Gunpowder

26 Gunpowder Sometimes, the people who invent something have one idea in mind for their invention, but in the end, it gets used for something totally different. That's the way it was with the invention of gunpowder many thousands of years ago. Some ancient Chinese scicntists were mixing some ingredients together to form something they thought would make them live forever. They put their mixture on a small fire. But they had no idea that they had made a mistake. The mixture started to bubble and boil. Suddenly, it burst into flames, burning down their hut. Without knowing it, these ancient alchemists had made the first explosive. The ancient Chinese realized that something special had happened. They tried to figure out what they could do with this strange new mixture. It was dangerous, and clearly it would not give long life to anyone.

After a long while, they found their answer. One day, after repeated failures with various mixtures, they added saltpetre and sulphur, two common materials. Poof! The mixture actually detonated. They were pleased with their accomplishment. The Chinese did not use their new creation for war. Instead, they made the first fireworks out of the newly invented substance. They used their fireworks as signals for many things such as that another army was approaching. They kept developing their creation. Finally, they designed a powerful weapon. They filled a hollow piece of bamboo with the powder. Then they stuffed arrows in it. These were the first rockets. That's the way it is with inventions. The inventor gets an idea. As he figures out his invention, he has to try and experiment with different things. And sometimes he gets unexpected results.