120 Vr, Cuthusk on the Chinese Fire, ^c» 



able to determine; but it is certain, that it contains more 

 carbon than steel, and less than cast iron, and hence in all 

 probability might be used with advantage for the same pur- 

 pose. 



In consequence of the brilliant light produced when iron 

 filings are thrown into the fire, an iraprovenjent in the fire 

 of rockets was suggested. The honorary rockets, which 

 we purpose to notice hereafter, owe their bclliancy to iron ; 

 which renders their fire much more beautiful than when 

 gun powder, or the substances of which it is composed, 

 is employed alone. Both iron filings and {granulated cast 

 iron have been used in the rocket-composition, not only for 

 the so called honorary rockets, but also, occasionally, for 

 signal rockets. There is one defect, however, in the com- 

 position, when iron is added ; it is apt to rust, in consequence 

 of moisture. To prevent which some have suggested m- 

 mersing the grains, or filings in melted sulphur, which we 

 apprehend would be almost as injurious, owing to the grad- 

 ual formation of the sulphate of iron ; and others, with more 

 plausibiHty, have recommended the use of a few drops of 

 oil, and agitating the filings or grains so as to receive a por- 

 tionof it. 



We have already mentioned the intention, or design of 

 using iron, in the composition of Chinese fire. We may 

 here add, that the scintillations produced by hammering ig- 

 nited iron on the anvil, the combustion of steel in oxygen 

 gas, ^c. are similar instances. To combine all the effect 

 of cast-iron, according to the use to which the composition 

 is applied, and adapting it to different sized cases, or cali- 

 bers ; the Chinese, after granulating the iron, and assorting 

 it as we before observed, separate it in numbers, as No. 1, 

 2, 3. The same practice is followed in Italy and France, 

 where the most perfect fire-works are made. Indeed the 

 experiments of the French, have confirmed very satisfac- 

 torily the account given by the French missionary. 



Of the rockets, into the composition of which iron sand 

 enters, there are two ; one producing a red, and the other a 

 white fire. The proportions of the different ingredients for 

 such rockets, from 12 to 33 lbs. are as follows : 



