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

Adrian V. Wolfenden, Nathan L. 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 nonspecialist viewer alike.