Lot 46: An extensive French 1804 manuscript on practical pyrotechnics

[PYROTECHNICS]

Elemens et Traité des Artifices [caption title p. 1] . Paris?: 1804? [Date taken from p. 204]. Full period vellum, all edges red. 10 1/2 x 6 3/4 inches (26.75 x 17 cm); manuscript on paper in black ink, 208 pp., written semi-calligraphically in a legible and elegant hand, with a folding table of calibers and other parameters between pp. 198-199, and a small table mounted to the foot of p. 174. Binding bowed, worn, lacking most of the two ties, internally quite clean.

An anonymous, but exceptionally interesting and comprehensive pyrotechnic manuscript, written with great care and attention to detail. The work was probably intended for publication: "...to have this work printed, it is first necessary to have a fair copy made, and to remove errors ... if business and health allow, I will try to have the finishing touches put to it before ending my career" (a rough translation from the original French). Though the author did not leave any trace of his name here, he appears to have been a master of the art of pyrotechnics, and the specifics he provides here go far beyond his modest intent as displayed in the introduction: "... The goal that I have set myself, in this small work, is not to provide novelty. but only to try to make my work accessible to all those who would like to enjoy [the process of making fireworks]" Reference is made in the text to various authors including [see p. 174, 208] Ruggieri. The processes described include preparing a vast range of pyrotechnic effects, including rockets, shells, candles and lights, etc. This is an exceptionally detailed work produced by an experienced maker of fireworks with a deep knowledge of his art.