Pyrophorus

This is the only method that I am aware of for procuring fire by friction in Burma, but on the hills and out of the way parts, that philosophical toy, the "pyrophorus," is still in use. ❋ Various (N/A)

To examine the means whereby dragons produce fire and steam, we have studied a related species, the desert-lizard Lacerta pyrophorus. ❋ Zoe Brain (2008)

Q: Did you dream last night? yea. pyrophorus and zach braff made appearances. ❋ Unknown (2005)

Here also is another kind of fuel which burns very-well as, if not better, than carbon—so well, indeed, as to take fire of itself when it is in the air, as you see [breaking a tube full of lead pyrophorus]. ❋ Unknown (1909)

Lead pyrophorus is made by heating dry tartrate of lead in a glass tube (closed at one end, and drawn out to a fine point at the other) until no more vapors are evolved. ❋ Unknown (1909)

I showed you how carbon went on dissolving in the oxygen, leaving no ash, whereas here [pointing to the heap of pyrophorus] we have actually more ash than fuel, for it is heavier by the amount of the oxygen which has united with it. ❋ Unknown (1909)

In this case, however, [holding up a small glass tube containing lead pyrophorus (5)], the lead has been very carefully produced in fine powder, and put into a glass tube, and hermetically sealed so as to preserve it, and I expect you will see it take fire at once. ❋ Unknown (1909)

There is also given a description of a pyrophorus obtained from iron and sulphur. ❋ Edgar Fahs Smith (1891)

One of the most abundant -- and of much larger dimensions than the rest of the elaters or beetles -- pyrophorus noctilucus, called by the natives cocuja, displays both red and green light. ❋ William Henry Giles Kingston (1847)

12 Comments Add your own pyrophorus | February 22, 2005 at 9: 36 pm ❋ Unknown (2005)