Description of a percussion shell to explode at the bottom of the sea

An iron tube, like the barrel of a musket, is screwed into a shell of any size, water-tight. A rod of iron, about half a pound in weight and a foot in length, is suspended within the tube, by means of a split quill passing through a hole in the upper end of the rod, the other end being armed with a percussion-cap. The mouth of the tube is closed with a screw lid also water-tight. Tin or brass wings being attached to the upper end of the tube will keep it in a vertical position during its descent to the bottom of the sea; and the shock on its striking the bottom will cause the bar of iron within the tube to fall, and produce the percussion and explosion. Should it be found difficult to make the shell water-proof, I am satisfied that percussion powder made from silver will explode by friction or percussion even whenmixed withwater .