A number of quick, qualitative spot tests were developed to screen samples from bombings. Fourteen tests and reagents were employed to identify 24 ions and organic compounds found in explosives and explosive residues. If microscopic and physical examination of the samples disclosed no noticeable particles of explosive material, the sample was extracted and filtered. An initial extraction was performed with acetone and the extract allowed to evaporate to dryness without heating. Alternative methods were extracted with ether or methanol. The residue was taken up in a small amount of acetone. For spot tests, one to two drops of the solution were placed on a spot plate and evaporated to dryness. The test reagent was added and the results noted. Tests were performed employing the following reagents: aniline-sulfate, barium-chloride, brucine, cupric-tetrapyridine, diphenylamine, Griess, J-acid, Nessler, nitron, methylene-blue, silver-nitrate, sodium test, and sulfuric-acid. Tests using potassium test paper were also used. Using these methods, the following ions and compounds were identified: aluminum (7429905), ammonium ion, bromide ion, carbonate ion, chlorate ion, chloride ion, cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (121824), 2,4-dinitrotoluene (121142). 2,6-dinitrotoluene (606202), ethylene glycol-dinitrate (628966), iodine ion, nitrate ion, nitrite ion, nitrocellulose (9004700), nitroglycerin (55630), nitrostarch (9056386), perchlorate ion, pentaerythritol-tetranitrate (78115), potassium ion, sodium ion, sulfate ion, sulfur (7704349), 2,4,6-trinitrophenylmethylnitramine (479458), and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (118967). The authors conclude that the tests presented are good for screening explosives and explosive residues. Caution should be used in interpreting the significance of positive tests for ammonium-nitrate as it is a primary constituent of fertilizer. The most useful tests are the Griess test for nitrates, the Nessler test for ammonium, silver-nitrate for chloride, barium-chloride for sulfate, the sulfur test, the potassium test papers, and zinc-uranyl-acetate for sodium.