Fire Synthesis Essay

It may astonish the reader to discover that modern man harnesses a prehistoric technology to power machines, produce electricity, and as a simple means of creating fire. Fire is one of man’s oldest and most useful tools. Without fire early humans could not cook, harden wooden weapons, smelt metal, or warm themselves in colder climates. The discovery of a means for producing it assisted early man in assuming the role of apex predator. Therefore, fire allowed humans to thrive in environments where survival would have otherwise been impossible; it likewise allowed them to exert control over their environment in ways other creatures haven’t duplicated. Examples are controlled burning of forests to promote tree growth and crop residue burning to

My original awareness of the Fire Piston stemmed from a search for lathe projects for my Machine Tool classes. The timing of the project coincided with a question asked by an acquaintance. The question was, “What would you do in the event of a power outage lasting for a few weeks or a couple of months?” My immediate riposte was, “I have a generator and a fireplace, for just such occurrences, so I’ll be fine,” however I hadn’t pondered certain practical considerations. What if it were a survival situation not just a power outage or if there was no fuel for the generator? The obvious solution was I need matches. However, what if I use them all or they become wet? Therefore, I posited, “Maybe I should have a lighter instead, or as a backup.” This gave rise to the question, “What if the flint breaks or the fluid leaks?” The answer was easy, or so I believed. I needed a magnesium fire starter. But what if I wore down the magnesium bar? It seemed “overkill” to have matches, lighters, and magnesium bars. My search for an answer that didn’t involve a shoebox full of gear brought me to the Fire Piston. Unlike matches it functions when wet and is not a finite resource that is exhaustible. Fire Pistons are simple tools that withstand years of use without breaking or wearing out. Also Fire Pistons do not “consume” their parts like a magnesium fire starter. There are intact and usable Fire Pistons that are hundreds or thousands of years old. Thus, neither scarcity nor durability is an issue. I only need one and it’s virtually indestructible. They do not rely on flammable liquids or gases; the tinder used can be moss, fungus, lint, char paper, char cloth, or other flammable materials. A simple technology discovered thousands of years ago is still viable