Werrett, Simon. "The Power of Pyrotechnics." History Today 60.11 (2010): 10-16 Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 5 Feb. 2011.
Author Simon Werrett depicts the importance and collaboration science and art had in the creation of pyrotechnics in Europe. Primarily invented for use in war by the Chinese, pyrotechnics were adopted by Europeans in the 13th century for warfare purposes, then developed into peaceful fireworks, “adding drama to religious plays and festivals” in the 1600s (Werrett). Werrett explains the development of fireworks from this time period onward, and the artificers who contributed to these artistic displays of patriotism. Fireworks have played an important role many people do not know about; sparking curiosities in harnessing nature’s powers such as electricity. The display of pyrotechnics we know today is the result of science and art working in unison.
In order to inform the masses, Werrett uses his writings to explain the origin and development of fireworks in Europe and their role in society. Who cares, it is only fireworks right? Wrong, not only have pyrotechnics contributed to new mechanical sciences, they have been used to display political might throughout history. The power of pyrotechnics is awe-inspiring to any audience as well as an in-depth way to instill an idea or theory to one’s mind; explaining scientific theories to the public is a challenging task however people such as “Descartes, Johannes Kepler and Isaac Newton used fireworks as powerful devices in their descriptions of nature” (Werrett). Currently, displays of pyrotechnics are used by concerts by bands such as “Rammstein” to give their performance a more memorable experience to the audience which sets their live performances apart from the rest. In a parallel sense this same concept is used by governments of the past and present for political advantages.
The author says “fireworks also became domesticated, stripped of the noise, smell and smoke of traditional performances, to make them amenable to polite society and small enough to be shown in private parlors,” I am curious if anyone has recorded the number of house fires caused by fireworks (Werrett). I cannot imagine lighting off fireworks inside of my own home even if they did not make noise, the potential risk far outweighs the benefit of a quick flash of a light; although that is easy to say growing up with fireworks, people new to such a phenomenon would be too ecstatic upon seeing such a spectacular display to care if their house burnt down! Regardless, the reaction of being exposed to fireworks for the first time in the 18th century, before the light bulb, would be similar to present day people experiencing teleportation.
While the focus of the information is directed at European discoveries and development of fireworks, why are Chinese originators not accredited more with the initial discovery of pyrotechnics? The author lacks to identify what year pyrotechnics were invented by the Chinese and by whom. Europeans can take all the credit they want for the additional discoveries they made concerning fireworks, however, if it weren’t for the Chinese, history may be drastically different. If fireworks had not sparked interest in electricity, Franklin might not have been flying his kite on that evening therefore Edison would not have created the light bulb. If those events did not happen, then were would our world be today? We can only imagine.
Response Two (Late)
ReplyDeleteI know this is about ten days too late. But I feel that since I was supposed to have written this I should follow through anyway.
As far as I can tell, your source citation is correct, so that looks good. Your summation likewise is well written. There is only one portion I would rearrange. In your second sentence it should be split into two separate sentences: "Primarily invented for use in war by the Chinese, pyrotechnics were adopted by Europeans in the 13th century for warfare purposes. They were then developed into peaceful fireworks, “adding drama to religious plays and festivals” in the 1600s (Werrett)."
Your second paragraph is a good expansion and analysis on the summation. There was some flow problems when I read it, primarily in the first and fourth sentences. The begining of the first sentence would look like this: "Werrett uses his writings in order to inform the masses on the origin and development...". While the fourth sentence could replace the word "in-depth" with "effective".
I liked reading your third paragraph, it brough up some good points but your observatiosn lacked context. Where the fireworks meant for "private parlors" made in the 1800's or today? Also, the quote in the begining should end with a period to separate the ideas.
Your conlcusion of questions and analysis picked an interesting and thought provoking "what if?" scenario that I found fun to dabble with. Your tone was somewhat apocolyptic, but that served more to underscore the relevance and impact such a scenario would have.