The Evolution of Explosives

By nathanwhalen
  • Period: Jan 1, 740 to

    The history of explosives

    Explosives have been around since ancient times. They were rarely used at first, but went on to become powerful weapons and tools as the technology behind them advanced.
  • Aug 28, 745

    Alchemist's Fire

    Alchemist's fire was the first ever explosive. It was a liquid used by ancient Greeks in naval warfare.
  • Jan 1, 1200

    Gunpowder

    Gunpowder
    In the 1200s gunpowder was invented in China. It was used mostly for fireworks until Europeans weaponized it.

  • The safety fuse

    The safety fuse
    In 1838, William Beckford invented the safety fuse. Before it, using explosives was highly dangerous.

  • Smokeless powder

    Smokeless powder
    In 1888, Alfred Nobel invented a densley packed smokeless form of gunpowder. Smokeless powder is used in most modern guns.

  • Modern Explosives

    Modern Explosives
    We now use Ammonium Nitrate mixed with 6% oil fuel. This mixture was invented by Russel S. Penniman. It is very stable and powerful.

  • Sources

    References
    Bellis, M. (n.d.). The History of Explosives. About.com Inventors. Retrieved from http://inventors.about.com/od/estartinventions/a/explosives.htm
    History Of Explosives. (n.d.). Timeline. Retrieved from http://www.timetoast.com/timelines/history-of-explosives
    Wagner, R. (2009, September 12). The History of Explosives
    Wagner, R. (2009, September 11). The History of Dynamite. EHow. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/about_5407461_history-dynamite.html