We'll begin with arguably the most famous ancient Chinese invention. Legend has it that gunpowder was accidentally discovered by alchemists looking for a concoction that would create immortality ...

The invention of gunpowder was no doubt one of the ... and thence to Europe. China's four great ancient inventions made tremendous contributions to the world's economy and the culture of mankind.

All of the important chemical substances needed to make gunpowder—saltpeter (KNO 3), sulfur and carbon—were found in ancient China. The Chinese used saltpeter as a food flavoring, in curing meat and ...