Today’s entry on everyday artifacts will feature the object of America’s obsession: GUNS!!11!
The revolver, the magnum, the uzi, the piece, the pocket rocket, the glock and the harvester of sorrows all originated from the Chinese fire lance.
- Beginning in the 9th century, gun powder (the mixing of saltpeter, sulfur and charcoal) was developed to treat skin infections.
- By the 10th century, Chinese fire lances – a spearlike weapon that projected flames and a poison dart – is believed to be the first weapon to use gunpowder.
- The invention of the lock ( i.e. the firing mechanism on a gun) was created by the French in the 15th century. This led to short-barreled firearms capable of being handled by one person.
- The 17th century gave way to hand-grenades, the bayonet and Cuckoo clocks.
- Richard Gatling, an American inventor, created the first machine gun during the Civil War.
- The first breech-loading rifle, known as the Springfield rifle, was produced by the Springfield Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1865.
- The automatic firearm (this is where humanity really shines!) was also developed by the Springfield Armory in 1892 and was used during the Spanish-American War.
- The 20th century saw the rise of self-loading rifles, sub-machine guns and assault rifles.
Other known uses?
Aside from killing, maiming, or terrorizing school children, domestic partners, co-workers and random strangers, guns are also used on animals. That cuddly baby bear cub probably deserved it.
For previous entries, click here.
(Image c/o 1)
