Bacon's obscure intimations of gunpowder are not so clearly derived from the same source as the receipts of Marcus Græcus and Albertus Magnus are; but they are apparently derivatives from what was then known to a few, of nitre compositions, and are very analogous, though not quite so extravagant as some of his other deductions. Bacon also speaks of a child's toy (_ludicrum puerile_) which was made with saltpetre, the explosion of which produced a report, "quod fortis tonitrui sentiatur excedere rugitum." As with this, so with the greater number of Bacon's observations; they bear reference to facts, or relations received as facts, which were at that time either generally or partially known, and do not profess to give to the world his own inventions, though the theories deduced from those asserted facts are frequently the produce of his own imaginative brain. Upon the whole, we are fully disposed to agree with Messrs Reinaud and Favé, that the invention of gunpowder is by no means due to Bacon. We now pass to the Arabian manuscripts of the 13th century, to which we have before alluded, and which constitute the principal discovery of our authors. The same word (_baraud_) which is now used by the Arabs as signifying gunpowder, was originally used to signify saltpetre; and even in this application had a secondary meaning, its more primitive meaning being "hail." The whiteness and crystalline form of saltpetre presented a sufficient analogy to attach to it a similar name, neology being in those days not quite so common or so easy as at present. Various salts were also included under the same name, their specific differences not being then known. This fact had probably much influence in retarding the pyrotechnic art, as accurate means of testing the purity and chemical character of the salt were not distinctly understood. A receipt successful in one case, because a proper salt was used, failed in another, because the salt was totally unfit for supporting combustion, though passing under the same name. In these MSS. occur a vast number of receipts for pyrotechnic compositions, of which we may here give one or two as specimens, and as instances of the close approach made at that time to the composition of gunpowder as manufactured at the present day:-- _Proportions of the Sun's Rays._ 1st Composition. Saltpetre, 10--Sulphur, 1-1/8--Charcoal, 2-1/4. 2nd Composition. Saltpetre, 10--Sulphur, 1-7/8--Charcoal, 2. _Proportions of the Garland of Golden Flowers._ Saltpetre, 10--Sulphur, 1--Steel filings, 1/2--Bronze filings, 1/2. _Flashing Rocket._ Saltpetre, 10--Sulphur, 1-3/8--Charcoal, 2-1/8. Each substance to be separately pounded; the charcoal and saltpetre are then mixed, and gently pounded; moisten with spittle, and then add the sulphur. _White Rocket without sparks._ Saltpetre, 10--Sulphur, 1-1/4--Charcoal, 2-1/4. To be mixed as before directed. _Egyptian Moonshine._