Workman operating a guncotton press behind protective rope screen

Entitled "Working Under Cover," photographic reproduction depicts a man guarded by a rope screen as he operates a guncotton press. Guncotton, or nitrocellulose, is used in explosives.

This plate is found within The Romance of Modern Chemistry, which is a layman's introduction to topics in chemistry. Includes a history of chemistry along with alchemy and the philosopher's stone; elements including organic, invisible, metals, acids, alkalies, and water; chemical changes such as fire, freezing and explosions; chemistry of the stars; food; electricity; solutions and crystals; as well as discoveries in chemistry.