The practical pyromaniac : build fire tornadoes, one-candlepower engines, great balls of fire, and more incendiary devices Cover Image

Book

The practical pyromaniac : build fire tornadoes, one-candlepower engines, great balls of fire, and more incendiary devices / William Gurstelle.

Summary:

"Combining science, history, and DIY pyrotechnics, this book for the workbench warrior explains humankind's most useful and paradoxical tool: fire. William Gurstelle, author of the bestselling Backyard Ballistics, presents 25 projects with instructions, diagrams, photos, and links to video demonstrations that enable people of all ages to explore and safely play with fire. From Franklin's stove to Diesel's engine, explosive and fascinating tales are told of the great pyromaniacs who scientifically revealed the mysteries of fire such as "Gunpowder" Joseph Priestly, who discovered oxygen; Antoine Lavoisier, the father of chemistry; and Humphrey Davy, whose chemical discoveries and fiery inventions saved thousands of lives. By following the directions inside, the curious can replicate these breakthrough scientists' experiments and inventions from the simply fascinating one-candlepower engine to the nearly magical fire piston and an incredible tornado of fire"-- Provided by publisher.

Record details

ISBN: 9781569767108
ISBN: 1569767106
Physical Description: xii, 212 pages : illustrations ; 26 cm
Edition: First edition.
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Chicago Review Press, [2011]

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:	Includes bibliographical references (pages 205-206) and index.
Formatted Contents Note:	Keepint safety in mind -- The flame tube -- The first lights -- The one-candlepower engine -- The fire drill -- The burning ring of fire -- The hydrogen generator and the oxygenizer -- Exploding bubbles -- The fire piston -- The arc light -- Fireproof cloth and cold fire -- The extincteur -- The photometer -- Thermocouples -- Technicolor flames -- The fire tornado -- Great balls of fire.