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The Chemistry of Fireworks

Readings / PYROTECHNIC ARTS & SCIENCES IN EUROPEAN HISTORY

Readings / PYROTECHNIC ARTS & SCIENCES IN EUROPEAN HISTORY

“Royal Fireworks 1749” | CLICK ON IMAGE

 

FIREWORKS: PYROTECHNIC ARTS AND SCIENCES IN EUROPEAN HISTORY

Simon Werrett | University College London

Fireworks are synonymous with celebration in the twenty-first century. But pyrotechnics—in the form of rockets, crackers, wheels, and bombs—have exploded in sparks and noise to delight audiences in Europe ever since the Renaissance. Here, Simon Werrett shows that, far from being only a means of entertainment, fireworks helped foster advances in natural philosophy, chemistry, mathematics, and many other branches of the sciences.

Fireworks brings to vibrant life the many artful practices of pyrotechnicians, as well as the elegant compositions of the architects, poets, painters, and musicians they inspired. At the same time, it uncovers the dynamic relationships that developed between the many artists and scientists who produced pyrotechnics. In so doing, the book demonstrates the critical role that pyrotechnics played in the development of physics, astronomy, chemistry and physiology, meteorology, and electrical science. Richly illustrated and drawing on a wide range of new sources, Fireworks takes readers back to a world where pyrotechnics were both divine and magical and reveals for the first time their vital contribution to the modernization of European ideas.

 

CLICK HERE TO BUY THIS BOOK

 

Code for Fireworks Display

“Fireworks over Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome” | Jacob Philipp Hackert (1775)

At least twice a year, and during performances with flame effects, public safety departments in colleges and universities have an elevated concern about campus citizen safety, and the safety of the host community, when fireworks are used for celebration.  We find very rigorous prohibitions against the use of fireworks, weapons and explosives on campus.  Education and enforcement usually falls on facility and operation campus safety units.

That much said, we follow development, but do not advocate in NFPA 1123 Code for Fireworks Display, because it lies among a grouping of titles that set the standard of care for many college and university public safety departments that sometimes need to craft prohibitions with consideration for the business purposes of entertainment and celebration in education facilities.   NFPA 1123 is not a long document — only 22 pages of core text — but it contains a few basic considerations for display site selection, clearances and permitting that campus public safety departments will coordinate with the host community.  It references NFPA 1126, Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience and NFPA 160 Standard for the Use of Flame Effects Before an Audience.

Something to keep an eye on.  The home page for this code is linked below:

NFPA 1123 Code for Fireworks Display

For a sense of the technical discussions, transcripts of two developmental stages are linked below:

Public Input Report

Public Comment Report

Public comment on 2026 Edition proposed revisions is receivable until May 30, 2024.

We maintain this title on our periodic Prometheus colloquium.  See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting.

Issue: [16-134]

Category: Public Safety

Colleagues: Mike Anthony, Jack Janveja, Richard Robben

 

More

Readings / PYROTECHNIC ARTS & SCIENCES IN EUROPEAN HISTORY

The Chemistry of Fireworks

 

Horologiorum

“Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May” John Herrick | John William Waterhouse

“The Sound of Noon” on the Charlottesville Campus

University of New Hampshire

Westminster Chimes at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel

University of Michigan

Hayes Clock Tower

Ars Sonora Bell Tower

Western University Ontario

Trinity College

Mississippi State University

南洋華僑中學

Shelton State Community College Alabama

Winona State University

Oklahoma City Community College

University of Illinois

Bucknell University Pennsylvania

St. Francis Xavier College Missouri

University of Mississippi

University of North Dakota

University of Montana

Gardner-Webb University North Carolina

University of California Berkeley

Auburn University Alabama

 

Indiana University

Sam Houston State University Texas

Otago University New Zealand

Hillsdale College Michigan

More

ISO 8601:2004 Data elements and interchange formats — Information interchange — Representation of dates and times

National Institute of Science & Technology: Time and Frequency

National Institute of Science & Technology: Current Reliability of the WWVB Time Code

NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm & Signaling Code Chapter 23: Protected Premises Alarm and Signaling Systems

Time

“It Can’t Happen Here” 1935 Sinclair Lewis

Time cognition, measurement and conformance to tradition shapes educational settlements:

  • The development of standardized time zones, which became more widespread in the 19th century with the advent of the railroad and telegraph, influenced urban planning and architecture. Cities needed to coordinate schedules and activities, affecting the layout and design of public spaces, transportation hubs, buildings and the movement of children.
  • The invention and widespread adoption of clocks and watches allowed for more precise timekeeping. This precision influenced the synchronization of activities, schedules, and, consequently, the design of buildings and public spaces. It also impacted the design of interiors, with spaces allocated for timepieces in classrooms and athletic events.
  • What is now identified as the Industrial Revolution introduced a more rigid and standardized work schedule; including the time set aside for formal education away from the family kitchen table.

Traditional High School Bell Schedule

Campus planners incorporate temporal elements into their  design itself, creating spaces that change over time. This might involve the play of light and shadow during different times of the day or the use of materials that weather and evolve over the years.

1984

Today we account for our work in shaping the literature for time standards relevant to educational settlements.   Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.

Horologiorum

Mechanical Clock from 1895 Still Ticking

Time & Frequency Services

Date & Time: Representations For Information Interchange

Internet Time Service

NIST Internet Time Service

Time & Frequency Services

Responsible Use of Positioning, Navigation, & Timing Services

 

Safety Code for Dry Martinis

“Martini Bar” 2013 Amy Giacomelli

CLICK COVER IMAGE

 

More:

Students’ drinking behavior and perceptions towards introducing alcohol policies on university campus in Denmark: A focus group study

Stanford University: Alcohol policies at American universities

What Is A Standard Drink?

Hoppin’ John

Standards North Carolina

Hoppin’ John (1847) – Rubenstein Library Test Kitchen

Hoppin’ John is a traditional Southern dish in the United States, particularly associated with the cuisine of the Southeastern region. It is commonly made with black-eyed peas (or sometimes field peas), rice, chopped onion, and sliced bacon or ham hock. Often seasoned with salt and spices, Hoppin’ John is a flavorful and hearty dish.

The dish is traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day for good luck. In Southern folklore, it is believed that eating Hoppin’ John on New Year’s Day will bring prosperity and good fortune in the coming year. The black-eyed peas symbolize coins, and sometimes a coin is even added to the pot for good luck. The dish is often served with collard greens (symbolizing money) and cornbread (symbolizing gold).

Polar Plunge

National Weather Service | Cold Water Hazards and Safety

January 1st is Polar Bear Plunge Day in the Great Lakes.  It is also popular among the young in other “watery” universities around the world.

2025 Windsor-Essex Ontario 2025 Polar Plunge

2023 St. Clair College Polar Bear Plunge

2022 Cool School Polar Plunge

Michigan Polar Plunge 2025

Polar Plunge at the University of Michigan

Pleasures and Hazards

Pleasures:

  1. Increased adrenaline rush: Cold water swimming can produce a surge of adrenaline in the body, which can make you feel more energized and alert.
  2. Improved mood: Cold water swimming has been associated with an increased release of endorphins, which can elevate your mood and reduce stress levels.
  3. Improved immune function: Cold water swimming has been shown to improve immune function, possibly due to the stress response induced by the cold water.
  4. Sense of accomplishment: Many people find ice swimming to be a challenging and rewarding experience, providing a sense of accomplishment and pride.
  5. Social bonding: Ice swimming can be a social activity, with groups of people coming together to share the experience and support each other.

Hazards:

  1. Hypothermia: Prolonged exposure to cold water can cause hypothermia, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
  2. Cold shock response: Entering cold water can cause an involuntary gasp reflex, which can lead to drowning if it occurs while the head is underwater.
  3. Heart problems: Cold water swimming can put a strain on the heart and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with underlying cardiovascular disease.
  4. Frostbite: Exposed skin can become frostbitten in cold water, particularly in extremities such as the fingers and toes.
  5. Injury from slipping or falling: Ice swimming can be hazardous if proper safety precautions are not taken, such as wearing appropriate footwear and using a rope or ladder to enter and exit the water.

 

Ice Swimming

January 1st is Polar Bear Plunge Day in the Great Lakes.  It is also popular among the young in other “watery” universities around the world.

2023 St. Clair College Polar Bear Plunge

2022 Cool School Polar Plunge

Polar Plunge at the University of Michigan

Pleasures and Hazards

Pleasures:

  1. Increased adrenaline rush: Cold water swimming can produce a surge of adrenaline in the body, which can make you feel more energized and alert.
  2. Improved mood: Cold water swimming has been associated with an increased release of endorphins, which can elevate your mood and reduce stress levels.
  3. Improved immune function: Cold water swimming has been shown to improve immune function, possibly due to the stress response induced by the cold water.
  4. Sense of accomplishment: Many people find ice swimming to be a challenging and rewarding experience, providing a sense of accomplishment and pride.
  5. Social bonding: Ice swimming can be a social activity, with groups of people coming together to share the experience and support each other.

Hazards:

  1. Hypothermia: Prolonged exposure to cold water can cause hypothermia, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
  2. Cold shock response: Entering cold water can cause an involuntary gasp reflex, which can lead to drowning if it occurs while the head is underwater.
  3. Heart problems: Cold water swimming can put a strain on the heart and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with underlying cardiovascular disease.
  4. Frostbite: Exposed skin can become frostbitten in cold water, particularly in extremities such as the fingers and toes.
  5. Injury from slipping or falling: Ice swimming can be hazardous if proper safety precautions are not taken, such as wearing appropriate footwear and using a rope or ladder to enter and exit the water.

 

College Polar Bear Plunges

2023 St. Clair College Polar Bear Plunge

2022 Cool School Polar Plunge

Polar Plunge at the University of Michigan

 

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