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This material and the other described special effects are intended strictly for the use of professors in chemistry or physics to be used 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 any attempt to procure any of the indicated chemicals and associated materials may result in unwelcome (but perhaps justified) contacts from law enforcement from any number of agencies.
One hen, two ducks, three squawking geese...
Fire Wand
Action: You bring the end of a glass rod in contact with the wick of a candle. There is a flare and the candle is lit.
You Need:
Equal quantities of powdered potassium chlorate and sugar
a large candle whose wick has fluffy fibers
glass rod
How: The end of the glass rod has been touched with concentrated sulfuric acid. This in contact with the mixed powder on the wick produces an instantaneous flare which lights the wick. The wick should be ruffled and the powder well interspersed in it. This will insure continued burning after the wick has been touched.
Why: Combustion of sugar is rapid in the presence of potassium chlorate.
Caution: Grind the crystals of potassium chlorate and sugar separately in a mortar. If mixed and then ground, you may have an explosion.
Page 59 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.