Sometimes also known as `Black Powder' (especially in the U.S.A.), gunpowder is an
explosive mixture
comprising 74.6% potassium nitrate (saltpetre), 13.5% charcoal and 11.9% sulfur. All the ingredients are ground
to powder and uniformly mixed.
Easily ignited, the mixture burns rapidly producing large volumes of gas which, if confined, can be used for
blasting or propelling missiles. Historically the first, and for many centuries the only form of
explosive, in modern times
gunpowder is used in detonators and fireworks.
HISTORY
Until the discovery of nitroglycerine and nitrocellulose in the 19th century, gunpowder was the sole known
explosive for some 600 years. It enabled the development of artillery which greatly reduced the defensive value
of the medieval castles.
The origin of gunpowder is unknown, but since early times man has experimented with mixtures of various substances,
the best known example being Greek Fire. Claimants to the invention include China, Hindus, Greeks, Arabs, British
and Germans. Claimants to the invention of gunpowder include China, the Hindus, Greeks, Arabs, and the British and
Germans.
SERPENTINE
Serpentine was the name given to gunpowder which had been prepared by mixing the powdered ingredients in the
proper proportions (charcoal, saltpetre and sulphur) in their powdered form.
Transported by pack-horse or cart in mediaeval times, the serpentine tended to arrange itself into three layers -
not perfectly, but the mixture did not have the desired effect once loaded into the cannon. This was overcome by
transporting the ingredients seperately and mixing them when required for use. This was a hazardous in process,
difficult in wet weather, dangerous in times when open fires were used for cooking, heat and light. There was also
the chance of detonating the serpentine by the heat of friction involved in the mixing itself.
Some of the artilleryman's problems were eased with the invention of
corned gunpowder in about 1425.
