Using the Fire Syringe, also known as a Fire Piston, to compress air into a smaller volume is a classic example of how rapidly doing work on a gas results in an increase in temperature.

Once you have inserted a small piece of combustible cotton fibre into the syringe piston, a quick firm stroke on the piston handle produces a flash in the chamber which burns as long as there is air present.

• The Fire Syringe comes with combustible fibre, and 2 replacement O-rings for the piston.