Historical Dictionary of Explosives

The history of explosives is told through accidents, inventions, tragedies, and war. Historical Dictionary of Explosives describes this history, presenting the three types of explosives - chemical, mechanical, and nuclear - and how they were discovered, developed, and used. It gives their physical and chemical characteristics and profiles the men, women, companies, and collaborative efforts responsible for inventing or otherwise developing these explosives. It recounts selected events in which they were used both in warfare and for peaceful purposes such as tunneling and removing obstacles to navigation. It highlights disasters where human error, carelessness, disregard for personal safety, or unimagined circumstances led to explosions that killed many, injured more, and destroyed cities and ports. Misuse at the hands of terrorists is described, noting that such misuse has changed the way we board aircraft, enter sports venues, and access public buildings. It discusses attempts at both controlling their development and limiting their acquisition, stockpiling, testing, and use, noting that while these attempts are imperfect, they build hopes for enhanced international security.