Welcome To The Tunnel System
Congrats, you've found one of the portals into these hidden pages, wherein you will find nuggets of knowledge not for the untrained and irresponsible. As far as I know, after 8 years, only a single visitor has found these concealed pages and told me about it, way to go Chris. The next person that emails me regarding these hidden pages will be the second. If you have a similar recipe that could be included, email me the details and I'll include it.
Beware, there are monsters lurking! Poke them in the eye.
This material and the other described special effects are intended strictly for the use of chemistry or physics professors as science demonstrations. Under no circumstances should anyone attempt to purchase these materials, gather these materials, modify the quantities of chemicals indicated, or attempt to replicate any of these described special effects. Poor or nonexistent generally accepted lab procedure, the use of degraded or improperly labeled chemicals, can result in serious injury or death to any and all that are in proximity. Leave these procedures to the professionals!
When these special-effects were published, in the early 1950's, the materials were easily obtained. Since 9-11-01 an attempt to procure any of the indicated chemicals could possibly result in unwelcome contacts from law enforcement from any number of agencies.
You need to have a valid need of the material(s) for research and then establish an account with a chemical supply company. Do not ever attempt to pay with cash, they are most comfortable with business checks. At least that is my experience, and it goes back decades.
Hey don't blame me!
One hen...
Spontaneous Fire
Action:
A few drops of liquid from a medicine dropper fall on a mound of powder, in the center of which a small depression has been made. A violent fire flares up.
You Need:
granulated sugar
powdered potassium chlorate
concentrated sulfuric acid
insulated mat
Why:
Dehydration and oxidation of sugar is accompanied by flames.
How:
Powder the chemicals separately in a mortar. Place equal volumes of the mixed materials in a mound on an insulated mat. When a few drops of acid fall on the mixture, a reaction produces an immediate fire.
Caution:
Page 64 of Chemical Magic, second edition, by Leonard A. Ford. Revised by E. Winston Grundmeier and published by Dover Publications, Inc., New York, # 0-486-67628-5.