[A Ruckus of Dogs]

Many of these were invented in monasterys, which acted as R & D centers, as well as repositories for both secular and religious knowledge

Correct. Many famous scientists, like Gregor Mendel, were monks (gunpowder was actually invented by the Chinese.)

[attiladhun2]

Like I said on another thread, folks don't carefully read these threads. I never said gunpowder was discovered by monks. Allegedly, it was invented by the Chinese. The formula was actually improved by Bacon.