Panoramic view of the Hercules Powder Company's San Diego kelp plant located in Potash, California. View includes kelp digestion tanks located in the left background. The converter building of the acetone group can be seen to the right with the carpenter shop and laboratory to the left. Other buildings are described in the caption underneath the photograph.

Prior to the United States' engagement in World War One, this plant produced acetone for use in British cordite. During World War One, this plant supplied potash in the form of potassium chloride which was converted into potassium nitrate for use in Black Military Powder used in rifle powder. In addition, ingredients for lacquers used as a covering for shells and shell cases as well as a coating for airplane wings, also known as airplane "dope," were manufactured here. Other products included acetic salts that made acetic anhydride, which is used in aspirin. Iodine and bromine were also made by the plant.

Digitized in entirety, this illustrated work contains photographs and histories of companies that produced munitions for use in World War One. Includes the E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Pennsylvania Trojan Powder Company, the Hercules Powder Company, Atlas Powder Company, the Bethlehem Loading Company, the Aetna Explosives Company, and the Butterworth-Judson Corporation. Select company entries include foldout panoramas of their facilities.