Firework display, 1635.

ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Engraving of a firework display with two large wooden castles and numerous devices bristling with fireworks. The letters �CR� probably refer to King Charles I. Firework displays have been widely used for celebrations in Europe since the 16th century. Elaborate pyrotechnic effects were often created and used in a theatrical setting. In 1635, the master pyrotechnician John Babington published a book which describes many effects available at the time, some of which he had devised. This work, �Pyrotechnia or, A discourse of artificiall fire-works�, dealt with geometry and the use of fireworks for military purposes. To this he added a supplement �A short treatise of geometrie� from which this illustration comes. (Photo by SSPL/Getty Images)