Gunpowder General

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Black powder is the oldest known explosive, discovered around the 9th century in China. Initially, it was used in medicine and widely experimented with by alchemists. However, when it failed to yield the anticipated elixir of immortality, its powerful explosive properties began to be used for ammunition production. It likely arrived in Europe as early as the 13th century, although some experts believe that Europeans discovered black powder independently of China.
The European inventor of gunpowder is typically attributed to either the English monk and scientist Berthold Schwarz, or, according to other sources, the German monk Albert the Great, who was familiar with the recipe for gunpowder as early as 1275. Another mention can be found with the alchemist Marcus Graecus, who included a black powder recipe in his collection around 1300. However, at this time, gunpowder was not yet commonly used in combat.
Originally, a fine particle mixture known as “meal powder,” produced by grinding the individual components, was used for shooting. Later, methods were developed to produce larger grains, which significantly improved the consistency of ballistic properties and accuracy in shooting.

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