I2l2 Dr. Cutbush on the Chinese Fire, &fe. 



et, both iron sand and iron filings are used in different 

 proportions. 



Before we introduce the preparations for forming the dif- 

 ferent kinds of fire, according to the present improved for- 

 mulae, we purpose to notice the effect which such composi- 

 tions possess, and at the same time the general rationale of 

 their action. 



It is apparent by the substances that enter into the rocket 

 compositions already given, that when the mixture is in- 

 flamed, carbonic acid, sulphurous acid, and probably sul- 

 phuric acid, &c. are generated, and the iron in the state of 

 combustion is thrown out. That the brilliancy of the combus- 

 tion, isowing to the presence of iron, which is in its cn/r^e state, 

 and therefore not converted into soft or malleable iron, is evi- 

 dent from the effect ; and this effect is obviously more per- 

 fect than that which is imparted by malleable iron, or even 

 by steel. The process of forming malleabie iron, it must 

 be observed, carries off a large quantity of carbon, oxygen, 

 &c. For this reason the effect is inferior, although wrought 

 or malleable iron will occasion scintillations, but not as bril- 

 liant ; hence it is used in some of the so called brilliant 

 Jires. Steel, however, produces a more vivid effect than 

 wrought iron, and hence also it is used for the same pur- 

 pose. But fire workers give the preference to crude iron. 

 The beauty and brilliancy of Chinese fire is, therefore, at- 

 tributed to the peculiar state of the carbon and oxygen irl 

 the cast iron ; for wrought iron, having an inferior effect for 

 that use, is deprived in a great measure of these substances, 

 or, in other words, the kon is rendered more pure. Steel, 

 however, being superior to malleable iron, must owe that 

 superiority to another state of combination of the iron 

 and carbon, and in which the proportion of carbon is con- 

 siderably less. We may thus account for the difference in 

 the appearance of the flame in Chinese fire, and the ordi- 

 nary brilliant fire. 



We will not attempt to explain, or precisely account for 

 the obvious difference in the combustion, and consequently 

 the appearance of the flame, of crude iron, wrought iron, 

 and steel in the respective compositions of Chinese fire, and 

 brilliant fire. Some facts, however, may lead us to a more 

 perfect knowledge of the subject, by considering the na*' 



