It was an accident that no one expected would change and reshape the military tactics and war weapons. The invention of gunpowder is one of the ‘Four Great Inventions’ of China. The gunpowder was invented 850 CE during Tang Dynasty.

The famous Yin Yang philosophy is one of the most important in Chinese cosmology. It based on two opposite forces which are interdependent on each other and create a balance. The theory is as old as 9^the century and also is an important aspect of immortality. Alchemists tried to use the Yin-Yang balance to achieve immortality. While their efforts were unsuccessfully they managed to create something else! (like gunpowder)

Dan Medicine (dan (丹)were known as the elixirs made by the alchemists for immortality) were made by elements yin elements which contained cold energy and the yang elements which produced heat. The dan medicines were popular especially among nobility who wished to attain immortality.

One of the common elements used in the medicine were saltpeter which was considered a Yin element as it was considered a cold element and sulfur used to produce heat, categorized as Yang element and heat element. (Yes, both are used in gunpowder).

Since the Dan medicines were for nobility, shiny colors like gold, silver common because it gave a sense of supremacy and the mist like reactions produced by some chemicals on reaction also gave an otherworldly feel similar to immortality.

AN ACCIDENTAL DISCOVERY

It most likely that the invention of gunpowder was accidental. With the mixture of sulfur, saltpeter and charcoal the first gunpowder was created when it exploded, and instead of search for immortality they invented a black powder which changed the history.

At first it was used for fireworks and as a medicine for soldiers. A tablespoon of gunpowder mixed with hot water was effective for skin infections. It had antiseptic action ability and could eliminate diseases. (Don’t ever try it!)

Later, it was used as smoke bomb to confuse enemies before being used in battle in 1044 CE by the Song Dynasty against the Mongols and, it was the first battle where gunpowder was used was used. Weapon named ‘fierce fire oil shooter’ was earliest version of guns; it was basically a fire lance and fire arrows.

Despite gunpowder disastrous nature, it had a lot of economic benefits. It was used in construction and mining, and in the military it reduced the cost of the army, providing larger damage at lower cost (in negative way).

In the West, Roger Bacon became famous for describing the formula and the process of gunpowder making in his book Opus Majus in 1267. In 1331 CE, the gunpowder was used in Europe for the first time and it was recorded for its use in The Battle of Crécy in 1346.

Citation

Was the invention of gunpowder a burden or a blessing?. City of London Academy Highbury Grove.

Whipps, H. (April 7, 2008). How Gunpowder Changed the World. Live Science.

Szczepanski, K. (April 2025). The Invention of Gunpowder: A History. ThoughtCo.

Die, H. Leng, W. ( Was Gunpowder Invented by Accident?. Francis Academic Press.