Reading Practice Test - 7
The Art and Science of Gunpowder Manufacture Level: Medium Reading Test 7 Section 1 Gunpowder, one of the most influential inventions in the history of warfare, has a fascinating and ancient origin. Its history can be traced back to 9th-century China, where it was initially developed by alchemists seeking the elixir of immortality. This accidental discovery marked the birth of gunpowder, or black powder, as we know it today. The key components of gunpowder are sulfur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate (saltpeter). The Chinese mixed these ingredients to create a substance that not only illuminated their search for eternal life but also ignited the flames of innovation in weaponry. Section 2 Gunpowder manufacture is a delicate and precise process, often likened to an art form. The primary ingredient, saltpeter, was in high demand. It was typically obtained from the decay of organic matter or mined from naturally occurring deposits. In Europe, the production of gunpowde