FIRE-Works, are preparations made of gunpowder, sulphur,
(c) The reeds are made up in small bundles of about a foot in circumference, cut even at both ends, and tied together in two places. They are distinguished into two kinds, viz. the long and short; the former of which are four feet, and the latter two feet five inches in length. One part of them are singly dipped, i. e. at one end; the rest are dipped at both ends in a kettle of melted composition. After being immersed about seven or eight inches in this preparation, and then drained, they are sprinkled over with pulverized sulphur upon a tanned hide.
(d) The bavins are made of birch, heath, or other brush-wood, which is tough and readily kindled. They are usually two or three feet in length, and have all their bush-ends lying one way, the other ends being tied together with small cords. They are dipped in composition at the bush-ends, whose branches are afterwards confined by the hand, to prevent them from breaking off by moving about; and also to make them burn more fiercely. After being dipped in the same manner as the reeds, they also are sprinkled with sulphur.
Firing. 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.