Department:
The Museum Proper
Replica or Original:
Not a Replica
On Display, In Storage, or in a Private Offsite Collection:
On Display
Primary Material:
Glass
Medium:
Glass
Dimensions:
7" x 4" x 4" each
Classification/Category:
Tools & Equipment for Science & Technology
Specific Classification:
Components
Notable Signatures,
Inscriptions, and/or Markings:
Donated by:
Accession Number
1993.013.001
Artifact Date:
A.D. 1900 - Present
1912-Present
Artifact Era/Dynasty:
Unknown
Creator:
Unknown
Creator Ancestry:
At the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, our museum presents an artistic display of glass sculptures containing samples of charcoal, nitrogen and sulfur, the components of gunpowder.
Gunpowder was invented in China during the mid-9th century CE by Chinese alchemists attempting to create an experimental scientific solution that would promote immortality. Alchemists infused a mixture of saltpeter (potassium nitrate, which contains nitrogen), charcoal (carbon) and sulfur. The concoction would prove to have the opposite effect of immortality, as it violently combusted when exposed to an open flame.
While the discovery of gunpowder would initially be used in fireworks, its destructive power would be put to use by the Song Dynasty military. Around 904 CE, the Chinese utilized gunpowder technology to fight their enemies, namely the Mongols. Gunpowder was utilized through flaming arrows, bombs and other predecessors to modern military explosives, such as land mines.
In 1076, the Song government realized the incredible potential of gunpowder and was quick to ban the flammable saltpeter from trade outside of China. Despite preventative measures taken, “secret” information regarding the technology of gunpowder was divulged to the Middle East and Europe.
Artifact Date:
A.D. 1900 - Present
Artifact Era/Dynasty:
1912-Present
Creator:
Unknown
Creator Ancestory:
Unknown
Catalogue Entry
Online References:
"Gunpowder: Origins in the East": https://www.brown.edu/Departments/Joukowsky_Institute/courses/13things/7687.html
Szczepanski, Kallie. "The Invention of Gunpowder: A History. Chinese Alchemists Mix Explosives": https://www.thoughtco.com/invention-of-gunpowder-195160
Department:
The Museum Proper
On Display, In Storage, or in a Private Offsite Collection:
On Display
Replica or Original:
Not a Replica
Three glass containers holding Saltpeter, Charcoal, and Sulphur, the components of gunpowder.
An artistic display of glass sculptures containing samples of saltpeter, charcoal and sulphur (from left to right).
玻璃瓶內分別展示了製作火藥的原材料，其中包括硝、碳，和硫（從左至右）。
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Classification/Category:
Tools & Equipment for Science & Technology
Specific Classification:
Components
Notable Signatures,
Inscriptions, and/or Markings: