A reader recently asked about spherical case shot and muzzle loading cannon. You suggested that the fuse was ignited by the burning gases of the discharge, which is correct. I thought you might be interested in this paper by Nick Lipscombe discussing the whole topic of exploding ‘shot and shell’ and other anti-personnel ammunition in some detail: http://www.nick-lipscombe.net/Shrapnel%20Shell%20Paper.pdf.

I certainly didn’t know that the term ‘shrapnel’ was officially used until 1852, ten years after the inventor’s death…

Martyn Kerr