Page:Pyrotechnics the history and art of firework making (1922).djvu/202

 centre, on which the two halves, which were charged separately, were fitted, and to which the colour case was secured by a nail.

The tourbillion is a development of the saxon; instead of the central spindle a piece of curved wood is secured to the case, forming a pivot on which to revolve when lying on a flat surface, and two additional holes are bored on the under side of the case, so arranged at to light when the case has sufficiently rapid revolution and project it into the air.

Jones describes tourbillions as made to-day, also saxons under the older name of Chinese flyer. In addition, he describes what he calls "table rockets," which resemble four double saxon cases filled to a centre, which has a projecting cone upon which the device revolves.

He says that "table rockets are designed merely to show the truth of driving and the judgment of a fireworker, they having no other effect when fired than spinning round in the same place where they begin till they are burnt out, and showing nothing more than a horizontal circle of fire," but afterwards adds that "these rockets may be made to rise like tourbillions by making the cases shorter and boring holes in the under side of each case at equal distances; this being done they are called 'double tourbillions,'"

Frézier shows tourbillions as at present manufactured, which he calls "tourbillion de feu" or "soleil montant," but the nearest device he shows to a saxon is similar to Jones's table rocket, made to revolve on a spindle, and having several holes bored down the side of each case, presumably to produce more effect. These he designates "tourniquets" or "soleils tournants."

He also illustrates two ordinary rockets mounted on a centre similar to that of a double saxon. This he calls "baton à feu," and describes that one case lights after the other is burnt