The history of black powder started at some time prior to 1000 A.D. The discovery of a mixture of potassium nitrate, sulfur and charcoal that is capable of doing useful work is one of the most important discoveries of mankind. Black powder made huge engineering projects possible and gave access to minerals deep within the earth, and as such, helped in bringing about the Industrial Revolution.

For hundreds of years, the process of manufacturing black powder was a closely guarded secret. Black powder was a luxury item which was affordable to only the most powerful nations, and as such, has radically changed the history of governments throughout the ages. People have won their freedom from the tyranny of oppressive governments by the use of black powder in guns and cannon.

The chemicals used for making black powder have remained the same since the Chinese wrote about it in 1044 A.D. The ratio has varied with time and location and the particular type of black powder desired