Ancient Alchemy in the Classroom: A Honey-Based, Deflagrating Pyrotechnic

Abstract

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 nonspecialist viewer alike.

Bang! Crackle! Pop! Fizzle? — Chemistry outreach and fireworks

“…One theme or topic, once well research, can be communicated in many different ways to reach many different audiences. For example, the firework event has been run twice with over 700 attendees resulting in: interviews on nine radio pro¬ grams; an article for The Conversation on the chemistry of lighting a match (Kilah, 2019); a published chemical demonstration which was developed during the planning of the event (Wolfenden and Kilah, 2017); and most recently an article in COSMOS maga¬ zine (Kilah, 2019a). Each of these activi¬ ties has allowed for the same message to be communicated to many different audiences, from the casual radio listener, through to academic audience, and highly motivated science readers.…”

Demonstration of Acetylene–Air Flame by Hydrolysis of Calcium Carbide to Rid Blind Beliefs and Misconceptions Regarding Purported Water Lit Lamp

“…Hydrolysis of calcium carbide to liberate the flammable acetylene gas has been reported in different contexts. − Herein formation of the visually attractive acetylene–air flame by hydrolysis of calcium carbide to rid blind beliefs and misconceptions regarding the purported water lit lamp has been demonstrated. Many such demonstrations and activities underlying chemistry principles have been hitherto studied to enthuse students in the subject. − From ancient times alchemists and magicians have been using chemistry principles pseudoscientifically in their ventures . Chemistry has enthralling tenets and magnificent applications that have immensely benefited mankind, but some of its visual manifestations being covert to decipher for the layperson are many a times perniciously exploited by some.…”