Pirotechnia Collection

Different forms of blast furnace. Bellows supplying draught are powered by overshot water wheel. From Vannocio Biringuccio De la Pirotechnia, Venice 1540

Using bellows to increase draught in furnace for refining copper. Note cupellation cakes of partially refined copper beneath the bellows. From Vannocio Biringuccio De la Pirotechnia, Venice 1540

Charcoal burning: Building pyramid of wood (right) to be covered with bracken and earth, then slowly burned (left) to produce charcoal. Superior to charcoal produced in pits

Moulds for making fire tubes. These were fired from cannon, either at enemy forces or for setting fire to wooden gates. From De la pirotechnia by Vannoccio Biringuccio (Venice, 1540). Woodcut

Pikes and lances fitted with small fire tubes which, when lit, propelled the missiles towards the enemy. From De la pirotechnia by Vannoccio Biringuccio (Venice, 1540). Woodcut

Shafts of a cannon boring machine with drilling bits on the end. The machine was powered by a treadmill, left. From De la pirotechnia by Vannoccio Biringuccio (Venice, 1540). Woodcut

Boring cannon. In the left foreground is a two-man treadmill and in the right background is a handmill. From De la pirotechnia by Vannoccio Biringuccio (Venice, 1540). Woodcut

Fire tubes being fired at enemy cavalry from cannon. From De la pirotechnia by Vannoccio Biringuccio (Venice, 1540). Woodcut

Charcoal burning: Pit being filled with wood (right) covered with earth and bracken, then slowly burned to produce charcoal. Inferior to charcoal burned in heaps

Making a wooden pattern from which moulds for casting gun barrels could be formed in sand. From De la pirotechnia by Vannoccio Biringuccio (Venice, 1540)

Man operating bellows to increase the draught to a furnace. From De la pirotechnia by Vannoccio Biringuccio (Venice, 1540). Metallurgy. Pneumatics

Reverberatory furnace for smelting metals. From De la pirotechnia by Vannoccio Biringuccio (Venice)
Reverberatory furnace for smelting metals. From De la pirotechnia by Vannoccio Biringuccio (Venice, 1540)

Brass furnace, showing tongs for lifting crucibles of metal in and out. From De la pirotechnia by Vannoccio Biringuccio (Venice, 1540)

Distillation of alcohol (aqua vitae). Distillation took place in an alembic set over a furnace. The distillate was discharged through spout into a work in a bath of cold water

Goldbeaters preparing a thin duplex sheet of silver and gold to be cut into strips and used to cover thread to produce spun gold. From De la pirotechnia by Vannoccio Biringuccio (Venice, 1540)

Condensing mercury vapour that has been distilled from mercury-bearing ore. From De la pirotechnia by Vannoccio Biringuccio (Venice, 1540)

Smelting iron ore in a blast furnace. From De la pirotechnia by Vannoccio Biringuccio (Venice)
Smelting iron ore in a blast furnace. From De la pirotechnia by Vannoccio Biringuccio (Venice, 1540)

Mercury. Extracting mercury from ore by placing ore covered by sand and ashes in an eartheware pot on stand with a fire underneath. The mercury was retrieved from the bottom of the pot after cooling

Heating mercury-bearing ore and recovering mercury by distillation. From De la pirotechnia by Vannoccio Biringuccio (Venice, 1540)

Assay laboratory, showing muffle furnace and balance, left. From De la pirotechnia by Vannoccio Biringuccio (Venice, 1540)

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"Pirotechnia: Exploring the Ancient Art of Fire and Metal" Step into the world of pirotechnia, where ancient techniques and innovative machinery merge to create a symphony of fire and metal. From different forms of blast furnaces to bellows powered by overshot water wheels, this captivating art form unveils its secrets. Witness the power of bellows as they supply draught to refine copper in a furnace, with cupellation playing its part in perfecting the process. Charcoal burning takes center stage as pyramids of wood are meticulously covered with bracken and earth, igniting a fiery transformation. Marvel at the intricate moulds used for crafting fire tubes that were launched from cannons, aimed at enemy forces. Pikes and lances take on an unexpected twist as small fire tubes propel them forward when lit – a formidable weapon indeed. Delve into the depths of cannon boring machines, their shafts adorned with drilling bits ready to shape mighty weapons. The laborious task is not without assistance; two men tirelessly operate treadmills while others work diligently in the background. Experience the adrenaline rush as fire tubes are unleashed upon enemy cavalry from cannons, leaving trails of destruction in their wake. Vannoccio's "De la pirotechnia" serves as our guide through these explosive encounters. Discover how ingenuity knows no bounds with bellows operated by camshafts powered by water wheels – an ingenious application that revolutionizes traditional methods. And once again, charcoal burning takes center stage; pits filled with wood become hidden treasures beneath layers of earth and bracken. Finally, witness artisans creating wooden patterns for casting gun barrels using sand molds – each piece crafted with precision and care. As you observe a man operating bellows to increase furnace draught from "De la pirotechnia, " you can't help but be captivated by this ancient art form's timeless allure.