Authored by the U.S. Government. Centuries after it was introduced, black powder still remains a useful commodity, both as a propellant and as an explosive. It is so useful, in fact, that in this day and age of nuclear warheads and lasers, the CIA undertook a study to determine the best methods for the manufacture of black powder. 5.5 x 8.5, softcover, illus., 32 pages.