The tanegashima, introduced by the Portuguese to Japan, required heavy use of this substance.
This material is extensively described by Jiao Yu's Huolongjing [ho-LONG-jing]. The tanegashima, introduced by the Portuguese to Japan, required heavy use of this substance. Abigail Adams' "Remember the ladies" letter also includes a promise to mine and produce this substance. English ribauldequins [rib-AWL-duh-kins], which required this substance, were used to great effect at the (*) Battle of Crecy. The Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires are collectively named for this material, which joined paper, printing, and the compass as the Four Great Inventions of China. For 10 points, name this substance composed of saltpeter, which names a "plot" carried out against James I by Guy Fawkes.
This material is extensively described by Jiao Yu's Huolongjing [ho-LONG-jing].
gunpowder [or saltpeter until it is read; or potassium nitrate; or black powder or firing powder or similar answers]