【参考译文】
Gunpowder was the first chemical explosive andpropellant. Prior to the invention of gunpowder,many incendiary bombs and burning devices hadbeen used. The invention of gunpowder is usuallyattributed to Chinese alchemy. It is known to allthat gunpowder is listed as one of the “Four Great Inventions” of China. The invention wasmade perhaps as early as in the Tang Dynasty.Knowledge of gunpowder was spreadthroughout the world as a result of the Mongol conquests in the 13th century. It was employedin warfare to some effect from at least the 14th century.