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This page contains instructions involving gunpowder or other explosive or pyrotechnic compositions. Preparing explosives as described has caused severe injuries and deaths, and is illegal in most places.
This information has been left in for historical purposes but should not be acted upon.
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Colored Fires (Slowly make the solution)
slowly, make the solution stronger and dip it Ninety-two per cent. chlorate of potash, 14 sul- again. phur, 34 chalk.
Yellow.
Sixty-one per cent. chlorate of potash, 16 sulphur, 23 dry soda. Or, 50 per cent. nitre, 16 sulphur, 20 soda, 14 gunpowder.
Or, 61 per cent. nitre, 174 sulphur, 20 soda, 1½ charcoal.
Light Blue.
Sixty-one per cent. chlorate of potash, 16 sulphur, 23 strongly-calcined alum. Dark Blue.
Sixty per cent. chlorate of potash, 16 sulphur, 22 carbonate of copper, 12 alum.
Dark Violet.
Sixty per cent. chlorate of potash, 16 sulphur, 12 carbonate of potash, 12 alum.
Pale Violet.
Quick-Match Is made by immersing lamp-wick in a solution of saltpetre with meal powder, winding it on a frame, and afterwards dusting with meal powder. To 1 lb. 12 oz. of cotton, take saltpetre, 1 lb.; alcohol , 2 qts.; water, 3 qts.; solution of isinglass (1 oz. to the pint), 3 galls.; mealed powder, 10 lbs.
Port Fires.
Take of sulphur, 2 parts; saltpetre, 6 parts; mealed powder, 1 part. This is rammed into cases of from 6 inches to 2 feet long, and inch internal diameter. They should be lightly rammed.
To give a brilliant flame, add 1 part of iron sand; for a dark flame, 1 part of powdered charcoal.
Stars.