A Manual of Pyrotechny; or, A Familiar System of Recreative Fire-works

A Manual of Pyrotechny; or, A Familiar System of Recreative Fire-works

By G. W. Mortimer
Michael Caine
Listen with Sir Michael Caine™ and 1,000+ voices
Length4h 8m

About this audiobook

In "A Manual of Pyrotechny; or, A Familiar System of Recreative Fire-works," G. W. Mortimer presents a comprehensive guide to the art and science of fireworks. Written in an accessible yet informative style, the book merges practical instructions with tantalizing historical anecdotes, offering readers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of pyrotechnic culture. The text is a notable contribution to 19th-century literature, reflecting the burgeoning interest in both scientific experimentation and recreational spectacle during the industrial epoch, when public display and private festivities found new dimensions through advancements in chemistry and technology. G. W. Mortimer, a lesser-known figure in the field of pyrotechnics, draws upon his extensive background in chemistry and public entertainment to compile this manual. His unique perspective as both a practitioner and an educator enables him to demystify the complex processes involved in crafting fireworks, making them approachable for enthusiasts and novices alike. Mortimer's work emerged during a time when practical guides were sought after by a burgeoning middle class eager to engage in hands-on recreations that sparked joy and wonder. This manual is not merely a technical guide; it is an invitation to explore creativity and celebration through the breathtaking allure of fireworks. Recommended for both history buffs and amateur pyrotechnicians, Mortimer's text serves as a vital resource that encourages experimentation while ensuring safety, making it a must-read for anyone eager to illuminate their festivities with the artistry of fire.

Audiobook details

GenreHistory
Length4 hrs 8 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateSep 16, 2022
LanguageEnglish

Table of contents

1PREFACE.
49Preparing the Cartridges.
2Introduction.
50Filling and ramming the cases.
3SECTION I. Of Gunpowder.
51Directions for filling and ramming.
4Nitre.
52Preparing and fixing the pots to the head of Rockets.
5Sulphur.
53Table for the Length and Proportion of Rods.
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6To purify Sulphur.
54Tables of Composition for Rockets.
7Charcoal.
55To cause a Rocket to ascend in a spiral form.
8Steel-dust.
56Towering Rockets.
9To prepare Iron-sand.
57Honorary Rockets.
10Second method.
58Caduceus Rockets.
11Oil of Camphor.
59Signal Rockets.
12Benzoin.
60Table Rockets.
13Grinding Machines.
61Scrolls for Rockets.
14Another method.
62Courantines, or Line Rockets.
15Method of Mixing the Ingredients.
63Revolving Courantines.
16Touch-Paper.
64To represent by Rockets various forms in the air.
17To make Touch-Paper.
65To cause a Rocket to form an arc in rising.
18Quick-match.
66To fire Rockets without Rods.
19Composition for the match.
67Theory of the flight of Rockets.
20Port Fires.
68SECTION VII. TABLES OF VARIOUS COMPOSITIONS.
21Composition for Port Fires.
69Girandole chests of Serpents.
22Port Fires for Illuminations.
70Girandole chests of Rockets.
23Leaders, or pipes of communication.
71Pots des Brins.
24Application of Leaders.
72Jets of Fire.
25Serpents.
73Chinese Fountain.
26Crackers.
74Pyramid of Flower Pots.
27Pin wheels.
75Wheels.
28Stars.
76A single Horizontal.
29Strung Stars.
77Plural Wheels.
30Tailed Stars.
78Spiral Wheels.
31Driven Stars.
79Illuminated Spiral Wheels.
32Rolled Stars.
80Balloon Wheels.
33Sparks.
81Ground Wheels.
34Another method.
82Horizontal changed to a Vertical Wheel.
35Marroons.
83Vertical Scroll Wheel.
36Construction.
84Remarks on Wheels.
37Saucissons.
85To represent the Fir Tree.
38Batteries of Marroons &c.
86Yew Tree of Brilliant Fire.
39Gerbes.
87Fixed Fire Globes.
40Small Gerbes.
88Globes which leap or roll on the ground.
41Roman Candles.
89Moon and seven Stars.
42Chinese Fire.
90Suns fixed and moveable.
43Composition for Chinese Fire.
91Composition for representing Animals.
44Sky Rockets.
92Aquatic Fire-Works.
45Dimensions of Rockets.
93To make a Fire-Fountain for the water.
46Calibre and Weight of Rockets.
94Conclusion.
47Calibre of Moulds.
95FOOTNOTES:
48Remarks on the foregoing Tables.

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