Rapid oxidation of a material; phenomenon that emits light and heat

concept

The seven-headed beast is worshipped by men of all nations, as told in the Book of Revelations. Engraving.

William Allen, portrayed as an alchemist with several furnaces, the one which he stokes is labelled "Matter o'money". Coloured etching by T. Jones, 1827.

Jesus blesses Joseph as he dies. Engraving by C. Fantetti after C. Maratta.

Chemistry: various alchemical symbols. Engraving by A. Bell.

An alchemist with his assistants in his laboratory. Engraving by J.P. Le Bas, 1747, after D. Teniers.

The Temple of Solomon: aerial view, with flames billowing from the sacrificial altar. Wood engraving.

An alchemist at his furnace, hunched over bellows. Coloured mezzotint by H. Dawe after D. Teniers the younger.

Jules Grévy takes the pulse of Marshal Macmahon, who lies sick in bed with a priest and another man; they are choking from the fumes of their burning bed; Léon Gambetta emerges from behind the scenes carrying a clyster. Coloured wood engraving, 1879.

A hydraulic system for a Rowntree's fire engine. Engraving by W. Lowry, 1812, after J. Farey.

Manoah and his wife pray to an angel which emerges from the flame of their altar. Line engraving by L. Desplaces after C. Le Brun.

Chemistry: various interconnected vessels. Engraving by A.J. Defehrt after L.J. Goussier.

An alchemist working with his assistants at a crucible. Etching by F. Pedro after F. Maggiotto.

Playing with fire.

An episode in Tristram Shandy: Dr. Slop, with his wig on fire, angrily gesticulating to Susannah who holds her nose near the wounded baby Tristram Shandy. Coloured etching after H.W. Bunbury after L. Sterne.

The serpent sacrifice. Chromolithograph.

"This will ruin you! But its all in the [interests] of Science"

Frank Rowntree compilation recordings. Part 6, Track 13.

Galleries and Reading Room

Library

Shop

Café

We're experiencing some technical problems in the library today. 

If you’re visiting us, you won’t be able to print or use our PCs or laptops. If you want to sign-up for a free library membership, we’ll give you a temporary card for today and complete your membership next time you visit.

You can access items from the collection as usual and our team is on hand to help. Thank you for your patience while we resolve these issues. 

We're running paid user research studies to improve Wellcome Collection online

Take part in research

Fires

Images from the collections

Images referencing Fires

Works from the collections

Playing with fire.

An episode in Tristram Shandy: Dr. Slop, with his wig on fire, angrily gesticulating to Susannah who holds her nose near the wounded baby Tristram Shandy. Coloured etching after H.W. Bunbury after L. Sterne.

The serpent sacrifice. Chromolithograph.

"This will ruin you! But its all in the [interests] of Science"

Frank Rowntree compilation recordings. Part 6, Track 13.

Fires

Images from the collections

Images referencing Fires

Works from the collections

Playing with fire.

An episode in Tristram Shandy: Dr. Slop, with his wig on fire, angrily gesticulating to Susannah who holds her nose near the wounded baby Tristram Shandy. Coloured etching after H.W. Bunbury after L. Sterne.

The serpent sacrifice. Chromolithograph.

"This will ruin you! But its all in the [interests] of Science"

Frank Rowntree compilation recordings. Part 6, Track 13.

Related topics