, Submarine Blasting, etc., etc., etc.

A fascinating glimpse into the birth of modern blasting, this 19th‑century account follows the daring experiments that introduced nitroglycerin to the world of large‑scale engineering. Written by the man who helped tame the notoriously difficult Hoosac Tunnel, the narrative blends technical detail with vivid anecdotes—like the sudden explosion that shattered windows on a bustling New York street—showing both the promise and the peril of the new explosive.

The author’s dedication to a visionary engineer and his candid preface reveal the fierce debates over safety, monopoly, and the practicalities of handling such a powerful substance. Detailed illustrations accompany the text, from photographs of drilling machines deep within the tunnel to stereoscopic views of exploded charge cans, giving listeners a visual sense of the era’s ingenuity. Whether you’re a history buff, a engineering enthusiast, or simply curious about the origins of today’s demolition tools, this work offers an engaging, grounded portrait of a pivotal moment in industrial progress.