Berthold Schwarz Berthold Schwarz Berthold Schwarz (sometimes spelled Schwartz), also known as Berthold the Black and "der Schwartzer", was a legendary German (or in some accounts Danish or Greek) alchemist of the late 14th century, credited with the invention of gunpowder by 15th- through 19th-century European literature. The purported period of Schwarz' activity (late 14th century) thus falls between the first reports of gunpowder in Europe (late 13th century) and the development of effective applications in artillery (mid 15th century). It is unclear whether Schwarz is a historical person. It has been suggested that he was a historical alchemist who had developed
Walter Andreas Schwarz were not released. He went on to become a successful author of novels and especially radio dramas. One of his last contributions was an adaption of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in 1990 and 1991, which included 17 episodes. In 1985, he appeared - along with many other former German representatives - in the interval act of the German national final, which was a medley of all German entries until that year. For many years, he has lived in London before he moved back to Germany. He died in April 1992 in Heidelberg. Walter Andreas Schwarz Walter Andreas Schwarz