This image may not be used to state or imply the endorsement by the Science History Institute of any product, service or activity, or to concur with a

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This image may not be used to state or imply the endorsement by the Science History Institute of any product, service or activity, or to concur with an opinion or confirm the accuracy of any text appearing alongside or in logical association with the image. Berthold Schwarz. Historical engraving of the German alchemist and monk Berthold Schwarz experimenting with gunpowder. Schwarz was the first person to use gunpowder to shoot projectiles. Although guns were invented in Europe, rockets had previously been used by the Chinese and Arabs for military purposes. This illustration is from 'Les vrais pourtraits et vies des hommes illustres', 1584, by Andre Thevet.

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Size: 2669px × 3277px
Photo credit: © CHEMICAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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