歷代黑色火藥配方比例時代硝(Saltpeter)木炭(Charcol)硫磺(Sulfur)c. 1252, Roger Bacon37.50%31.25%31.25%13th century, Marcus Graecus66.66%22.22%11.11%13th century, Marcus Graecus69.22%23.07%7.69%1350, Arderne (laboratory rcp)66.6%22.2%11.1%1560, Whitehorne50.0%33.3%16.6%1560, Bruxelles studies75.0%15.62%9.38%1635, British Government75.0%12.5%12.5%1781, Bishop Watson75.0%15.0%10.0%