FIRE-WORKS, are preparations made of gunpowder, sulphur, and other inflammable and combustible ingredients, used on occasion of public rejoicings and other solemnities.
The invention of fire-works is by M. Mahudel attributed to the Florentines and people of Siena; who
found out likewise the method of adding decorations to them of statues, with fire issuing from their eyes and mouths.
The art of preparing and managing these is called pyrotechny. See PYROTECHNY.