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

by G. W. Mortimer

Composition for Chinese Fire.

For Red Chinese Fire.

	Calibres.	Salt-petre.	Sulphur.	Charcoal.	Sand 1st order.
I.	12 to 16 lb.	1 lb.	3 ozs.	4 ozs.	7 ozs.
II.	16 to 22 lb.	1 lb.	3 ozs.	5 ozs.	7 ozs. 8 drs.
III.	22 to 36 lb.	1 lb.	4 ozs.	6 ozs.	8 ozs.

For White Chinese Fire.

	Calibres.	Salt-petre.	Bruised powder.	Charcoal.	Sand 3d order.
I.	12 to 16 lb.	1 lb.	12 ozs.	7 ozs. 8 drs.	11 ozs.
II.	16 to 22 lb.	1 lb.	11 ozs.	8 ozs.	11 ozs. 8 drs.
III.	22 to 36 lb.	1 lb.	11 ozs.	8 ozs. 8 drs.	12 ozs.

After carefully weighing the several ingredients, observe to sift the salt-petre and charcoal two or three times through a hair sieve in order that they may be well mixed; the iron-sand is then to be moistened a little with brandy or spirits of wine, which will make the sulphur adhere, and they must be well incorporated. The sand now said to be sulphured, must be put to the mixture of salt-petre and charcoal, and then stirred and turned about till the parts are thoroughly incorporated.

---

[SECTION VI.]
Rockets.

We come now to that part of our work which treats on the most beautiful of all Pyrotechnic productions.

Rockets have ever held the first place among single fire-works since the invention of the art; and to which they are justly entitled, both for the pleasing appearance they produce when fired by themselves, and the extensive application of them to increase the beauty of the other exhibitions.

They are called by the Italians Rochette and Raggi; by the Germans Raketen and Drachetten; by the French Fusées; and by the Latins Rochetæ; from which appears to be derived the name given them by the English; so much for their names:—as to their invention it is most probable that it took place at a very early period, if not among the first productions of the art. By the ancient Pyrotechnicians, they were considered as the most difficult articles of manufacture, insomuch that it was the first task enjoined to the disciples of Prometheus,[8] or professors of the art; and the goodness of the article, furnished a criterion of their pretensions.

It is to be questioned whether the ancients had such a variety of these articles, as we now have; but it is pretty certain that they were well acquainted with the proper proportions of the moulds requisite for their manufacture, insomuch that in many of their treatises, we find them employing the most difficult mathematical calculations, and giving intricate algebraic formulæ, for the purpose of finding their true proportion; but many of such useless difficulties we shall endeavour to evade, and essay to render our explications familiar without wholly sacrificing scientific investigations.

Rockets consist of strong paper cylinders, which being filled with the proper composition rammed hard, and fire being applied to their apertures they are caused to ascend into the air, or in any required directions; they have generally a head fixed to them containing corn powder, sparks, and many other decorations, which, when the body of the Rocket is consumed, take fire, burst in the air, and produce a most beautiful appearance; these are called Sky-rockets. Others are made to run with great velocity along a line, and are therefore called Line-rockets, or Courantines. Some are fixed on the circumference, or on the axle of a wheel, and are denominated Wheel-rockets; while another kind have their cases made perfectly water-tight, and being filled with stronger composition, admit of being plunged in and under water without retarding their inflammation; these receive the significant appellation of Water-rockets.