Propellants

Defence Science Journal, 1952, 2(1), pp. 26-28.There is little doubt that explosives had their origin in warfare. In the armed conflict between groups of individuals or of states, where each sought and still seeks to impose its will upon the other by force, it was inevitable that arms should grow and flourish. The sling, the bow and arrow, the sword and firearm typify evolution in warfare weapons. As a means of propelling missiles, the gun and gun powder were thought of. The history of explosives, therefore, may be said to begin with black powder.