GUN-POWDER, a composition of saltpetre, sulphur, and charcoal, mixed together, and usually granulated; which easily takes fire, and, when fired, rarifies, or expands with great vehemence, by means of its elastic force. It is to this powder we owe all the action and effect GUN of guns, ordnance, &c. so that the modern military art, fortification, &c. in a great measure depend thereon. Invention of GUN-POWDER. See GUN. Method of making GUN-POWDER. Dr Shaw's receipt for this purpose is as follows: Take four ounces of