The Epic of Gilgamesh, composed more than 4,000 years ago, is one of the oldest surviving stories in literature. It introduced the world’s first superhero in a failed quest for immortality. But, undeterred by Gilgamesh’s failure, humans continue to fumble in the dark, hoping to snatch eternal life from the jaws of death. Sometimes, the consequences are tragically ironic.

In 9th-century China, alchemists tried to brew the elixir of life. In an energetic effort to prolong the Emperor’s vitality, experimental medicines were made from various recipes. A Taoist text from the time describes the accidental discovery of one particular potion, huo yao, which means “fire medicine”. That fire-drug turned out to be gunpowder.