In the Track of the Troops

"In the Track of the Troops" by R. M. Ballantyne is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Jeffry Childers, a young man with an insatiable curiosity for science, particularly explosives and torpedoes, and his adventures related to military innovation during a time of conflict. The book not only explores personal adventures but also delves into the ethical implications of warfare and the consequences of scientific discoveries. At the start of the book, Jeffry reflects on his childhood fascination with analysis and mechanics, which evolved into dangerous experiments with explosives. A notable incident involving the accidental injury of a servant adds to his trepidation about his pursuits. Following this, after completing his medical studies, Jeffry expresses his intent to venture into chemistry and invent a progressive torpedo. This aspiration leads him to a critical conversation with his mother about his work with explosives, showcasing their contrasting views on the subject. The opening sets up Jeffry's ambitions and hints at his forthcoming adventures and the moral dilemmas he will face related to the devastating power of his inventions. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Robert Michael Ballantyne was a Scottish author of juvenile fiction, who wrote more than a hundred books. He was also an accomplished artist: he exhibited some of his water-colours at the Royal Scottish Academy.