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Ancient alchemy in the classroom: a honey-based, deflagrating pyrotechnic

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 21:21 authored by Adrian WolfendenAdrian Wolfenden, Nathan KilahNathan Kilah
A simple, honey-based pyrotechnic demonstration is presented. The demonstration has been derived from alchemical writings, and highlights the importance of alchemical preparations on the development of gunpowder, chemistry, and the scientific method. The demonstration involves the combustion of mixtures of honey, potassium nitrate, and sulfur which were observed to burn with brilliant flame, heat, smoke, and sound. The combustion was rapid, visually attractive, and surprising to chemist and non-specialist viewer alike.

Funding

Australian Research Council

History

Publication title

Journal of Chemical Education

Volume

95

Issue

8

Pagination

1350-1353

ISSN

0021-9584

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Amer Chemical Soc

Place of publication

1155 16Th St, Nw, Washington, USA, Dc, 20036

Rights statement

Copyright 2018 American Chemical Society and Division of Chemical Education, Inc

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Teaching and instruction technologies

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    University Of Tasmania

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