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by Daydreamer on June 14th, 2005

Daydreamer

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Who invented fireworks and when?

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  • by Schlim on June 15th, 2005

    Schlim

    Though many nations claim the invention, most historians agree that the Chinese invented fireworks in the 9th century when they discovered how to make gunpowder. The story is that a Chinese cook toiling in a field kitchen happened to mix three ingredients commonly found in the kitchen - potassium nitrate or saltpeter (a salt substitute), sulfur (a flammable solid) and charcoal (from charred wood).

    The cook noticed that, when ignited, the pile burned with a combustible force. The cook apparently also discovered that if these same ingredients were enclosed and then ignited, the combination exploded rather than burned. This explosion produced a loud sound perfect for frightening off spirits, celebrating weddings, and marking battle victories, eclipses of the moon, and the beginning of the New Year.

    Another version of the history of fireworks credits Taoist monks with their discovery in the Far East approximately 1000 years ago. Once again, coincidence played a major role. What scientists of the day were looking for was a potion that promised immortality and eternal life. In their experiments, Taoist monks discovered that a mixture of potassium nitrate, sulfur and finely ground charcoal exploded violently while giving off a great deal of light, noise and smoke. So, they poured the explosive powder into bamboo tubes, blocked the two ends and attached an igniter cord to the charge.

    Comments

    • interesting. so alchemy produced some useful results after all :-)

      Lucas_

      by Lucas_ on June 15th, 2005

    • Good Job...

      scymitar72

      by scymitar72 on June 15th, 2005

    • Great answer, thank you :-)

      Daydreamer

      by Daydreamer on June 16th, 2005

    • This is correct.

      Answers101

      by Answers101 on March 19th, 2006

    • Thank you for this answer. Since it's the 4th, my friends and I were all wondering about whether or not fireworks were first used for celebration or warfare.

      fife2085

      by fife2085 on July 4th, 2006

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