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Aerial Fireworks, Illustrated

Graphics from the Scientific American archive provide a glimpse of the history and science of pyrotechnics

Credit:

Scientific American, June 15, 1878

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


Fireworks have long charmed the editors of Scientific American, with coverage starting in 1846 and running the gamut from reports of industrial accidents, to World's Fair displays, and the science of pyrotechnics.

From "Firework Making" in the June 15, 1878 issue,

"The art is, if not really a secret one, very little known to the general public, owing to the danger attending the manufacture, which prevents casual visitors inquiring, and to the nature of the product, which offers no inducements to the analyst.

In calling special attention to pyrotechny as an art well worth cultivating, even though apparently an expensive luxury, we desire to laud the wondrous aesthetic effects of light and color…"


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In an effort to "laud the wondrous aesthetic effects of light and color," here are some of my favorite graphics from the archive on the topic.  

The Fireworks at the Columbian Exposition—How Some Striking Effects were Obtained. Credit: Scientific American, December 2, 1893

From “Firework Making” Credit: Scientific American, June 15, 1878

Credit: Illustration by SlimFilms / Bryan Christie. Originally produced for “Aerial Fireworks,” By George R. Zambelli, Sr., Scientific American, July 1999.

Credit: Illustration by Andrew Christie. Originally produced for “Pyrotechnics,” By John A. Conkling, Scientific American, July 1990

Jen Christiansen is author of the book Building Science Graphics: An Illustrated Guide to Communicating Science through Diagrams and Visualizations (CRC Press) and senior graphics editor at Scientific American, where she art directs and produces illustrated explanatory diagrams and data visualizations. In 1996 she began her publishing career in New York City at Scientific American. Subsequently she moved to Washington, D.C., to join the staff of National Geographic (first as an assistant art director–researcher hybrid and then as a designer), spent four years as a freelance science communicator and returned to Scientific American in 2007. Christiansen presents and writes on topics ranging from reconciling her love for art and science to her quest to learn more about the pulsar chart on the cover of Joy Division's album Unknown Pleasures. She holds a graduate certificate in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a B.A. in geology and studio art from Smith College. Follow Christiansen on X (formerly Twitter) @ChristiansenJen

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