Gunpowder is an explosive mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal and sulphur in the proportions of 75, 15 and 10 - although alternative proportions are also used. The three ingredients must be very finely ground and mixed, and ordinary charcoal is not very suitable. Rather charcoal from dogwood, alder or willow is used. The wood is cut in spring and stored for between two and three years before being cut into small pieces and packed into thick iron containers with holes at one end to allow gases to escape, and heated for four hours. Gunpowder was invented in China and first used in Europe as a propellant by the Moors in the 12th century. It was first used by the English in war at Crecy in the 14th century. Research Gunpowder
Abbreviations
Warfare
Research Gunpowder