Dr. Cutbush on the Chinese Fire, 4^c. 119 



which it exhibits when burnt. Hence the name of serpents, 

 stars, crackers, tourmilons, ordinary and brilliant fire, Chi- 

 nese fire, Sjc, Our object is at this time to notice in par- 

 ticular the Chinese and Brilliant fire, to which we purpose 

 to add such remarks, with certain formulse for tha prepara- 

 tion of fire works, as to present a view of the subject in de- 

 tail. 



With respect to Chinese fire, it appears that a n^issiona- 

 ry in India, by the name of Incarville, discovered the com- 

 position, and mode of making it — a composition, which im- 

 parts so much splendour and effect to their fire works, and 

 which seems to have been also used by other oriental na- 

 tions. 



What is denominated brilliant fire, of which there are 

 several kinds, although partaking in a great measure of the 

 character of the Chinese fire, differs from it nevertheless ia 

 an essential particular. Besides the usual substances, which 

 enter into the composition of brilliant fire, it is now known, 

 and the fact is sufficiently corroborated, that what is called 

 iron sand by the Chinese, which they employ in their fire, 

 and which imparts that particular character, is no other than 

 cast, crude, or pig iron reduced to the state of sand or fine 

 grains. Although I have not had an opportunity of making 

 the experiment, yet I am of opinion, that certain ores of 

 iron of the imperfect calciform kind, such as the magnetic 

 iron, would produce nearly the same appearance. The 

 menachanite I apprehend, would also answer. Crude iron 

 seems to possess, in an eminent degree, the property of pro- 

 ducing a very brilliant fire. The granulated iron of the 

 Chinese, however, possesses no other properties than any 

 other crude iron, provided it is grained properly, and used 

 in a given quantity, or certain proportion to the other in- 

 gredients made use of. Their cast iron used for this pur- 

 pose, was old iron pots, which they beat into grains not lar- 

 ger than mustard seed. These they separated into sizes, 

 or numbers, in the manner of assorting shot, by means of 

 sieves. The extraneous iron of castings, which may be ob- 

 tained from the foundery, if it be free from sand (which is 

 used in making the mould,) will answer every purpose. 

 How far ivootz, or the metal extracted from certain kinds 

 of iron ore in the East-Indies, sometimes called Indian steel, 

 would answer the purpose of ordinary cast iron, we are un- 



