Libsyn Directory

Gunpowder: From Alchemy to Empire with Jack Kelly

AMSEcast

Release Date: 07/02/2025

ASME Science Report with Marc Wortman

AMSEcast

AMSE Science Report with Marc Wortman

AMSEcast

AMSE Science Report with Richard Ellis

AMSEcast

Author Richard Ellis speaks about his latest book The Quest for the Cosmic Dawn. A breakdown of the earliest moments of our celestial cosmic soup.

When the River Ran Backward with Jay Feldman

AMSEcast

Author and historian Jay Feldman joins host Alan Lowe to discuss When the Mississippi Ran Backwards, his gripping account of the 1811–1812 New Madrid earthquakes. Alan and Feldman explore the quakes’ massive impact, including over 2,000 tremors felt across 1.5 million square miles, and the deep historical context behind them. He explains the ancient origins of the Reelfoot Rift, Tecumseh’s eerie quake prophecy, and how early steamboat travel intersected with disaster. Feldman also recounts a horrific crime against an enslaved teenager, exposed by the quakes, and touches on ongoing...

AMSEcast with guest Norm Augustine

AMSEcast

In this episode, Mr. Lowe interviews Mr. Augustine. They discuss a variety of fascinating roles that Mr. Augustine has served in over the course of his career. At Princeton he was advised to consider geological engineering but would go on to change his major to aeronautical engineering as he was advised by a peer “that is where the future was.” The range of topics they discuss include American competitiveness, the challenge of putting people on the moon, international travel, the importance of individual talent and the drive to achieve. Undertaking work in the sciences in the context of...

AMSE Science Report with guest Jack Kelly

AMSEcast

In this excerpt from our podcast, AMSEcast, Jack Kelly, author of Gunpowder: Alchemy, Bombards, and Pyrotechnics: The History of the Explosive that Changed the World. Discusses one of the most innovative and compounds ever manufactured.

STEM of History with Dr. Todd Braje

AMSEcast

Dr. Todd Braje, the Executive Director of the University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History, discusses his book, Understanding Imperiled Earth. He shows how analyzing data from many disciplines, such as archaeology and history, can help address some of the environmental challenges we face today.

STEM of History The Science of Archives

AMSEcast

We have a great conversation with Lorraine Daston editor of Science in the Archives: Pasts, Presents, Futures.

Connecting Cultures and Cosmos with Ed Krupp

AMSEcast

Dr. E.C. “Ed” Krupp joins Alan on this episode of AMSEcast to discuss the Griffith Observatory and his role as its longtime director. Now in its 90th year, the observatory remains a hub for public astronomy, drawing over 1.6 million visitors annually. Ed shares its educational mission, including a fifth-grade program and immersive exhibits like “Water is Life.” He also discusses archaeoastronomy, the cross-disciplinary study of ancient skywatching, and how visiting historical sites deepens our understanding of past cultures. From the Hopi village of Walpi to upcoming lunar livestreams...

The keys to innovation

AMSEcast

Highlights of conversations about innovation from AMSEcast. The Podcast of the American Museum of Science and Energy.

More Episodes

Jack Kelly joins Alan on this episode of AMSEcast to talk about his book Gunpowder: Alchemy, Bombards, and Pyrotechnics. They discuss gunpowder’s accidental invention in 10th-century China and its explosive mix of saltpeter, charcoal, and sulfur. Kelly explains how gunpowder shaped science and warfare, fueling revolutions in physics, ending the era of castles, and powering colonial empires. Though once too expensive for civilian use, gunpowder later drove mining and infrastructure projects before being replaced by safer, more powerful explosives like dynamite. Kelly also previews his upcoming book on Thomas Paine, highlighting Paine’s role as both Enlightenment thinker and Revolutionary soldier.

Guest Bio

Jack Kelly is an award-winning historian, journalist, and novelist, as well as a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellow. His work has appeared in publications like The Wall Street Journal and American Heritage, and he’s been featured on NPR, PBS, and the History Channel. Jack’s books explore pivotal moments in history with vivid storytelling and sharp insight. His titles include Heaven’s Ditch: God, Gold, and Murder on the Erie Canal and God Save Benedict Arnold: The True Story of America’s Most Hated Man. His upcoming book is Gunpowder: Alchemy, Bombards, and Pyrotechnics, an explosive history of invention and empire.

Show Highlights

(1:24) When the Chinese invented gunpowder and when it arrived in Europe
(2:35) The ingredients of gunpowder
(3:54) Why saltpeter is such a challenging ingredient to produce
(5:43) Challenges faced by European engineers in the production of gunpowder
(8:34) What the development of chemistry revealed about how gunpowder works
(10:46) How gunpowder influenced sciences like physics in Europe
(12:51) When guns and cannons were introduced
(14:12) Gunpowder’s impact on European architecture, such as castles
(16:39) The commercial uses of gunpowder
(20:12) Replacements for gunpowder in weapons and other explosives today
(22:51) Modern uses for black powder
(24:26) What Jack Kelly is currently working on

Links Referenced

Heaven’s Ditch: God, Gold, and Murder on the Erie Canal:
https://www.amazon.com/Heavens-Ditch-Jack-Kelly-audiobook/dp/B01HU77DIC/
God Save Benedict Arnold: The True Story of America’s Most Hated Man: https://www.amazon.com/God-Save-Benedict-Arnold-Americas-ebook/dp/B0BQGFMLFK/
Gunpowder: Alchemy, Bombards, and Pyrotechnics: The History of the Explosive that Changed the World: https://www.amazon.com/Gunpowder-Alchemy-Bombards-Pyrotechnics-Explosive-ebook/dp/B009IU57IS/

TOPICS