Three bookes of colloquies concerning the arte of shooting in great and small peeces of artillerie, variable randges, measure, and waight of leaden, yron, and marble stone pellets, minerall saltepeeter, gunpowder of diuers sortes, and the cause why some sortes of gunpower are corned, and some sortes of gunpowder are not corned: written in Italian, and dedicated by Nicholas Tartaglia vnto the Royall Prince of most famous memorie Henrie the eight, late King of England, Fraunce, and Ireland, defender of the faith &c. And now translated into English by Cyprian Lucar Gent. who hath also augmented the volume of the saide colloquies with the contents of euery colloquie, and with all the corollaries and tables, that are in the same volume. Also the said Cyprian Lucar hath annexed vnto the same three books of colloquies a treatise named Lucar Appendix ... Tartaglia, Niccolò, d. 1557. 1588 Approx. 874 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 112 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2011-04 (EEBO-TCP Phase 2). A13381 STC 23689 ESTC S101739 99837545 99837545 1872

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Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A13381) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 1872) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1010:15) Three bookes of colloquies concerning the arte of shooting in great and small peeces of artillerie, variable randges, measure, and waight of leaden, yron, and marble stone pellets, minerall saltepeeter, gunpowder of diuers sortes, and the cause why some sortes of gunpower are corned, and some sortes of gunpowder are not corned: written in Italian, and dedicated by Nicholas Tartaglia vnto the Royall Prince of most famous memorie Henrie the eight, late King of England, Fraunce, and Ireland, defender of the faith &c. And now translated into English by Cyprian Lucar Gent. who hath also augmented the volume of the saide colloquies with the contents of euery colloquie, and with all the corollaries and tables, that are in the same volume. Also the said Cyprian Lucar hath annexed vnto the same three books of colloquies a treatise named Lucar Appendix ... Tartaglia, Niccolò, d. 1557. Lucar, Cyprian, b. 1544. [8], 80, [4], 120, [2] p. : ill. [by Thomas Dawson] for Iohn Harrison [the elder], Printed at London : 1588. Printer's name and that Harrison is the elder from colophon. Original sub title page on G5 with device McKerrow 236 is sometimes replaced by cancel bifolium with sub title page with cut of mortar shooting and errata on verso of 2nd leaf; both varieties in Harvard University. Library copy. Harvard also has cancel G3,4 with G3r line 5 from bottom ending "saide" instead of "sayde" as in the British Library copy--STC. With a final errata leaf. With cancel. Reproduction of the original in the British Library.

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eng Ballistics -- Early works to 1800. Gunnery -- Early works to 1800. 2020-09-21 Content of 'availability' element changed when EEBO Phase 2 texts came into the public domain 2009-12 Assigned for keying and markup 2010-01 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2010-02 Sampled and proofread 2010-02 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2010-04 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

THREE BOOKES OF COLLOQVIES CO CERNING THE ARTE OF SHOOTING 〈◊〉 GREAT AND SMALL PEECES OF ARTILLERIE, VARIABLE randges, meaſure, and waight of leaden, yron, and marble ſtone pellets, minerall ſaltepeeter, gunpowder of diuers ſortes, and the cauſe why ſome ſortes of gunpowder are corned, and ſome ſortes of gunpowder are not corned: Written in Italian, and dedicated by Nicholas Tartaglia vnto the Royall Prince of moſt famous memorie HENRIE the eight, late King of England, Fraunce, and Ireland, defender of the faith &c. And now tranſlated into Engliſh by CYPRIAN LVCAR Gent. who hath alſo augmented the volume of the ſaide Colloquies with the contents of euery Colloquie, and with all the Corollaries and Tables, that are in the ſame volume.

Alſo the ſaide CYPRIAN LVCAR hath annexed vnto the ſame three bookes of Colloquies a Treatiſe named LVCAR APPENDIX collected by him out of diuers Authors in diuers languages, to ſhew vnto the Reader the properties, office, and dutie of a Gunner, and to teach him to make and refine artificial ſaltpeeter, to ſublime brimſtone for gunpowder, to make coles for gunpowder, to make gunpowder of diuers ſortes and of diuers colours, to make gunmatches, touchwood, and fire ſtones, to know the waight and meaſure of any pellet, to make carriages, ladles, rammers, ſcourers, and cartredges for any great peece of artillerie, to know the proportioned length, due thickneſſe, and waight of euery great peece of artillerie, to know what number of men, horſes, or Oxen wil drawe any great peece of artillerie, to make platformes for great ordinance, to make gabbions of earth for the defence of gunners in time of ſeruice, to charge euery great peece of artillerie with his due charge in ſerpentine gunpowder, and alſo in corne gunpowder, to ſhoote well at any marke within point blanke, to ſhoote well at any marke vpon a hill, or in a valley without poynt blanke, to ſhoote well at a marke in any darke night, to mount morter peeces to ſtrike any appointed marke, to tell whether a thing ſeene farre of doth ſtand ſtill, come towards him, or goe from him, to make and vſe diuers Trunkes, and many ſortes of fire workes, to make mynes, to meaſure altitudes, longitudes, latitudes, and profundities, to draw the true plat of any place, and to do other commendable things which not onelie in time of warre, but alſo in time of peace may to a good end be practiſed.

La poſſeſſione delle ricchezze non è ſicura, ſe la non ſi ſalua con la difenſione della 〈◊〉 .
depiction of a piece of artillery

•… NTED AT LONDON FOR ohn Harriſon. 1588.

royal blazon or coat of arms HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE DROIT ET LOYAL

TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE, ROBERT EARLE OF LEICESTER, BARON OF DENBIGH, LORD STEWARD OF HER MAIESTIES HOVSHOLD, CHIEFE IVSTICE, in Oyer, of all her Maieſties Forreſts, Parkes, Chaſes, and Warrens, by South Trent, and Knight of the moſt honorable orders of the Garter, and Saint Michael in Fraunce, and one of the Lords of her Maieſties moſt Honorable Priuie Counſell.

DIuers men (Right noble & moſt renowmed Earle) according to the diuerſitie of their natures doe diuerſly ſeeke to excel others: as in the auncient Romane ſtate, Craſſus the rich by wealth, Pompei the great by honor, Caeſar the meeke by friendes, Cicero the eloquent by learning, Cato the wiſe by counſell, Fabritius the temperate by integritie, Brutus the ſtoute by fortitude, and Scipio Affricanus by bountie, and liberalitie: In all common weales are like diſpoſitions: And verily riches wel vſed are ornaments of peace and ſinewes of war: honors wel gotten & true nobilitie are of peereleſſe price, eſpecially in a comely perſonage, and manly coūtenance: friends vnfained a treaſure thā the which nothing more truſtie: what is more ſweete than learning? highlier to be priſed than wiſedom? rather to be vſed than temperance? more valued than magnanimitie? & neerlier reſembling the boūties of God than true liberalitie? As eche of theſe though deſired for priuate praiſe, and ſingled from others is a ſinguler ornament, ſo being ioyned with more of the reſt, and imployed to the publike good, cannot but make a man to be admired. But if al theſe together were inſpired into one as though all the planets had agreed by their gratious aſpects, and ſweete influences to furniſh a man at all aſſaies, would not the eyes of all mens minds be as it were dazeled at the bright beames of the right peereleſſe nobilitie of ſuch a man? eſpecially if they ſhall ſee it wholly dedicated to the glory of God, the good of the Church and common wealth. I dare not apply this directly to your Honor, leaſt it may ſeeme to ſauour of flattery. But if it may pleaſe your wiſedome to ſuruay the excellent giftes, wherwith God hath ſingularly graced your honorable eſtate, if it appeare that you haue imployed your wealth to the good of Gods Church, in this are you like the wiſe rulers of Iſrael, who freely offered precious ſtones, and coſtly perfumes to the worke of the tabernacle: ſofarre as you haue vſed your honorable eſtate to countenance the Goſpel, and the profeſſors thereof, therein haue you reſembled the prouident Ioſeph, whom God exalted aboue all Pharaohs houſe, that ſo he might relieue his olde father Iſrael, and the families of all his brethren: wherein your Lordſhip hath vſed her Maieſties fauour to the building vp of the walles of Gods Church, therein haue you liuely repreſented the right noble Courtier Nehemiah, whoſe countenance was ſad bebefore Darius his king, vntill he had obtained letters, leaue, & furniture, to repaire the walles of the holy Citie: So oft as your godly policies, graue coūſels, & wiſe ſpeeches, haue directed for the peace of England, haue confounded the counſels of our Romiſh Achitophels, haue diſapointed the treaſons of our Abſoloms, ſo often hath your Honor bin found faithfull to your Prince, to your Counrie, to the Church, as Huſhai the Archite Dauids friend. If by prayer and faſting you haue called for the helpe of God, as Ezra: if your hand haue bin as the hand of Ioab againſt the enemies of your Prince, and for the people of God in the loe countries: if you haue enlarged your heart and hand in gifts to many, who haue trauailed to benefite their countrie and profit the Church, as Salomō rewarded Hiram, & thoſe who wrought al skilful workes for the Temple. If in all theſe things God haue inhabled your Lordſhip in ſome meaſure, or in moſt of them in great meaſure, to his glorie, the peace of the Church, the wealth of the land, and honor of the Prince, then both haue you wherein to reioyce, and the eies of all men whom to behold, as a common Patrone of all thoſe, who in any zealous deſire imploy their paynes to profite their countrey and the Church of God. Wherfore licenſed to diſpoſe (as I will) of this Engliſh worke made by Maſter Cyprian Lucar with a dutifull zeale to benefite his natiue ſoyle, I thought it my duetie to offer it to your noble patronage, as a preſent moſt fit for your Honor, & moſt profitable for theſe times.

Your L. her Maieſties liefetenant in the loe countries hath endured great trauailes in the cauſe of God, and your Prince, and can any thing be more acceptable to your Honor than that which may be both for chiefe defence of the friends, and greateſt anoyance of the enemies of God and your Prince. Againe, when can ſuch a preſent be more ſeaſonable than now, that ſo many Princes of the earth haue conſpired againſt the Lord & our Prince the Lords anointed? and what can more aſtoniſh the eies, and eares of the profane hearted and earthly minded enemies of Gods religion, and our Princes peace, than the lighteninggunpowder and the thundering Cānon? what can more encourage & ſtrengthen ſouldiers who ſhal fight the battailes of God & our Prince, then skilfull ſhooting in great and ſmall peeces of artillerie? than artificiall making of ſaltpeeter, gunpowder, mynes, and many ſorts of fireworkes? than right vſe and practiſe of al thoſe and many other ſeruiceable deuiſes? Then to whom rather than to your Honor? when rather than now? What rather than this martiall booke may I offer for a preſent in theſe martiall times? ſeeing it is not onely a rich ſtorehouſe gathered by the forenamed Maſter Cyprian Lucar out of the famous Nicholas Tart glia and diuers other Authors in diuers languages, but alſo by diuers of Maſter Lucar his deuiſes greatly furniſhed and enriched. Moſt humbly therefore I beſeech your Honor according to the wonted nobilitie of your wel affected mind, to accept of this my preſent, as a ſure pledge both of my zeale to your L. and loyall care to further whatſoeuer may benefite my Queene and countrie. The Lord of his mercie ſtill protect our Prince, defend our countrie, and preſerue your Honor that long you may aduaunce your wealth, fame, honor and friends, your perſon and power, your temperance, wiſedome, fortitude, affabilitie and liberalitie, to the maintenance of our happie peace, propagation of true religion, defence of the holy Church, the Goſpel, and the glorie of God.

Your Honors moſt humble and duetifull Orator Iohn Harriſon Stationer.
TO THE MOST PVISANT AND MERCIFVLL Prince Henrie the eight by the grace of God King of England Fraunce and Ireland, &c.

MOST RENOWMED AND EXCELlent King, I haue been allured by queſtions which graue and wiſe men at ſundry tymes did aske of me, to conſider of many matters, and to knowe many thinges which I ſhould not haue knowne, nor thought, if the ſame queſtions had neuer beene demaunded. For it was neuer my profesſion, nor at any time haue I delighted to ſhoote in an Harchibuſe, handegunne, or in any other ſmall or great peece of Artillerie, nor doe intende to ſhoote heereafter in any of them, but one onely queſtion which a skilfull Gunner in Anno Domini 1531. did aske of me in Verona, prouoked mee at that tyme to thinke therevpon, and by that occaſion to finde out the order and proportion of ſhootes at markes neare hand, and alſo at markes far of, according to the variable eleuation of the peece which doth ſhoote, whereof I ſhould neuer haue had any care, if that Gunner had not with his ſaide queſtion ſtirred mee vp to deale in the ſame. Moreouer in Anno Domini 1537. It was reported that Soliman the Turkiſh Emperor made great preparation to war vppon the Chriſtians, wherefore I did write and publiſhe in haſte a ſhort Treatiſe of ſhooting in Gunnes to the ende that my deuiſes in the ſame might bee conſidered of, ſeene, and prooued whether or no they would be profitable for the defence of the Chriſtians. And although my ſaide booke did no good, and that I alſo made little account thereof becauſe as it happened the report of that war did afterwardes vade away like ſmeke, yet my ſaide booke made many wiſe men of great eſtimation, and alſo ſome of the common people, to trouble mee with other queſtions of Artillery, Pellets, Saltepeeter, and Powder, and to cauſe mee to enter againe into a deepe conſideration of their ſaide particular queſtions, whereby I founde out and knowe (as I haue ſaide before) many thinges of which (except the ſame queſtions had bin asked of me) I ſhould neuer haue had any Conſideration or knowledge. After this, thinking with my ſelfe that hee who hath by knowledge, labour, or chaunce inuented any notable thing doth merite great blame if hee will not impart his deuiſe vnto others (for if all our forefathers had kept their knowledge ſecrete from vs, wee ſhould at this time haue little differed from bruite beaſtes) I determined to be herein blameleſſe, and to publiſh the ſame queſtions or inuentions, and for that purpoſe haue now collected them out of one parte of my memoriall, in which I vſe for my better remembraunce to write euery notable thing that I know. This collection is diuided into nine ſeuerall bookes according to the qualitie of the matter expreſſed in the ſame. And becauſe I do remember that my Woorſhipfull Gosſippe M. Richad Ventuorth (who is one of your ſacred Maieſties Gentlemen) hath tolde me of the noble courage, liberalitie, roialty, humanity, and clemencie which are in your Highneſſe, and that your Excellencie delighteth much in all manner of warlike deuiſes, I am emboldened although I lacke the pithie eloquence and fine phraze of ſpeech which is meete for you to heare, to offer and dedicate vnto your Maieſtie the ſaide queſtions and my reſolute Anſweres vnto them, not as a conuenient thing for your Maieſtie (for inſomuch as the thinges of the moſt profoundeſt doctrine being expreſſed with eloquence and in a pure ſtile cannot come neere vnto the loweſt ſteppe of your Highneſſe, theſe our inuentions which are mecanicall and common things tolde and declared in a blunt and barbarous ſtile, may much leſſe approch vnto the ſame) but I doe offer and dedicate my ſaide inuentions vnto you as nwe thinges according to a cuſtome by which ſome vſe at the beginning of the yeare to preſent vnto noble and honorable perſons vnripeand ſower fruites, not for that any goodneſſe is in them, but for daintie and newe thinges which doe naturallie pleaſe mens mindes: whereby I am perſwaded to thinke that though all my Inuentions ſhall not like you, yet ſome of them will delight you, which comming to paſſe as I deſire, will embolden mee to attempt hereafter more greater matters. At your Maieſties feete lying proſtrate vppon the grounde with my head vncouered, and my handes ioyned togeather, I doe humblie recommend my ſelfe vnto your Highneſſe.

Nicholas Tartaglia.
AD LECTOREM. ARdua damnoſae, praeponas, praelia paci, Pax mala ſaepe nocet, bella que iuſta iuuant. Sunt longae pacis comites luxus que dolus que , Corpora dura ducum mollit amica venus. Plus gula quam galea, & plus lanx quam lancea, vini Pocula quam ferri ſpicula, cui que placent. Sed cum bella fremunt, ſonat & taratantara praeco, Cum ſimul armato milite caſtra ſcatent. Mutantur mores hominum, mutantur amores, Magnus & eſt ſubito, qui modo paruus erat, Excubiae ſomnum ſuperant, labor otia vincit, Tunc Dea vana venus, vina que ſpreta iacent. Hic ducis aſſumit partes, hic militis arma, Iſte mucrone potens, hic eques, ille pedes. Alter bombardis inimicas diſſipat aedes, Eminus hic haſtis, cominus hic gladijs. Si cupis a longé globulis terrere ſuperbos, Hic diſcas hoſtes perterebrare tuos. Tartaglia arte ſua multos ad tartara mittit, Tranſtulit hunc nuper Lucar & arte ſua. Non lucrum quaerit Lucar, non munera magna, Laudem non fraudem, doctus habere ſtudet, Sed pro regina, pro relligione fide que , Pro Chriſto Angligenas inſtruit arte ſua. G. B. Cantabrigienſis.
IN DEI NOMINE AMEN.
The firſt booke of Nicholas Tartaglia his Colloquies, concerning the Arte of ſhooting in great and ſmall Peeces of Artillerie, tranſlated out of Italian into Engliſh, by Cyprian Lucar Gentleman, who hath alſo augmented the volume of the ſaid Colloquies for the benefite of his Readers, with the Contents of euery Colloquie, and with the Corollaries, and Table that are in the ſame volume.
The firſt Colloquie.

How a Gunners Quadrant ſhould be made and vſed, and how a Peece of Artillerie doth ſhoote more ground when it is eleuated at the mouth, than it will do when it lieth leuel: and how Pellets doe make long and ſhort Ranges according as the Peeces which ſhoote them are eleuated, and howe a Table of Randons maye bee made for any Peece, and how he which hath a true Table of Randons for a Peece, ſhalbe thereby able to make with that Peece a perfect ſhoote at any marke within the reach of his ſaid Peece, and teach any vnskilfull Gunner to do the ſame: and how hee that wanteth ſuch a Table ſhall neuer learne to ſhoote well at any marke without point blanke, and how the outer ſenſe telleth truth in particuler things but not in vniuerſall things.

Interlocutors Franceſſe Maria Duke of Vrbine. Nicholas Tartaglia. DVKE.

What reaſons are they which (as you ſay in your booke dedicated vnto me) you haue found out concerning the knowledge of ſhooting in Gunnes?

Nicholas.

The proportion & order of ſhootes not only at marks far of, but alſo at marks hard by, with what Peece you will, and with what ſort of pellet you will.

Duke.

Speake more plainely, and giue me an example thereof, for I doe not vnderſtand what you ſay.

Nicholas.

I am content to ſhewe vnto your Excellencie, an example of my ſaid inuention, but firſt I muſt ſpeake of that materiall inſtrument which I haue deuiſed & ſet foorth in a picture at the beginning of my ſaid booke dedicated vnto you: the which inſtrument is made of a ſquare peece of wood or of mettall like vnto this figure B A C, and containeth a quadrant, that is to ſay,How a Gunners quadrant may be made. one fourth part of a circle like vnto the figure H I G K, which is to be deſcribed with a paire of compaſſes vpon the center H, I meane one foote of the compaſſe ought to bee fixed in the point H the inward angle of the ſaid ſquare, and the other moueable foote of the compas muſt deſcribe I G K the crooked ſide or arke of that quadrant: alſo another croked line equidiſtant from the firſt, as is the line E F, ought to be drawne with the ſaid compaſſes: but for this purpoſe the compaſſes may not bee opened ſo wide as they were before, and all the ſpace which is betweene the two croked lines, that is to ſay, betweene the arke I G K, and the arke E F, muſt be deuided into 12. equal parts drawn by the edge of a ruler from the point Hthe center of that Quadrant, ſo as euery of the ſame diuiſions (which I call points) may be perceiued to looke or lie right vpon that center H as they doe in this figure.

depiction of a gunner's quadrant

IN the ſame maner euery of the aforeſaid partes or points ſhould bee diuided into 12.A Type of the Gunners quadrant. other equal parts: Although I haue not diuided this figure into ſo many parts, becauſe they would heere marre the ſame: but a Square of an ordinarie bigneſſe (as before I haue ſaid) may be ſo diuided, as that al the whol Square ſhall containe 144. equall parts which I call minutes. Theſe minutes are to be marked with more ſhorter lines than are the lines of the points, to this end that they may be more eaſily nūbred by the halfe or midſt of the points depicted with the greater lines, & that we may alſo know how that euery point containeth twelue minutes. This done, a pinne of yron or of lattin is to bee fixed preciſely in the pointe H the center of the quadrant, and vpon that pinne a moueable threede of ſilke or of ſome other thing with a plummet at the end of the ſame muſt hang downe like vnto the perpendicular H M D.The vſe of the Gunnets quadrant. This Inſtrument will help vs to iudge of all the variable poſitions or eleuations that may happen in any Peece of artillerie whatſoeuer. And nowe concerning the ſame poſitions or eleuations, this is to bee noted, that the firſt poſition of euery Peece is to bee vnderſtoode when it is laid leuell, for then (the longeſt legge of the ſaid inſtrument being put into the mouth of the ſaid Peece, and rightly extended towards the bottome of his concauitie) the threede and plummet which is fixed in the center of that inſtrument, will fall preciſely vpon the line H F K as it doth in the figure next following.

depiction of a piece of artillery A peece lying leuell.

And a Peece ſhall bee ſaid to bee mounted one point, when (the longeſt legge of our ſaid inſtrument beeing in the mouth of the ſaid Peece) the ſaide threede and plummet doth fall preciſely vpon the diuiſion of the firſt point, as it doth in the figure nex following.

depiction of a piece of artillery A Peece mounted at one point or 12. mintes.

Alſo a Peece ſhall be ſaid to be eleuated two points, when the ſaid threede and plummet doth fall preciſely vpon the diuiſion of the ſecond point: and when the ſaid threede & plummet doth fall preciſely vpon the third point, then the Peece is eleuated at three points: and ſo we muſt ſay of the fourth, fift, and ſixt points. But when a Peece is mounted at the ſixt point, then the ſaid Peece is mounted to the greateſt eleuation that it may be at. I ſpeake this of a Peece of Artillerie, becauſe the morter peeces may be eleuated vnto all the other points following: I meane euen vnto the 12. point. This which wee haue ſpoken of points, ought alſo to bee vnderſtood of minutes: that is to ſay, when a Peece is ſo mounted that the ſaid threed and plummet falleth Preciſely vpon the diuiſion of the firſt minute, that Peece ſhalbe ſaid to bee mounted one minute. And when the ſaid threed and plummet ſhall fall vpon the diuiſion of two minutes, it ſhall bee ſaid to bee mounted at two minutes. In like ſort it ſhall bee ſayd of all the reſt euen to the greateſt eleuation, that is to ſay, to the eleuation of the ſixt point, or of 72. minutes, as this figure next following doth manifeſtly ſhewe. The other minutes from thence to the end are for morter peeces,

depiction of a piece of artillery A peece mounted at 6. points or 72. minutes.

How a peece doth caſt more ground when it is eleuated at the mouth, then it will do when it lyeth leuell.

How pellets do make long and ſhort ranges according as the peeces which ſhoote them are eleuated.

Duke.

What will you infer vpon this?

Nicholas.

Hereupon I will firſt infer that a peece of Artillery mounted at one point ſhootes more farther than it will doe when it lyeth leuell, and that a piece mounted at two points will ſhoote more farther than at one point, and a piece mounted at three points will ſhoote more farther than at two points. Alſo a piece being mounted at 4. pointes, will ſhoote much more farther than it will do at 3. points. Likewiſe a peece mounted at 5. points, will ſhoote ſomwhat farther than at 4. points. And a peece mounted at 6. points, ſhootes a pellet of leade a little farther than it doth at 5. points. For reaſon teacheth vs that the range of a pellet ſhot out of a peece mounted at 5 points, and the range of a like pellet ſhot out of the ſame peece mounted at 6. points doe ſo little differ, as that vpon any ſmall aduauntage happening either by force of powder, or by any other meanes, the peece being mounted at 5. points, will ſhoote ſo far as it can doe when it is mounted at 6. points, and perchaunce farther: but when one doth mount ſuch a peece, ſo as they doe mount morter peeces, that is to ſay at 7. points, with out doubt by mounting the peece at 7. points, he ſhall not ſhoote ſo far as he did when that peece was mounted at 6. points, alſo at the 8. Point, he ſhall not ſhoote ſo far as he did at the 7. point. Likewiſe at the 9. point he ſhal ſhoote much ſhorter than he did at the 8. point, & at the 10. point he ſhall ſhoote leſſe ground than at the 9. point, & ſo at the 11. point he ſhall ſhoote much ſhorter than at the 10. point, finally at the 12. and laſt point he ſhall not ſhoote ſo far by a great deale as hee did at the 11. point. But in this laſt eleuation it may be thought, that by naturall reaſon the pellet ſhould returne backe againe into the mouth of the peece, yet by many accidents which do commonly happen in that inſtant when the peece is diſcharged, the Pellet will not preciſely returne into the very mouth of the peece, but fall downe neare vnto the ſame.

Duke.

This is to be graunted as all that which you haue beſides ſpoken, but what will you infer vpon this?

Nicho.

I will ſecondarily infer that I haue found out in what kind of proportion or order the ſaid ſhootes do increaſe by euery eleuation, and that not onely from point to point of our ſaid inſtrument, but alſo from minute to minute, euen to the end of the eleuation of the 6. point or of 72. minuts, yea & that with euery ſort of pellet whether the ſame be of leade, yron, or ſtone. Likewiſe I haue found out in what proportion the ſhootes do decreaſe when peeces are eleuated beyond the ſaid 6. point as morter peeces are eleuated,Howe a Table of randons may bee made for any peece of Ordinance. How he which hath a table of randoms for a peece, ſhall be therby able to make with that peece a perfect ſhoote at anye marke within the reach of his ſaid peece, & teache any vnſkilfull gunner to doe the ſame, and how he that wāteth ſuch a table ſhall neuer learn to ſhoote well at anye marke without point blanke. and that not onely from point to point, but alſo from minute to minute, euen to the end of all the 12. points, or of the 144. minutes.

Duke.

What profite will come by this your Inuention.

Nicho.

The profite of this inuention is ſuch, as that by the knowledge of one onely ſhoot out of any peece of ordinance whatſoeuer, each man may make a table of al the ſhootes that ſuch a peece will ſhoote at any eleuation, that is to ſay from point to point, and from minute to minute in our ſaid inſtrument: the which table ſhall be of ſuch vertue and propertie, as that any perſon hauing the ſame with him ſhal not onely know how to ſhoote, but alſo be able to teache euery vnskilfull Gunnar to ſhoote in ſuch ſort of gunnes at any marke ſo many paces, and ſo far of from him as he will, ſo that the marke be not farther than ſuch peeces will reache: and this notwithſtanding he which is ſo taught lacking ſuch a table, cannot learne any part of this inuention, fot this ſecrete ſhal be knowne onely to him that hath ſuch a table and to none other.

Duke.

If he that hath ſuch a table wil not ſhoote himſelfe, but cauſe one other perſon to ſhoote, ſhall not that other perſon learne this ſecrete?

Nicho.

No (moſt excellent Lord) but that other perſon may be likened vnto the ſeruants of Appotecaries which continually compound medicines according as they are appointed by Phiſitions to doe, and learne not thereby to be Phiſitions.

Duke.

This ſeemeth to me a thing incredible, becauſe you ſay in your ſaid booke that you did neuer ſhoote in any gunne, and for that he which will iudge of thinges in which he hath had no proofe or experience, is oftentimes deceiued.

The eie is that which giueth vs a true teſtimonie of things imagined.

The outer ſenſe reileth truth in particular things, but not in vniuerſall things: for vniuerſall thinges are ſubiect onely to vnderſtanding and not to any ſenſe.

For the eie is that which giues vs a true teſtimonie of thinges imagined.

Nich.

It is true that the outer ſenſe doth tel vs the truth in particuler things, but not in vniuerſal things: for vniuerſal things are ſubiect only to vnderſtāding, & not to any ſenſe.

Duke.

You haue ſaid enough, & if you can make me to ſee this which I do not beleeue, you ſhal work a wonder.

Nich.

Al things happening by nature or art are thought to be wonders, when no reaſon is giuen for the ſame, but your Excellencie ſhall find my ſayings herein to be true if you will cauſe them to bee tried with a Peece of Artillerie.

Duke.

I muſt goe now vnto Peſaro, but at my returne from thence I will cauſe all this which you haue told mee to be proued.

The ſecond Colloquie.

Where a Peece of Artillerie which is eleuated at the mouth, will doe a greater exploite than a Peece which lieth leuell, and where a Peece which lieth leuell will doe a greater exploit then a Peece which is eleuated, & how a Peece which lieth leuel wil neuer ſhoot ſo far in an inſenſible croked line, as it wil do when it is ſomwhat eleuated at the mouth, or imbaſed at the mouth: and how Tartaglia in this Colloquie, by theſe wordes in a right line, meaneth an inſenſible croked line, & how it may be proued by the ſcience of weights that a pellet flieth more heauily out of a Peece lying leuell, then it will doe out of the ſame peece any whit eleuated: and how a pellet ſhot out of a peece lying leuel, rangeth in a more croked line, & more ſooner beginneth to decline downwards to the ground, then it wil do when it is ſhot out of a peece ſomewhat eleuated: & how a pellet ſhot out of a peece lying leuel, wil ſtrike with leſſe force then it will do when it is ſhot out of the ſame peece any whit eleuated: and hovv as a peece is eleuated frō point to point, or from minute to minute, the pellet of that peece doth augment his range in an inſenſible croked line: and hovv the pellet of the Culuering vvhich in this Colloquie is planted on the plaine at the foot of the hil, & at his hitting of the obiect vvould haue gone more farther than the pellet of the other Culuering on the toppe of the hil (not meeting vvith an obiect to reſiſt it) ſhall do the greateſt exploit vpon the fort vvhich is his reſiſting obiect.

Interlocutors Franceſſe Maria, Duke of Vrbine. Nicholas Tartaglia. DVke.

Tell mee briefly as you thinke, whether a peece of artillerie when it lieth leuel will do a greater effect, or pearce farther into the thing at which it doth ſhoote, than it wil do when it is eleuated?

Nich.

that I may anſwere your queſtiō without blame, it is needful for your Excellency to propoſe this queſtion by an example or figure, and to tell me the diſtance betweene the artillerie and the thing to which it ſhall ſhoote: and alſo to ſhew vnto me the qualitie or ſituation of the thing at which it ſhall ſhoote.

Duke.

Suppoſe for an example that it doth ſo fall out that you muſt batter a fort, which is on the top of a hill, being 60. paces high, and that at 100. paces diſtant from the ſaid hil, there is another hill of 60. paces in height, which is equall in height with the ſaid fort as it may appeare by the figure next following. And ſuppoſe that vpon the top of this ſecond hill you may commodiouſly plant artillerie to batter the ſaid fort, and to ſhoote leuel with your artillerie from thence againſt that fort, as it may alſo appeare by the ſaide figure next following. And finally ſuppoſe that you may alſo cōmodiouſly batter that fort with like ordinance placed on a plaine at the foot of the ſaide ſecond hill one hundred paces diſtant from the hill vpon which the ſaid fort doth ſtand, & that the ſaid ordinance on the ſaid plaine is much eleuated before to ſhoote from below vpwards to the ſaid fort, as alſo it may appeare by the ſaid figure next following. Now I aske of you wherher the Peece of artillerie placed on the ſaid ſecond hill, will be to more effect, and pearce farther into the ſaid fort than the ſaide like peece of Artillerie which is placed on the plaine at the foote of that ſecond hill?

depiction of two pieces of artillery

Nicholas.

Without doubt that Peece which is on the plaine at the foote of the hill will be to more effect, and pearce farther into the ſaid forte, than that peece which is planted on the top of the hill.

Duke.

If I ſhould bee a Iudge thereof, I would iudge all to the contrary, becauſe the Peece which is to be ſhot from the top of the hill, is much more nearer to the walles of that fort, than that Peece is which muſt bee ſhot from the foote of the hill: and foraſmuch as this thing at which you ſhoot is more neerer to that peece, by natural reaſon the pellet ſhould pearce more farther into it.

Nichol.

When like peeces of Artillerie are planted after one like maner in vnlike diſtances againſt an obiect, that followeth which your Excellencie doth ſay: but by probable reaſon I doe finde it to be otherwiſe in this your queſtion,

A peece which lieth leuel will neuer ſhoot ſo farre in an inſenſible croked line, as it will doe when it is ſomewhat eleuated at the mouth or imbaſed at the mouth.

Tartaglia in this Colloquie by theſe words in a right line, meaneth an inſenſible croked line.

The ſcience of waights dependeth vpon Geometrie & natural Philoſophie.

for a Peece which lieth leuel wil neuer ſhoote ſo farre in a right line, as it will doe when it is ſomewhat eleuated at the mouth: and by howe much the more a Peece is eleuated at the mouth, by ſo much it ſhootes the more farther in a right line. Likewiſe wee muſt vnderſtand that a Peece wil ſhoote farther in a right line when the mouth thereof doth lie but a little downewardes, than it wil doe when it ſtands leuel, and that by how much the mouth of the Peece doth lie more downewards, by ſo much it wil ſhoote the more farther in a right line.

Duke.

This is a ſtrange and incredible tale, that one and the ſame quantitie and power of powder will expell more violently one and the ſame weight of pellet, by one way more than by an other: therefore I deſire to knowe the reaſon which cauſeth you to bee of that opinion.

Nicholas.

The reaſon thereof is declared by the accidents happening in ſhooting, in the laſt propoſition of the ſecond booke of our nwe ſcience: but I haue omitted there to ſhewe the very cauſe of ſuch effectes, for that I woulde not bee tedious vnto your Excellencie, and becauſe that is plainelie ſhewed in the ſcience of weights, the which ſcience is of no ſmall ſpeculation, and dependeth vpon Geometrie and naturall Philoſophie: but if it will pleaſe you nowe to heare mee, I will preſentlie declare the ſame.

Duke.

Doe ſo with as much breuitie as you may.

Nicholas.

To declare this well, and that I may bee the better vnderſtoode, I am compelled to ſet downe firſt the definitions of ſome fit tearmes,and alſo ſome ſuppoſitions, as the vſe is to doe in euerie Science, and becauſe the thinges will bee better vnderſtoode by an Example than by wordes, I will ſuppoſe for an Example that A.B. is a paire of Ballance with two armes A.C. and C.B. which are of a like length, and of an equall waight, and that the point C. is the center vpon which the ſaid beame or armes do turne, & that two bodies of equall waighte named by theſe two letters A. and B doe hang at the endes of the ſaid armes. The which two bodies being ſuppoſed to bee of equall waight, and to hang at an equall length vppon the ſaide two armes A.C. and C. B. of the ſuppoſed ballance which are alſo ſuppoſed to bee of one luſt length, by the firſt peticion aleaged by Archimedes in his booke which hee made of the center of waightes, ſhoulde incline equally, that is to ſay, they ſhoulde ſtande ſtraight outright, ſo as one ende of that beame doe lie no higher than the other, as it may appeare by the figure next following. Alſo aboute C the center, a circle ought to bee deſcribed according to the quantitie of one arme of the ſaide ballance, and let that circle be E. A. F. B, and then the centers of the ſaide bodies will alwaies go in the circumference thereof when the ſaide ballance is turned about vppon his center C.

depiction of a pair of balances

The ſaid two bodies ſtanding in the line of equalitie (as they doe in the figure next following) are ſaid to be in the place of equalitie. A perpendicular being drawen from the toppe, and paſſing by the ſaid center C (as doth the line E C F) is called the line of direction.

Alſo this is needefull to be noted, that a heauie bodie is ſuppoſed to be more heauier in the place where it lyeth, by ſo much as his deſcending is leſſe oblique, that is to ſay, leſſe crooked in the ſame ſituation or place, the example of this ſuppoſition is declared in the figure next following.

The deſcending of a heauie body is ſuppoſed to be ſo much the more oblique, by how much in his deſcent it doth take a leſſe part of the line of direction, or of an other line equidiſtant to it in the ſame quantitie, that is to ſay, in the ſame quantitie of the circles circumference where it turneth or goeth.Euery kinde of waight which being weyed departeth from the place of equalitie, is made thereby ſo much the more lighter, by howe much it is more departed from the ſaid place of equalitie. But this ſhalbe better vnderſtoode by the figure following. Now the aforeſaid ſuppoſition being admitted, I bring forth this propoſition and ſay, that euery kinde of waight which being waied departeth from the place of equalitie, is made thereby ſo much the more lighter, by how much it is more departed from the ſaide place of equalitie. And for example of this propoſition, let the ballance A B (of the figure precedent) be turned vppon the ſaid center C, and let the ſame two equall bodies A and B hanging or ioyning to the two endes of the two armes of the ſaid ballance, be in the ſame place of equalitie (as aboue was ſuppoſed) nowe I ſay that remouing the one and the other of the ſaid bodies from the ſaid place of equalitie (that is to ſay, one end of the ſaid beame, or of one of the ſaid armes being put downe, and the other end of the ſaid beame, or of the ſaid other armebeing eleuated) the one and the other of thoſe two bodies ſhall bee thereby made the more lighter, and they ſhall be by ſo much the more lighter, by howe much they are the more farther from the ſaid place of equalitie. For a Demonſtration hereof let the bodie A in the figure precedent be put downe euen vnto the point V, as in the figure following, and let B being the other oppoſite bodie bee eleuated to the poynt I, and let the one and the other of the two Arkes A V and I B bee deuided into ſo manye equall partes as you will.

Howbeit in this figure the one and the other of theſe two Arkes is deuided but into three equall partes in the pointes L N and Q S, and from the three pointes N L I, drawe the three lines N O, L M, and I K equidiſtant from the diameter B A, the which will cut E F the line of direction in three points Z Y X. Likewiſe from the three points Q S V. drawe three lines Q P, S R, and V T equidiſtant from the ſayde lyne A B, the which likewiſe will cut the ſaide line of direction in three pointes & ♄ ♃ and ſo the whole deſcent A V made with the ſaide bodye A deſcended into the poynte V, is deuided into three deſentes or equall partes the which are A Q, Q S and S V, likewiſe the whole deſcent I B which is made with the ſaide bodie B in deſcending or returning to his firſt place (that is to ſaye in the pointe B) ſhall bee deuided into three equall partes, the which are I L, L N, and N B. And euery of theſe three and three partes or deſcentes doe take one parte of the line of direction, that is to ſaye, the deſcent from A to Q doth take from the line of direction the parte C &, the deſcent Q S doth take the parte & ♄, and the deſent S V doth take the parte ♄ ♃. And therefore the part C & is greater than the parte & ♄ (as by Geometrie it maye bee eaſilie prooued) wherefore by the ſaide ſeconde ſuppoſition the deſcent Q S ſhall be more oblique than the deſcent A Q: wherefore by that ſuppoſition the ſaid bodie A ſhall be lighter in waight at the point Q, than at the point A. Likewiſe becauſe the part ♄ ♃ of the line of direction is leſſe than the part & ♄, the deſcent S V by the ſaid ſecond ſuppoſition ſhall bee more oblique than the deſcent Q S. And conſequently by the ſaid firſt ſuppoſition the ſaid bodie A ſhall be more lighter in the point S, than it ſhall bee in the point Q. And all this in the ſelfe-ſame maner maye bee demonſtrated by the oppoſite parte of the bodie B. That is to ſay, the deſcent of it from the poynt I to the poynt L, is more oblique than that which is from the point L to the poynt N by the ſaid ſeconde ſuppoſition. Therefore the parte X Y which is taken out of the line of direction, is leſſe than the parte Y Z. Wherefore by the ſaide firſt ſuppoſition, the ſaide bodie B hanging at the poynt I, is more lighter than when it doth hang at the poynt L, and by the ſame reaſon it ſhall bee more lighter when it hanges at the poynt L than when it hanges at the poynt N. Likewiſe it ſhall bee more lighter when it doth hang at the poynt N than when it hanges at the poynte B the place of equalitie which is the thing that was propoſed.

Duke.

What will you inferre vppon this?

Nicholas.

Euery peece lying leuell is intended to be in the place of equalitie. I will prooue thereby that euerye Peece lying leuell is intended to bee in the place of equallitye,A pellet flyeth more heauily cut of a peece lying leuell, than it wil doe out of the ſame peece any wit eleuated. And a pellet ſhot out of a peece lying leuell rangeth in a more crooked line, and more ſooner beginneth to decline downewards to the ground than it will do when it is ſhot out of a peece ſomewhat eleuated, & it ſtriketh with leſſe force than it wil do out of the ſame peece any whit eleuated. and by the aforeſaide reaſons that a Pellet flyeth more heuilye out of a Peece lying leuell, than it will doe out of the ſame peece any whit eleuated or ſeparated from that place of equallitie. And therefore inthat place of equalitie, the pellet doth range with more difficultie and more ſooner beginneth to decline downewardes to the grounde and declineth in a greater quantitie than when it is ſhot out of a peece ſomewhat eleuated, that is to ſay, it goeth then (as the Gunners terme it) much leſſe in a right line than when it is ſhot out of a peece eleuated, wherefore in this queſtion, the effects of ſhootes made in that place of equalitie, will bee of leſſe force, and to a leſſe effect than in any place of eleuation. But here your Excellencie may ſay with good reaſon, that although it is manifeſt by theſe demonſtrations, that in equall diſtances a ſhoote out of a peece lying leuell will do a leſſe effect than a ſhoote out of a peece eleuated, yet it is doubtfull whether a ſhoote out of a peece eleuated will doe a greater effect than a ſhoote out of a peece lying leuel in vnequall diſtances, becauſe in our queſtion this is to be conſidered whether the peece which is on the plaine at the foote of the hill be more diſtant from the Fort than the other Peece which is on the toppe of the hill. For ſuch a difference may bee much greater than the difference of his ſhoote in a right line, or the difference of his effects in equall diſtances, and then the peece from the toppe of the ſaid hill will doe a more greater exploite than the Peece which is on the plaine at the foote of the ſaid hill. To this doubt I aunſwere thus. The diſtance from the Fort to the peece which is on the plaine may ſo much differ from that diſtance which is betweene the ſaide Forte and the ſaide peece, which lieth vppon the toppe of the hill, that the ſame will come to paſſe which was of you doubted.

Duke.

To make me vnderſtand your meaning, giue me an example by a figure.

Nicho.

That I may ſhewe vnto you my meaning herein by a figure, I wil ſuppoſe that the pellet of a Culuering doth waie 20 pound waight,A Culuering which lying leuel ſhooteth about 200. paces, will at the eleuatiō of 45. degrees, or of 6. points, or of 72. min. ſhoote about 800. paces. and that the Culuering according to that experience which was made at Verona (as I haue declared in the beginning of my booke of nwe ſcience dedicated vnto your Excellencie) in the place of equalitie, that is to ſay lying leuell, will ſhoote in a right line about 200. paces, and that ſuch a culuering at the eleuation of 45. degrees, that is to ſay, at the 6. point, or at 72. minutes of our Quadrant (by the reaſon alleaged in the laſt propoſition of my ſeconde booke of our nwe ſcience) wil ſhoote in a right line about 800. paces.

Duke.

Doe you ſay that a Culuering being eleuated at 45. degrees, or at the 6. point, or at 72, minutes, wil ſhoote about 800. paces, and that the ſame Peece lying leuel wil ſhoot but about 200. paces?

Nicho.

By reaſon I am taught ſo to ſay.

Duke.

It ſeemeth to mee that there is a great difference betweene thoſe ſhootes.

Nicho.

It commeth ſo to paſſe becauſe that eleuation of 6, points doth differ much from the place of equalitie, and according as the Peece is eleuated from minute to minute,According as a Peece is eleuated from minute to minute, or from point to point: ſo from minute to minute, and from point to point the pellet of that Peece doth augment his range in an inſenſible croked line. ſo from minute to minute the pellet of that peece doth augment his raunge in a right line: it doth alſo the like in the points, but that is in a greater quantitie. For the peece being eleuated to the firſt point of the Quadrant, ſhootes more farther in a right line than when it is laid leuel: Alſo the Peece eleuated to the ſecond point of the ſaid Quadrant, ſhootes much farther in a right line than it doth when it is eleuated but at one point. Likewiſe the Peece beeing eleuated to the thirde point, ſhootes farther in a right line than it doth at the ſecond point, & ſo ſucceſsiuely the Peece being eleuated to the fourth point, ſhootes farther than at the third point, and at the fifth point farther than at the fourth point, and at the ſixt point (as is aforeſaid) farther than at the fifth point and if the Peece ſhould by degrees bee eleuated aboue the ſixt point, the pellet woulde flie more farther in a right line: that is to ſay, the Peece eleuated to the ſeuenth point would ſhoote farther in a right line than at the ſixt point, and at the eight point, farther than at the ſeuenth point, and at the ninth point, farther than at the eight point, and at the tenth point farther than at the ninth point: and at the eleuenth point, farther than at the tenth point: and at the twelfthpoint farther than at the eleuenth point. And at this twelfth point the pellet will flie wholie in a right line,

The pellet which is ſhot out of a peece mounted at 90. degrees, or at 12. points, flieth in a more perfect right line, than whē it is ſhot out of a peece mounted at any other degree or point.

Note that Tartaglia calleth that a right line, which is inſenſibly croked, and that a crooked line, which is euidently crooked, to this end that the common people may the better vnderſtand him.

and it will be a perpendicular aboue the horiſon. And this pellet ſhot out of a peece mounted at the twelfth point, will flie in a more perfect right line than any of the former pellets did, becauſe in truth the going or violent mouing of a bodie equallie heauie which is without the perpendicular of the horiſon, can neuer haue any part perfectly right as it hath bin ſayd in our ſaid ſecond booke of our nwe ſcience.

Duke.

Why do you call that a right line which is not perfectly right?

Nicho.

That the common people may the better vnderſtand me I call that a right line which is inſenſiblie crooked, and I call that a crooked line which doth euidently appeare to bee crooked.

Duke.

Proceede on.

Nicho.

Now to returne to our purpoſe, I ſay that if the diſtance betweene the ſaid fortreſſe, and the Peece lying on the plaine at the foote of the hil be 760. paces, and that the diſtance betweene the ſame fortreſſe and the peece lying on the toppe of the ſaid hill be but 130 paces, in this caſe the ſaid Culuering which is planted on the toppe of the hill will doe a greater exploit againſt the walles of that fortreſſe, than that Culuering ſhall do which is planted on the plaine at the foote of the ſaid hill: the cauſe hereof is, for that the ſaid Culuering lying leuell, doth ſhoote about 200. paces in a right line as before hath bin ſaid. Then for ſo much as the diſtance betweene that Culuering and the Fortreſſe is but 130 paces (as it hath bin ſuppoſed) the pellet of that Culuering will ſtrike the walles of that Fortreſſe neare about 70 paces before it would end his range in a right line, but the Culuering which is planted on the plaine at the foote of the hill being diſtant from thoſe walles 760 paces in a diametral line, and eleuated to 45 degrees (that is to ſay, to the 6 point of our quadrant) doth ſhoote about 800 paces in a right line, and therefore it will ſtrike thoſe walles onely about 40 paces before it would ende his way in a right line, or be ſenſibly perceiued to decline.In the queſtion propoſed in this Colloquie the pellet which at his hitting would haue gon moſt fartheſt (not meeting with an obiect to reſiſt it) ſhall do the greateſt exploit vpon that obiect which reſiſteth. And ſo that pellet which at his hitting would haue gon moſt fartheſt (not meeting with an obiect to reſiſt it) ſhall doe the greateſt exploit vpon that obiect which reſiſteth, by the reaſons alleaged vppon the fourth propoſition of our firſt booke of our nwe ſcience. Therefore inſomuch as the pellet of that Culuering which is planted on the top of the hill at the hitting of thoſe walles had to flie more farther about 70 paces in a right line, and that the pellet of that Culuering which is planted on the plaine at the foote of the hill at his hitting, had to flie more farther but onely about 40 paces in a right line, I conclude in this caſe by thoſe reaſons, that the pellet of that Culuering which is planted on the top of the hill ſhall do a greater exploit againſt thoſe walles than the pellet of that Culuering which is planted on the plaine at the foote of the hil, and eleuated to the ſixth poynt of our quadrant. And if the pellet of this Culuering mounted to the ſixt poynt be of a leſſe force, the pellet of that peece mounted at any other poynt vnder the 6 poynt is of much leſſer force. But if the diſtance from the ſaid Fortreſſe vnto the Artillerie on the plaine had bin 600 paces in a diametrall line,Note. and that from the Fortreſſe vnto the Artillerie on the toppe of the hill it had bin 150 paces, the Artillerie on the plaine mounted to the 6 poynt would haue ſtroken thoſe walles with more force than the Artillerie vpon the top of the hill could haue done: for the pellets ſhot out of the Artillerie on the plaine will beate thoſe walles about 200 paces before the full ende of their ranges in a right line, and the pellets of the Artillery on the top of the hil will beate thoſe walles 50 paces before the end of their full courſe in a right line. And therfore the difference of the ſaide effects that is from 50. paces to 200. paces, (which they make before they do ſenſibly decline) is about 150. paces, and therefore the ſaid Culuering not onely at the eleuation of the ſixt poynt of our quadrant, but alſo at the eleuation of the fift point doth make that effect to be more greater. But concerning this I will not ſtand to make any demonſtration for that I will not be tedious vnto you. Then if in ſo great a height (as in the laſt caſe we haue ſuppoſed) the Culuering vpon the plaine being mounted to the ſixt point, and alſo to the fift point will do a more greater exploit than the Culuering vpon the toppe of the hill, ſuch great effects will much more euidently follow in the firſt caſe which was propoſed by your Excellencie, where the hill and alſo the Fortreſſe were ſuppoſed to be of equall height, and each of them to be 60 paces in height, and the diſtance from the foote of one hill to the foote of the other, or frō the top of the one hil to the top of the other to be 100 paces, & the Diametrall or Diagonall line, that is to ſay the diſtance from the ſaide Fortreſſe to the place at the foote of the hill, where the Artillerie is ſuppoſed to ſtand on the plaine, by the 47 propoſition of the firſt booke of Euclide to be about 116 paces leauing out the Fraction which ſhould be added vnto that number) and therefore the pellet ſhot out of the Culuering which is planted on the toppe of the hill will ſtrike thoſe walles about 140 paces before the full end of his range in a right line, & the pellets of the Artillerie which is planted on the plaine at the foote of the hill and mounted to the 6 point wil ſtrike thoſe walles about 684 paces before the full end of their ranges in a right line.Note. And becauſe here is ſo great a difference in that one of thoſe pellets doth hit the fortreſſe 140 paces before the full end of his range in a right line, and the other pellet doth hit the ſame fortreſſe 684 paces before the full end of his range in a right line, therefore in this queſtion it is a plaine and euident thing, that the Culuering planted on the plaine at the foote of the hill mounted to the 6 point, 5 point, or to any other point of eleuation, wil do a greater exploit againſt the ſaid fortreſſe than that Culuering will doe which is planted on the top of the hill.

Duke.

You haue anſwered well to this Queſtion.

The third Colloquie.

How a pellet doth neuer range in a right line except it be ſhot out of a peece right vp towards Heauen, or right downe towards the center of the world, and by how much more ſwifter a heauie bodie driuen violently through the aire flyeth, by ſo much in that mouing it is made the more lighter: and how the more lighter a bodie is, the more eaſilie wil the aire beare it, and by how much a heauie bodie violently mouing doth go more ſwifter, by ſo much it doth worke the more greater effect in all thinges which reſiſt the ſame: and by how much the ſwiftnes thereof doth more decreaſe, by ſo much in that mouing the waight thereof which draweth the ſaid heauie bodie towards the ground doth more increaſe: and the more ſwifter a pellet flyeth in the aire, the more lighter it is & contrariwiſe the more ſloer a pellet flieth, the more heauier it is: and howe the one part of a right line cannot be more or leſſe right than the other part: and how the more ſwifter a pellet flieth, the leſſe crooked is his range. And how we be oftentimes deceaued by iudging according to the ſence of ſeeing, and how a peece is ſaid to ſhoote at point blanke, when it lying leuell or equidiſtant to the horiſon is diſcharged, and howe the waigt of the pellet draweth the pellet out of his way and right paſſage perpendicularly towardes the grounde when it is ſhot out of a peece lying leuell, and alſo when it is ſhot out of a peece eleuated or imbaſed, except it be ſhot right vp towards Heauen, or right downe towardes the center of the worlde.

Interlocutors Franceſſe Maria, Duke of Vrbine. Nicholas Tartaglia. DVke.

By your arguments you haue brought me into an other great doubt: for you haue ſaid (if you do wel remēber) that the Pellet which doth flie out of the mouth of a peece doth not flie in any part of his way in aright line, exceptit be ſhot right vp towardes heauen.

Nicho.

Or right downe towardes the center of the world.

Duke.

I graunt this, that ſhooting right vp towardes Heauen, or right downe towards the center of the world, the pellet doth flye altogether in a right line, and alſo that in both thoſe waies the pellet doth flye much more in a right line, than at any other eleuation of the peece, or in any other way whatſoeuer: but I do not beleeue for it is vnlikely, that in all other waies except in thoſe two, the pellet doth in no part of his way flie in a right line, for if you doe well remember,Verona is a Cittie in Italie in the country called Marchia Taruiſina. you haue told me that by two ſhootes prooued in Verona, you foūd that the ſaid Culuering lying leuel, & carrying a pellet of 20 pound waight, ſhot at point blanke, that is to ſay in a right line (as you iudged) about 200 paces. Now if you haue found by reaſon that the ſaid range of 200 paces was not altogether in a right line, I will beleeue you and graunt that which you haue ſpoken, but if ſuch a peece cannot ſhoote 200 paces in a right line, will you not graunt that ſuch a peece may ſhoote 100 paces, or at the leaſt 50. paces in a right line?A peece of Artillery cannot ſhoote one pace in a right line.

Nicho.

A peece will not ſhoote 50 paces, nor one pace in a perfect right line.

Duke.

This is one of your conceites.

Nicholas.

Reaſon will ſatisfie mens mindes, and by it, truth is diſcerned from falſhood.

Duke.

That is truth.

Nicho.

Inſomuch as your Excellencie is of this opinion, that the pellet ſhot out of the Culuering lying leuell, muſt in ſome part of his way or violent paſſage goe in a right line, and in the reſt of his way go in a crooked line, ſuppoſe that this were true, I would know hereby what is the proper cauſe why the pellet goeth ſo in a right line in that part where it is ſuppoſed to go ſo right, and likewiſe what is the cauſe that it goeth ſo by a crooked line in that part where your Excellencie doth ſuppoſe that it doth go ſo crookedly?A pellet goeth out of the mouth of a peece with great ſwiftneſſe which is the cauſe why that pellet for a little time rangeth in an inſenſible crooked line, but after the force and ſwiftneſſe thereof doth any whitte abate, it then beginneth to flie more weakely and more ſlowlie, and afterwardes to decline towardes the ground and in that ſorte continueth vntill it doth light vppon the ground.

Duke.

We find that a pellet goeth out of the mouth of the peece with great ſwiftneſſe which is the very cauſe why that pellet for a little time or ſpace goeth right in the aire, but after the force & ſwiftneſſe therof doth any whit abate, it then beginneth to weaken, and to flie more ſlowlie, and afterwards to decline towards the ground, and in that ſort cōtinueth vntil it doth light vpon the groūd.

Nicholas.

By how much more ſwifter a heauie bodie driuen violently through the ayre flieth, by ſo much in that mouing it is made the more lighter. The more lighter a body is, the more eaſily wil the aire beare it. Truely your Excellencie could not haue better anſwered than you haue done in ſaying that the great ſwiftneſſe is the proper cauſe to make the Pellet flie (if it be poſsible) in a right line, and likewiſe that the lacke of ſwiftneſſe in the Pellet is the proper cauſe to make it goe and decline crookedlie in his way towardes the grounde, and that by howe much the ſaide ſwiftneſſe decreaſeth, by ſo muche it maketh his declination or crookedneſſe the greater, for all this commeth ſo to paſſe becauſe euerie heauie bodie driuen violentlie through the ayre, by how much the more ſwifter it flieth, by ſo much in that mouing it is made the more lighter, and therefore it goeth more rightlye in the ayre, becauſe the more lighter a bodie is, the more eaſilye will the aire beare it. Notwithſtanding to worke his effectes in that moouing it taketh a more greater waight than his owne. Therefore by how much a heauie bodie moouing doth goe more ſwifter,By how much a heauie body violently mouing doth goe more ſwifter, by ſo much it doth worke the more greater effect in all thinges which reſiſt the ſame: likewiſe by how much the ſwiftnes thereof doth more decreaſe, by ſo much in that mouing the waight therof which draweth the ſaid heauy body towards the groūd doth more increaſe. by ſo much it doth worke the more greater effect in all thinges which reſiſt the ſame. Likewiſe by how much the ſwiftneſſe thereof doth more decreaſe, by ſo much in that mouing the waight thereof doth more increaſe, the which waight prouoketh and draweth the ſaid heauie bodie towards the ground. But to worke his effectes in that mouing it is more lighter, or of leſſe waight, and therefore it maketh the leſſe effect.

Duke.

I do like wel of this your diſcourſe,The more ſwifter a pellet doth flie in the aire, the more lighter it is: & contrary wiſe, the more ſloer that the pellet flieth, the more heauier it is. therfore proceede on in the ſame.

Nicho.

Then I ſay that of theſe aforeſaide things which by naturall reaſon haue been proued, this concluſion doth ſpring that the more ſwifter the pellet doth flie in the aire, themore lighter it is, and contrariwiſe the more ſloer that the pellet doth flie the more heauier it is.

Duke.

All this is true.

Nicho.

I ſay alſo that when there is more waight in the pellet, then is there a more prouocation thereby to ſhoote the ſaid pellet towards the center of the world, that is to ſay towards the ground.

Duke.

It is ſo as you ſay.

Nicho.

Now to conclude our ſayde purpoſe wee will ſuppoſe that all the range which the pellet being ſhot our of the Culuering may make or hath made, is all the line A B C D. And if it be poſſible for any part thereof to be perfectly right, I will ſuppoſe the ſame part to be A B, and diuide the ſame part into two equall partes in the point E. and becauſe the pellet will flye more ſwiftly in the ſpace A E (by the third propoſition of the firſt booke of our nwe ſcyence) than in the ſpace E B, therefore the ſaid pellet doth flye more rightlye (by the reaſons afore alleaged) in the ſpace A E, than it doth in the ſpace E B. Wherefore the line A E, ſhall be a more ſtraighter lyne than E B,The one part of a right line cannot be more or leſſe right than the other part. the which is a thing impoſſible. For if all the whole line A B be ſuppoſed to be a perfect right line, the one halfe thereof cannot be more or leſſe right than the other halfe, and if the one halfe of that line ſhould bee more righter than the other, it would of neceſſitie follow that the other halfe ſhould not be right, and therefore of neceſſitie it followeth that the part E B is not perfectly right.

depiction of the firing of a piece of artillery

And if any man be of this opinion, that the part A E is a perfect right line, his ſaid opinion may be reprooued for falſe by deuiding the ſayd part A E into two equall partes in the poynt F, and then by the reaſons aboue alleaged it will be manyfeſt that the part A F is more righter than the part F E, ſo that the ſaide part F E of neceſſitie cannot be perfectly right. Likewiſe by diuiding the part A F into two equall parts, it is manifeſt by the ſame reaſons, that that halfe therof which is next to A is more righter than that which is next to F and ſo by diuiding that halfe into two other equall parts it will follow that the part ending in A is more righter than the other part. And becauſe theſe proceedings are infinite, it followeth of neceſſitie that not onely all the part A B is not perfectly ſtraight, but that no part therof (howe little ſoeuer it bee) can bee perfectly ſtraight, which is that which was required to be prooued. Then it is to be ſeene how that the pellet ſhot out of that Culuering in ſuch ſort, doth not flye in any part of his range in a perfect right line, although it doth flie as ſwiftly as may be deſired,The more ſwifter a pellet doth flie, the leſſe crooked is his range. becauſe the ſwiftneſſe (how great ſo euer it be) is neuer ſufficient in ſuch ſort to make the pellet flye in a right line. But this is true, the more ſwifter that the pellet doth flye, the more nearer it doth approch to flie in a right line, and yet it will neuer be made to flye in a right line. Therefore it is more conuenient to ſay in ſuch a caſe, that the more ſwifter the pellet doth flie, the leſſe crooked is his range.

Duke.

Whence cōmeth it then that many tymes the pellet doth preciſely ſtrike a thing that is leuel with the peece, which thing would not haue chaunced if the pellet had not flyed right.

Nicho.

My Lorde, that doth not prooue that the pellet flyeth right, for many tymes it ſtrikes aboue the marke of leuel which is a thing impoſſible when the leuel ſights are of an equal height, I meane that the pellet ſhould cut the viſuall line equidiſtant to the concauitie of that peece. But ſuch effectes doe not come for that the pellet flyeth in a rght lyne, or for that it doth aſcende aboue that rightneſſe, but they come wholie by reaſon of the ſayde ſightes or markes through which the leuell is taken. And in deede hee which ſeeth the pellet ranging will iudge without any doubt that the ſaide pellet for a certaine ſpace flyeth right becauſe our ſaid ſence is not apt nor able to deſcerne ſuch an oblique lyne, as it commeth to paſſe in beholding the water of the Sea when it is quiet,We be oftentimes deceaued by iudging according to the ſence of ſeeing. the which for a great diſtance doth appeare vnto vs for to bee very playne, and yet by reaſon wee knowe that it is ſphericall: Wherefore we be oftentimes deceaued by iudgging according to the ſence of ſeeing.

Duke.

Your reaſons are verie good, yet I maruellto heare you ſay that a pellet being ſhotte out of ſuch a peece with ſo great force doth not any whitte flye in a right line, but conſidering alſo that in ſuch an oblique waie the waight of the pellet is much more apt to make it decline or to drawe the ſame pellet towardes the ground, than in any other eleuation, I thinke your ſayings are true. Yet when a pellet is ſhot out of a peece ſomwhat eleuated at the mouth, I do think & verily beleeue, that the pellet wil range through the aire for a while in a right line, becauſe the waight of ſuch a pellet ſhot out of a peece eleuated at the mouth, is leſſe apt to make that pellet decline towards the ground, than when it is ſhot out of a peece lying leuel.

Nich.

It is truth (as your Excellēcy doth ſay) that the waight of a pellet is not ſo apt to hinder the range of the ſame when the pellet flyeth out of a peece eleuated, as when the ſaid pellet flieth out of a peece which lieth equidiſtant to the Horizon, A peece is ſaid to ſhoot at point blancke when lying leuell or equidiſtant to the Horizon it is diſcharged. that is to ſay leuel, or as the gūners tearme it, at point blanke for two cauſes, wherof the firſt is for that, (as hath bin proued) the greateſt waight is in the place of equality or leuel: The other cauſe is for that the ſaid waight draweth the pellet out of his waie or paſſage perpendicularly towardes the grounde,The waigt of the pellet draweth the pellet out of his waie and paſſage perpendicularly towards the ground when it is ſhot out of a peece lying leuell, and alſo when it is ſhot out of a peece eleuated or imbaſed, except it be ſhot right vp towards Heauen, or right downe towardes the ground or center of the worlde. the which kinde of drawing is more vehement and ſtronger in that place, than in anie other eleuation. For the peece being eleuated by degrees, the ſaid waight alſo by degrees doth goe nearer towards his ſaid waie or paſſage, that is to ſay, it doth not fall there ſo perpedicularlie from the ſayd paſſage, but comes alwaies more neare vnto the ſame, and ſo is of leſſe ſtrength and force to drawe the pellet out of his waie or paſſage, beſides this (as before hath bin declared) by how much a peece is more eleuated, by ſo much the range of his pellet is leſſe crooked, and yet the range of that pellet cannot in any part thereof be perfectly right, except in the two waies before ſpecified, that is to ſay, when it is ſhot directly vp towardes heauen, or directly downe towardes the center of the world: Becauſe in euery other waie ſome part of the waight drawes alwaies the ſaid pellet out of his waie or paſſage, except in the aforeſaid two waies that is to ſay, directly vp towards heauen, or directly downe towards the center of the world: in which two waies, the ſaid waight (if any waight be there) drawes the pellet right according to the order of his paſſage or waie and not out of the ſame as by this figure you may eaſily without any other demonſtration perceaue. And ſo it is in ſhootes flying downewardes aſwell as in ſhoots flying vpwardes, ſuppoſing A to be the mouth of the peece out of which B the pellet iſſueth, & in the forme of a perpendicular, C to be the waight of that pellet B: the which perpendicular or waight C doth alwaies drawe the pellet towardes the center of the worlde that is to ſay, downe towardes the grounde. Whereuppon by reaſoning as we haue done of ſhoots made in a right line, it wil be manifeſt, that a pellet ſhot out of a Culuering or out of any other peece, cannot goe in any ſmall part of his range in a perfect right line, except in the two waies aforeſaide, which is that which was required to bee prooued.

Duke.

You haue defended well your reaſons, and haue ſayd enough for this tyme, and at my returne from Peſaro I will cauſe your ſaid Inuentions to be prooued.

The 4. Colloquie.

When a peece is twice diſcharged, one time after an other, at one ſelfeſame eleuation, and towardes one ſelfe ſame place with equall charge of powder and like waight of pellet, the ſeconde pellet will outflye the firſt. And it is more eaſie to mooue and penetrate that which is already mooued and open, than that which is cloſed and quiet. And a peece when it is drie and temperately warme, doth drye vp the moyſture in the powder which is put into the concauitie of the ſame peece, and maketh the ſame powder to take fire quickelie, and to bee of more force than it was when it was moyſte.

Interlocutors L Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

When a peece of Artillery is twice diſcharged, one time after an other, at one ſelfeſame eleuation, and towards one ſelfeſame place with equall charge of powder, & like waight of pellet, I aſke of you whether theſe two ſhoots will be equall?

Nicho.

Without doubt they will be vnequall, becauſe that peece will ſhoote farther at the ſecond diſcharge than at the firſt.

Prior.

By what reaſon?

Ncho.

This reaſon is alſo alleaged in the 7. Colloquie of the 2. booke of Nicholas Tartaglia his Colloquies. For two reaſons, of which the firſt is this. At the firſt ſhoote the pellet findes the ayre quiet, and at the ſecond ſhoote it doth find the ayre not onely wholy ſtirred with the pellet of the firſt ſhoote, but alſo much tending or going towardes the place at which it is ſhot,It is more eaſie to mooue and penetrate that which is already mooued and open, than that which is cloſed and quiet. and becauſe it is more eaſie to moue and penetrate that which is already moued and open, than that which is cloſed and quiet, it followeth that the laſt pellet finding in his range a leſſe reſiſtance than the firſt pellet did in his range, will outflie the firſt pellet. The ſecond reaſon is this. At the firſt ſhoote the powder being put into the peece, doth oftentimes finde the ſame peece ſomewhat moyſt,Moyſt powder will not take fire ſo ſoone as drie powder, nor worke ſo forceably as drie powder will doe. And a peece when it is drie and temperately warme, doth dry vp the moyſture in the powder which is put into the concauitie of the ſame peece, and maketh the powder to take fire more ſooner, and to be of more force than it was when it was moyſt. and eſpecially when ſuch a peece hath not bin ſhot in for certaine daies before, through which the powder wil not fire ſo quickly as it wil do when the peece is drie and temperatly warme, for this warmth or heate wil ſomwhat drie vp the moiſture which is in the powder, and cauſe the powder to fire more ſooner. Wherefore the powder doth not work ſo forceably in the firſt ſhoot as it doth in the ſecond, ſo that alſo by this ſecond reaſon the peece will ſhoote farther at the ſecond diſcharge than at the firſt.

Prior.

Your reaſons like me well, and here we will end our talke for this euening.

The 5. Colloquie.

When a peece made very hot with continuall ſhooting for a long time together is diſcharged, it ſhootes not ſo far as it did when it was leſſe hot, and when a peece by continual ſhooting waxeth more hotter, then by how much the more hotter it is, by ſo much the concauity of that peece is made the more attractiue, and when a hot peece made cold with water caſt into the concauity thereof is diſcharged, it ſhoots not ſo far as it would haue done if it had bin ſuffred to coole of it ſelfe. And how dankiſh powder doth weaken the force of the peece that is charged with the ſame, and how the pellet is not expelled forth of a peece with any other thing thā by the airie exhalatiō or wind which the Saltpeter cauſeth.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

Yeſterday in the euening you concluded and by good naturall reaſons prooued, that one peece being twice ſhotte of, one time after an other, at one ſelfeſame eleuation, and towardes one ſelfeſame place with equall charge of powder and like waight of pellet, ſhooteth farther at the ſecond time than at the firſt: now I aſke of you if that peece ſhould be continually ſhot of for a long time togeather at one ſelfeſame eleuation, and towards one ſelfe ſame place, whether or no the ſame often ſhooting will continually cauſe euery one of thoſe ſhootes to outflie the other.

Nic.

My Lord that wil not follow therupon.

Prior.

You did ſay yeſterday in the euening that a peece ſhooteth farther at the ſecond time than at the firſt, for that the pellet doth then find the aire moued and going towardes the place at which it is ſhotte, and for that the powder put into the peece doth then finde that peece to be drie, and ſomwhat warme: therfore the more oftener that the peece is ſhot of, the more doth the pellet by reaſon of the former ſhoots find the aire open, penetrated, & going towards the place at which it is ſhot, likewiſe the powder wherewith the peece is recharged findeth cōtinually the concauitie therof more drier, & more warmer (the which warmth as you alſo ſaid) drieth all the moyſture in the powder, and maketh it to take fire quickly, and to be of more force than it was before.

Nic.

All this is true which your Lordſhip ſaith, yet oftentimes the contrary doth happen,By how much more hotter a peece is, by ſo much the concauitie therof is made more attractiue. The pellet is not expelled forth of a peece with any other thing than by the any exhalation or wind which the Saltpeter cauſeth. for by continuall ſhooting the peece waxeth more hotter, and by howe much the more hotter it is, by ſo much the concauity of that peece is made the more attractiue, euen as a cupping glaſſe which is made hot with tow burned in the ſame. Now for that the pellet is not expelled or driuen forth with any other thing than by the airie exhalation or wind cauſed through the ſaltpeter, therfore by making ſuch a peece cōtinually more attractiue as I haue ſaid with that more heate which ſuppeth & retaineth continually more of that wind which ſhould ſerue to expell the pellet, the virtue expulſiue in that peece doth continually more decreaſe, & the pellet by that reaſon flieth with leſſe ſwiftnes or leſſe force, and conſequently maketh continually a leſſe or ſhorter range.

Prior.

I like wel of your reaſons, but who doth not know that the two firſt accidents which giue furtherance and aide to the range of the pellet (I meane the great combuſtion or running of the aire towards the place which is continually ſhot at, and the force which increaſeth in the powder through the heate) are ſufficient, & perchance more than enough to ſupplie that attractiue defect cauſed by the great heate of the peece? The which thing being ſo, it foloweth that the ſame peece ſhooteth alwaies in one like ſort, that is to ſay, it ſhooteth no farther at onetime than at an other, becauſe that which the ſaid two accidents adde therunto, is ſo much as that which the third accident doth diminiſh, or elſe it ſhootes continually more farther, for that the increaſe of the ſaide two firſt accidentes is more than the detraction of the third accident.

Nic.

Certainly I muſt confeſſe that the ſaid two firſt accidents (that is to ſay the breaking of the aire, and the force which increaſeth in the powder) do aide & helpe much the range of the pellet, which aide & helpe as it is to be beleeued that ſometimes it ſupplieth and perchaunce giues aduantage by that expulſiue virtue which continually the peece doth diminiſh or ſuppe in according as it heateth ſo as peraduenture the third & fourth ſhoot will be as it were equal in ballance or all one with the ſecond ſhoote,Note. or little differing, neuertheleſſe it is to be affirmed, that in continuance of time the ſaid two accidents cannot ſupplie the defect of the third accident, by reaſon of the great heat which continually increaſeth in that Peece,Through continual ſhooting for a lōg while together, a peece in the end wil ſhoote a leſſe diſtāce than it did in the beginning. A hot peece cooled with water ſhooteth not ſo farre as it will do after it hath beene ſuffered to coole of it ſelfe. & continually makes the ſame Peece as before hath bin declared to be therby more attractiue: and therfore continually the ſaid peece decreaſeth or ſuppeth in more of that exhalatiō which ſhould expel the pellet & therfore this third accident through continuall ſhooting for a long time togeather commes to be ſuperior to the two firſt accidents, & ſo through continuall ſhooting for a long while together, the Peece ſhootes a leſſe diſtance than it did before.

Prior.

If any body ſhall coole that Peece by caſting water into the concauitie thereof, doe you not thinke that thereby it will ſhoote more farther towards the ſaide place?

Nicho.

Without doubt whē the Peece is perfectly dry & cold, it will ſhoote more farther: but cooled ſo with water, the mettall being hot doth ſup vp of that water, & reſolueth that water ſo ſupped vp into an airie vapour, which cannot continue in the holloneſſe of the Peece, but is forced to goe out of it by little & little: and when this vapour doth not carry with it any moyſture, and the concauitie of the Peece is very dry, then that vapour will rather augment the range of the ſame Peece than diminiſhe the ſame, becauſe the power attractiue which was in that Peece, is expelled through the oftē going out of that vapour. But foraſmuch as that vapour is altogether moiſt it muſt needes bee (notwithſtanding the Peece ſeemeth for to bee drie when the powder is put in to recharge the ſame) that ſuch a moiſt vapour will make the powder ſomewhat dankiſh,Dākiſh powder wil weaken the force of the pellet which is ſhot out of a peece charged with the ſame powder. & that thereby the effects of that powder wil not be ſo forceable as they would haue been if that Peece had been ſuffered to coole of it ſelfe without putting any water into the ſame.

Prior.

You haue wel ſatisfied me for this euening, and becauſe it is now late, I pray you let vs make here an end of this talke.

The 6. Colloquie.

How a peece of Artillerie charged with his due charge of powder did ſhoote his bullet right vpon the place to which the leuel was giuen: and how the ſaid peece charged with more powder than his due charge did ſhoote his bullet aboue or ouer that place, becauſe the ſaid bullet ſhot with more powder than his due charge flied more ſwiftly and in a more righter way than the other bullet did which was ſhot with his due charge in powder, and by that reaſon wil alwaies ſtrike aboue that place where the other bullet ſhot with leſſe powder ſhall ſtrike. And how a bullet will neuer flie in a right linevnto the marke at which the leuell is giuen, except it bee ſhot right vp towardes heauen, or right downe towardes the center of the worlde.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

What was the cauſe that a peece charged with his due charge of powder did ſhoote his bullet right vpon the place to which the leuell was giuen, and that the ſame peece charged with more powder than his due charge did ſhoote his bullet aboue or ouer that place?

Nicho.

It came ſo to paſſe by reaſon that the bullet which was ſhott out of the peece charged with a more quantity of powder than his due charge, did flye in a waie leſſe croked than the other bullet did,

The way which is leaſt crooked alwaies extendeth and goeth aboue that waie which is more crooked, and by howe much a bullet flyeth more farther, by ſo much the bullet which flyeth in the leſſe crooked way wil ſtrike more higher, and come more nearer to the right way than the bullet which flieth in the more crooked way.

The right way of a bullet is aboue all the oblique waies of any bullet violētly iſſuing out of a peece towards any place.

and that the difference of both their croked waies is more perceaued in the end of their ranges than in any other place: for the way which is leaſt crooked alwayes extendeth and goeth aboue that way which is more crooked, and by how much the bullet flieth more farther, by ſo much the bullet which flieth in the leſſe croked way, ſhal ſtrike more higher than the bullet which flieth in the more croked way. And the way which is leſſe crooked, commeth more nearer to the very right way, than that way doth which is more crooked. Alſo becauſe that right way, I meane that right way which is rightly extended, and lyeth right with the concauitie of the Peece towardes any place that you will, is alwaies aboue all the oblique wayes of any bullet iſſuying violently out of that peece towardes any place whatſoeuer. Therefore that way which is moſt neareſt to the right way, is alwayes aboue that way which is farther of from it.A bullet ſhot out of a peece with more powder than his due charge flieth more ſwiftly and in a more righter way than a like pellet will doe which is ſhot out of the ſame Peece with his due charge in powder, and the pellet ſhot out of a peece with more powder ſhall ſtrike aboue that place where the other pellet ſhot with leſſe powder will ſtrike. And becauſe the bullet ſhot out of a peece which is charged with more powder than his due charge, flieth more ſwiftly than that bullet doth which is ſhot with a leſſer quantitie of powder, & alſo flieth in a more righter way than the other, therfore it did ſtrike aboue that place where the other bullet did hit.

Prior.

I doe not well vnderſtand this which you haue tolde me: I meane, that the bullet ſhot with a leſſe quantitie of powder will not flie in ſo right a way as that bullet wil doe which is expelled with a more quantitie of powder. Will you not graunt that a bullet ſhot out of a Peece charged with his due charge and quantitie of powder, doth flie right vppon that place or marke vnto which the leuel is giuen within a conuenient diſtaunce?

Nicholas.

I doe alſo denie that a bullet will flie in a right line vnto the marke at which the leuell is giuen:A pellet will not flie in a right line vnto the marke at which the leuel is giuen, except it be ſhot right vp towardes heauen, or right down towards the cēter of the worlde, as you may alſo reade in the ſeconde and third Colloquie of this booke. And of the very ſame matter I did once diſpute with the Duke of Ʋrbine of famous memorie, the father of the Duke of Vrbine that nowe is, I meane that a bullet ſhot out of any peece of Artillery by any maner of meanes, doth neuer goe, nor can goe in any ſmall part of his way vppon a perfect right line, except it bee ſhot ſtraight vp towardes heauen, or ſtraight downe towardes the center of the worlde.

Prior.

I perceiue that you ſay true, becauſe if the bullet at the firſt ſhoote had gon right vppon the marke, then by recharging the peece afterwardes with a more quantitie of powder, the other bullet coulde not by any reaſon haue ſtrooken aboue the marke, but in the very ſame place where the pellet or bullet which was ſhot out of the Peece with leſſe powder did ſtrike before. And of purpoſe I haue deuiſed this queſtion becauſe it ſeemed a ſtrange thing vnto me, that the bullet did aſcende aboue the right line by charging the Peece with more powder, and therefore to morrowe in the euening I will diſpute better with you of this matter which doth like mee well.

The 7. Colloquie.

When the leuell ſight which is ſet vppon the mouth of the peece is preciſely ſo high as the leuell ſight which is ſet vppon the taile of the peece, and he which will ſhoote at any marke ſeeth with his eye the ſame marke by the extreames or vppermoſt partes of the ſaid ſights, then the pellet wil alwaies ſtrike ſomewhat vnder that marke. And when it is ſaid that both the leuell ſights are of an equall height, you muſt vnderſtand thereby that the extreames or toppes of the ſayde leuell ſights are equally diſtant from the loeſt part or ground of the concauitie in the peece, for the height of the leuell ſightes, and alſo the loneſſe or ſhortneſſe of the leuell ſights, muſt alwaies be meaſured from the loeſt part or ground of the concauitie in the Canon of the peece. And when the leuell ſights vpon a peece are of an equall height, and he that ſhoots doth ſee his mark by the tops of thoſe leuel ſights, then by how much more farther the ſaid marke is from the peece, by ſo much the pellet will ſtrike more vnder the mark. And when the leuell ſight which is ſet vpon the mouth of the peece is more higher than the leuell ſight, which is ſet vppon the taile of the peece, and he which ſhootes doth ſee his marke by the toppes of thoſe leuel ſights, the pellet wil ſtrike more vnder that marke than it will do when both the leuell ſights are of an equal height. And when our viſual line in ſeeing our marke doth cut the line in which the pellet flieth, then the leuel ſight at the mouth of the peece is more ſhorter than it ſhould be. And when our viſual line in ſeeing our mark doth not cut nor touch the line in which the pellet flieth, then the leuel ſight at the mouth of the peece is not ſo ſhort as it ſhould be. And when our viſual line in ſeeing the marke doth touch or cut the line in which the pellet flyeth, and the marke at which we ſhoote is in the ſaide touch poynt or in the ſaide poynt of interſection, then the leuell ſight at the mouth of the peece hath his due length and conuenient ſhortneſſe and the pellet wil ſtrike in the middeſt of the marke, but when the ſaide marke ſhall be within that touch point or point of interſection then the pellet will hit ſomewhat vnder that marke, and when the ſaide marke ſhall bee without that touche poynt or poynt of interſection, then the pellet will hit aboue the ſaide marke. And when a pellet in his range ſhal cut the viſual line, and aſcend aboue the ſame lyne, then the ſame pellet in his deſcending will cut the ſame line againe. And when our viſuall line doth cut the line of the pellet, then of neceſſitie it ſhall cut the ſame line in 2. places, and the firſt of theſe 2. places cannot be very far from the peece, but the other place of interſection muſt of neceſſitie be very far from the peece, I meane in the end of the pellets violent range. And when a pellet in his range ſhal cut the viſual line, & aſcend aboue the ſame lyne, then the gunner may with that pellet ſtrike 2 ſundry markes, in 2 ſeueral places.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

Yeſterday in the euening you concluded, and by good naturall reaſon ſhewed, that a pellet ſhot out of a peece doth not in any part of his waie goe in a right line, except it be ſhot right vp towards heauen, or right downe towards the center of the worlde, now I demaund of you whence it commeth that a pellet ſhotte out of a peece at a marke within point blanke,Whē the leuel ſight at the mouth of the piece is preciſely ſo high as the leuell ſight at the taile of the peece, and he which will ſhoote at any marke ſeeth with his eie the ſame marke by the vppermoſt parts of the ſaid ſights, thē the pellet will alwaies ſtrike ſōwhat vnder that marke. doth ſtrike ſomtimes in the very middeſt of the marke, and ſomtimes vnder the marke, and ſometimes aboue the marke?

Nich.

All this commeth to paſſe by reaſon of the leuell ſights that are vpon the peece. For if the leuel ſight at the mouth of the peece be preciſely ſo high as the leuel ſight at the taile of the peece, that is to ſay if the one and the other leuell ſight be equally diſtant from the loeſt part of the concauitie in that peece, and he which will ſhoote at any marke ſeeth with his eye preciſely the ſame marke, by the extreames or the vppermoſt parts of the ſaid two leuell ſights, alwaies in ſuch a caſe the pellet will ſtrike ſomewhat vnder that marke, and the more farther that the marke is from the peece, the more vnder the marke ſhal the bloe be, and contrariwiſe by how much the marke is more nearer to the peece, by ſo much the bloe will be leſſe vnder that marke. the ſelfeſame thing and with greater difference will follow when the leuell ſight vpon the taile of the peece is more loer or ſhorter thā the leuel ſight at the mouth of the peece, I ſay more loer in reſpect of the loeſt part or ground of the concauitie in the peece.

Prior.

I do not vnderſtād you herein.

Nic.

That you may the better vnderſtand me I wil ſet downe the figure of a peece of Artillery with 2 leuel ſights marked with theſe letters C & D the which two leuell ſights in this ſuppoſition are ſuppoſed to be of equall height, that is to ſay, theextreames or tops of the ſaid leuell ſights C and D are equally diſtant from the loeſt part or grounde of the concauitie in the Peece,When it is ſaid that the leuell ſights are of an equall height, you muſt vnderſtand therby that the extreames or toppes of the ſaid leuel ſights, are equally diſtant from the loeſt part or ground of the concauitie in the Peece, for the height of the leuell ſights muſt alwaies be meaſured from the loeſt part or ground of the concauitie in the Canon of the peece. and the point E agreeing in a right line with thoſe two leuel ſights, is the marke at point blanke which wee haue choſen to ſhoote at. Nowe I ſay that of neceſsitie in this caſe the pellet will alwayes ſtrike ſomewhat more vnder that mark, be the marke as farre or as neere to the Peece as you will, becauſe our viſual line (which the line C D E doth repreſent) proceedeth alwayes or extendeth it ſelf in an equall diſtance from the concauitie of the Peece, or rather frō the line which is produced in a right length according to the order of the concauitie in the Peece, or frō the center of that concauitie, which in this caſe we will ſuppoſe to be the line F G, and therefore the point G muſt of neceſsitie be more loer than the point E by ſo much as the center of the concauitie in the canon of the Peece is loer than the point D. And hereby it may appeare, that if the pellet ſhould flie in a perfect right line, it would ſtrike in this caſe vnder the mark, that is to ſay, in the point G. And for that it hath bin proued that in ſuch like ſhootes the pellet neuer flieth in a perfect right line, but alwayes in an oblique or croked line,When the leuell ſights vpon a Peece are of an equall height and he which ſhootes doth take his marke by the toppes of thoſe leuell ſightes, then by how much more farther the ſaid marke is from the Peece, by ſo muche the pellet will ſtrike more vnder the marke. it foloweth of neceſsitie that the ſame pellet wil ſtrike vnder the point G, as if it ſhould be ſaid in the point I. And therefore euery one that is but of a meane capacitie without any other demonſtration wil graunt in this caſe that by how much the ſaid mark E is more farther from the Peece, that by ſo much the point I will be the more loer, becauſe the oblique or croked way of the pellet continually declineth or crooketh towards the ground, which is that which was firſt propoſed.

diagram of the firing of a piece of artillery

The ſecond propoſition is,When the leuel ſight which is ſet vpon the mouth of the Peece is more higher than the leuel ſight which is ſet vpon the taile of the Peece, and he which ſhootes doth ſee his marke by the toppes of thoſe leuell ſights, the pellet will ſtrike more vnder that marke than it would haue done if both the leuel ſights had been of an equall height. if the leuell ſight which is ſet vpon the mouth of the Peece be more higher than the leuell ſight which is ſet vppon the taile or breech of the Peece, that likewiſe the pellet will alwaies ſtrike vnder the marke at which you ſhoote, and more vnder than the pellet will do which is ſhot out of a Peece hauing his leuell ſightes of equall height. This thing without any other demonſtration is manifeſt, and may be ſenſibly perceiued by the figure next following: therefore I will ſpeake no more thereof, but that by theſe two examples, although they are made of ſhoots at point blank, we muſt vnderſtand that the verie ſame will follow in ſhootes made after any other ſort.

diagram of the firing of a piece of artillery
Prior.

I do well vnderſtand both your examples, but let vs now come to the other part of our former talke, that is to ſay, from whence commeth it that the pellet doth ſtrike ſometimes in the very middeſt of the marke, and ſometimes vnder the marke?

Nicholas.

That is by reaſon of the condition and qualitie of the ſtroke, which happeneth when the two leuell ſights are of equall height: and alſo when the leuel ſight at the mouth of the Peece is more higher than the leuell ſight vppon the breech of the Peece: that is to ſay, in the one & in the other of them, the pellet hits alwaies of neceſsitie vnder the marke. Now reſteth only that I ſhould declare the condition and quallitie of the ſtroke that may happen when the leuel ſight at the mouth of the Peece is ſomewhat ſhorter than the leuelſight which is on the taile of the Peece,

The loneſſe or ſhortnes of the leuel ſights vpon a Peece, muſt alwaies bee meaſured as the height of the ſame ought to bee meaſured that is to ſay, from the vndermoſt part or ground of the concauitie in the canon of that Peece.

When our viſuall line in ſeeing our mark doth cut the line in which the pellet ſheth, then the leuell ſight at the mouth of the Peece is more ſhorter than it ſhoulde bee.

When our viſuall line in ſeeing our marke doth not cut nor touch the line in which the pellet ſheth, then the leuell ſight at the mouth of the Peece is not ſo ſhort as it ſhould be.

and this loneſſe or ſhortneſſe ought alwayes to be meaſured (as before hath been declared) from the vndermoſt part or ground of the concauitie in the canon of that Peece. Therefore I ſay that when the leuell ſight at the mouth of the Peece ſhall be ſomewhat more ſhorter than the leuell ſight which is on the breeche of the Peece, it may chaunce that ſometimes the pellet will ſtrike in the middle of the marke, and ſometimes aboue the marke, and ſometimes vnder the marke at which you ſhoote.

Prior.

By what reaſon can it do ſo?

Nicholas.

By this reaſon. When the leuell ſight at the mouth of the Peece is ſhorter than the leuel ſight which is on the breech of the Peece, then alwayies by the fift petition of Euclide our viſuall line doth of neceſsitie meet with the right line which proceedeth ſtraight foorth according to the vndermoſt part of the concauitie in the Peece, and for that the way in which the pellet flieth for a good ſpace togeather is neare vnto it or not farre from it, although it bee not ſtraight nor goeth in truth by the ſaide line which proceedeth ſtraight foorth according to the vndermoſt part of the concauitie in the canon of that Peece. And therefore that interſection may be in ſuch a place where the ſame viſuall line will alſo cut the line or way in which the pellet flieth. And this commeth to paſſe when the leuell ſight at the mouth of the Peece is more ſhorter than it ſhould be in reſpect of the leuell ſight which is on the breeche of the Peece. And that interſection may be alſo in ſuch a place wher the ſaid viſual line wil not cut nor touch the ſaid line or way in which the pellet flieth. And this hapneth whē the leuel ſight at the mouth of the Peece is not ſufficiētly enough more ſhorter than the leuel ſight which is on the breech of the Peece. Alſo that interſection may bee in ſuch a place where the viſual line wil touch the line or way in which the pellet flieth,When our viſual line in ſeeing the marke doth touch or cut the line in which the pellet flieth, and the marke at which wee ſhoote is in the ſaid touch point, or in the ſaid point of interſection, then the leuel ſight at the mouth of the Peece hath his due length and conuenient ſhortneſſe, and the pellet will ſtrike in the middeſt of the marke. But when the ſaide marke ſhall be within that touch point or point of interſection, then the pellet will hit ſomewhat vnder that marke, and when the ſaid marke ſhal be without that touch point or point of interſectiō, the the pellet wil hit aboue the ſaid mark. & this happeneth when the leuel ſight at the mouth of the peece hath his due and conuenient ſhortneſſe in reſpect of the leuel ſight which is on the breech of the Peece, and then if by chaunce our viſual line ſhall cut the ſaid line or way of the pellet, and by chaunce the marke vnto which the leuel is giuen, ſhall be preciſely in the point of that interſection, without doubt the pellet will ſtrike preciſely in the midſt of that marke: but if by chaunce the ſaid marke ſhall be within that interſection, that is to ſay, more towardes the peece, then the pellet wil alwaies hit ſomwhat vnder the mark I meane vnder the midſt of it, and by how much the more remote or farther of the ſame mark ſhalbe from that interſection, that is to ſay, more towards the Peece, by ſo much the pellet will hit more vnder the middle part of that mark. But if by chaunce the ſame mark ſhalbe ſomwhat without that interſectiō, that is to ſay, ſomewhat more higher thā that interſectiō, then the pellet wil hit aboue the marke, & for a certaine ſpace by how much the more remote or farther of the ſame marke ſhalbe frō that interſection, by ſo much the pellet wil hit more aboue the marke.

Pri,

In this matter I do not wel vnderſtand you.

Nich.

Let vs ſuppoſe by the figure folowing,Example. that a Peece of Artillery hath vpon it 2 leuell ſights marked with theſe letters C and D, & that D the leuel ſight, is ſhorter thā the leuel ſight C, & that F G is the line which proceedeth ſtraight foorth according to the order of the vndermoſt part or ground of the concauitie in the Peece, & that H I is the line or way in which the pellet flieth, & that our viſual line proceeding ſtraight foorth by the tops or vppermoſt points of the two leuel ſights C and D, doth of neceſsity (as hath bin before ſaid) cut the line FG, and therefore let vs ſuppoſe that our ſaid viſual line doth alſo cut the ſaid line H I in the point K as it doth in the figure folowing. Now I ſay that if the marke to which the leuel is giuen, be preciſely in the point K, the pellet will ſtrike preciſely in the middle of that mark. And if by chaūce the ſaid marke be within that interſection, that is to ſay, towards the Peece, as if I ſhould ſay in the point M, the pellet will alwaies ſtrike ſomewhat vnder the midſt of that mark, becauſe in al that ſpace the pellet rangeth alwaies vnder our viſual line. And by how much the ſaid mark is more remote or farther frō the point K, that is to ſay,Note. by how much more nearer M is to the peece, by ſo much the pellet wil ſtrikemore loer: neuertheles ſuch loneſſe in ſuch a caſe can neuer be equal to the difference that is betweene the extreame or vppermoſt part of the leuell ſight which is vppon the mouth of the peece, I meane betweene the point D and the center of the ſaid concauitie or holloneſſe in the peece: the which difference is about one halfe part of the thickneſſe of the peece in the breech: and therefore when the marke to which the leuell is giuen, lieth betweene the Peece and that interſection, the Gunner is ſubiect to a ſmall error by reaſon of the leuel ſights. But when ſuch a marke is ſomewhat without that interſectiō, as if I ſhould ſay in the point L, the pellet will ſtrike aboue the marke, becauſe for a long way or ſpace the pellet flieth aboue the viſuall line. And therefore by how much the ſaide marke is more farther from the point K, by ſo much the ſtroke of the pellet in a long way will hit the more higher.When a pellet in his range ſhal cut our viſual line & aſcend aboue the ſame line, then of neceſſitie the ſame pellet in his deſcēding will cut the ſaid line againe. When our viſual line doth cut the line of the pellet, then of neceſsitie it muſt cut the ſame in two places, & the firſt of thoſe two places can not bee very far from the peece, but the other place of interſection muſt of neceſsitie be very far from the peece, I meane in the end of the pellets violent range. And it is true that the pellet going farre in his croked or naturall way, returneth to cut againe our viſual line, becauſe our viſual line C D K L doth infinitely proceede ſtraight foorth, and the pellet doth not infinitely proceed in the way H K I, but in time beginneth to decreaſe and encline towards the center of the worlde, and finally finding no reſiſtance directeth it ſelfe in his naturall way towards the ſaid center of the worlde, and ſo by going farre it doth of neceſsitie returne to cut againe our viſuall line in his way: and therefore if the ſaid marke be very farre of, that is to ſay, ſo much beyond the firſt interſection made in the point K, as that by chaunce it is alſo preciſely in the other ſecond interſection, without doubt in that place which is ſo farre of, the pellet will ſtrike preciſely in the middeſt of the marke, for that at all times when our viſuall line doth cut the way of the pellet, it is neceſſary that it doe cut it in two places, the one of which, that is to ſay, the firſt, can not be very farre from the Peece: but the other, that is to ſay, the ſecond interſection muſt of neceſsitie be very farre from the Peece, I meane that it muſt be in the ende of the violent randge of the pellet: and ſometimes that may bee in his naturall mouing or way, and therefore in this caſe when the marke at which the leuel is giuen is in any of the ſaid two places or interſections, the pellet will neceſſarily ſtrike in the very middle of the marke.

diagram of the firing of a piece of artillery

Prior.

This is a very good ſpeculation and it doth much delight me, howbeit I doe not well vnderſtande this laſt particularitie which you haue tolde mee, that is to ſay, that you may ſhoote and giue leuell vnto two markes ſet in two diuers places, therefore giue mee an example thereof if it be poſsible by a figure, for it ſeemeth to me a thing impoſsible to be done.

Nicho.

In the figure following for example ſake,How a Gūnar may at one ſhoot with one pellet ſtrike 2 diuers markes in two ſeuerall places. a Peece of Artillery is drawne with two leuel ſights noted with the letters C and D according as it hath been propoſed, that is to ſay, the leuel ſight D is ſo much ſhorter than the leuel ſight C, as that therby our viſuall line will cut the way in which the pellet flieth. And let all the line H I K L M repreſent the whole way in which the pellet finding no reſiſtance hath or ſhall violently randge. And let the line M N bee a part of the naturall range which the pellet hath or ſhal make. Nowe I ſay that if our viſuall line proceeding foorth right infinitely by the extreames or toppes of the two leuel ſights C and D, ſhall cut the ſayd way of the pellet H I K L M N, it muſt needes bee by the reaſons before alledged, that the ſame our viſual line ſhal cut the ſaid line or way of the pellet in two places: that is to ſay, once in the right or leſſe croked part H I K, and an other time in the crooked parte K L M, or in the naturall way or range M N. Then ſuppoſing that the way of the pellet doth cut our viſual line in the right part H I K in the point I, and in the crooked part in the point L, as it doth in the figure following, I conclude that if the marke vnto which the leuell is giuen bee in any of the ſayd two interſections, I meane in the point I, or inthe point L, the pellet will of neceſſitie ſtrike preciſely in the middle of that marke. But when the ſaid mark ſhalbe more without the ſaid firſt interſection: that is ſay frō the point I euē at the point K, the pellet wil ſtrike ſo much the more aboue the mark. And by how much more the ſaid mark is beyond the ſayd point K towards the point L, by ſo much the pellet will ſtrike the leſſe aboue that marke. But when the ſaide marke is ſomewhat beyonde the point L, the pellet of neceſsitie wil ſtrike vnder the marke, and when the marke ſhall be much beyond the point L, the pellet cannot flie vnto the marke as by naturall reaſon this may in my opinion bee eaſily vnderſtood.

Prior.

I perceiue that all this is true, and that this is in deede a very notable ſpeculation, howbeit in this euening I will wearie you no more, but to morrowe in the euening you ſhall tel mee the reſt of this matter.

diagram of the firing of a piece of artillery

The 8. Colloquie.

When the leuell ſight vpon the mouth of the peece is not ſo ſhort or lowe as the leuell ſight vpon the breeche of the peece, by ſo much as is conuenient for it to bee, then for that our viſuall line doth not proceede ſo loe as that it may touch the line of the pellet, the pellet will alwayes ſtrike vnder the marke: & for that in this caſe there is one place in the line of the pellet vnto which our viſuall line will come more nearer than it will doe vnto any other place in the ſame line, the pellet wil ſtrike leſſe vnder the marke, and more neerer to the marke which ſtandes in that neareſt place, than it will doe if the marke ſhall ſtand in any other place.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

Proceed in that matter of which we did talke yeſterday in the euening.

Nicho.

Yeſterday in the euening (if I doe not forget my ſelfe) we did ſpeake of all the effects or ſtrokes that may happen when through the much ſhortneſſe or lowneſſe of the leuel ſight which is before at the mouth of the Peece in reſpect of the leuell ſight which is behind on the taile of the Peece, our viſual line ſhall cut the line or way in which the pellet flieth: and in this euening I will ſpeake of all the effectes or blowes that may happen when the leuel ſight at the mouth of the Peece is not ſo ſhort or loe as the leuel ſight at the breech of the Peece by ſo much as is conuenient for it to bee, through which cauſe our viſual line doth not proceede ſo loe, as that it may touch the line or way in which the pellet flieth, therfore in ſuch a caſe the pellet will alwayes ſtrike vnder the marke, becauſe in all that ſpace the pellet flieth vnder our viſuall line. But it is true that in the ſaid line of the pellets way, there is one certaine place at which our viſual line doth come more nearer to the ſaid way than in any other place, and therefore if by chaunce the mark vnto which the leuel is giuen ſhal happen to be ſet in that place although the pellet wil ſtrike there vnder that mark, yet this notwithſtanding the pellet wil ſtrike at that place more nearer vnto the mark than in any other place.Example. As for exāple in the figure of a peece of artillery here vnder drawne, let the two leuel ſights of that Peece be noted with theſe letters C and D, and let the line or way of the pellet be noted with theſe letters H I K, and let the leuel ſight on the mouth of the peecenoted with the letter D, bee ſomewhat more ſhorter than the leuell ſight on the breeche noted with this letter C, but in ſo ſmal a quantitie that the viſual line which ſhal go by the extreamees or toppes of thoſe leuel ſights in the line C D M L, do not touch the ſaid line or way of the pellet H I K. And let the point M be that place of the viſual line, which commeth moſt neereſt to the ſaid way or line of the pellet. Now I ſay if the marke vnto which the leuell is giuen happeneth to bee in the point M, the pellet will ſtrike vnder that marke, I meane it will ſtrike in the point N. But it wil ſtrike at that place N more neerer to that marke than in any other place, therefore if that marke were more without from the point M, as if I ſhould ſay in the point L, or within, betweene the Peece and that point M, as if I ſhoulde ſay in the point O, the pellet woulde alwayes ſtrike more vnder the marke. But it is true that it is more ſubiect to error without, than within that point M, as it appeareth to be by the figure folowing.

Prior.

You haue ſaid enough. For I do well vnderſtand you in this matter.

diagram of the firing of a piece of artillery

The 9. Colloquie.

When the leuell ſight which is vpon the mouth of the peece ſhalbe by ſo much loer or ſhorter than the leuell ſight which is vpon the breech of the ſaide peece, as that our viſuall line paſsing by the extreames or toppes of thoſe leuell ſights in taking the leuell of things doth only touch and not cut the way of the pellet, then the diſtance from the mouth of that peece to the ſaide contingent or touche point is ſo much grounde as that peece can caſt leuel: and then if the marke vnto which the leuell is giuen ſhalbe in that contingent or touch point, the pellet will ſtrike preciſely in the middeſt of that marke. And when the marke ſhall happen to be either without or within that touch point, the pellet will ſtrike vnder the marke, but more vnder when the marke is without the ſaid touch point than it will do when the marke is within the ſame touch point.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

Now go forward in the laſt part of the propoſed matter, that is to ſay, whē the leuel ſight at the mouth of the Peece ſhall haue his due & conuenient ſhortnes in reſpect of the leuel ſight which is on the breech of the Peece.

Nicho.

When the leuel ſight at the mouth of the peece ſhalbe by ſo much loer or ſhorter thā the leuel ſight on the breech of that Peece, as that our viſuall line paſsing by the extreames or tops of thoſe leuel ſights in taking the leuel of things doth only touch & not cut the way of the pellet (as by the figure following it doth appeare to do in the point M) the diſtance frō the mouth of that Peece to the ſaid touch point which in the figure following ſhall bee the line H M, may with reaſon be ſaid to be ſo much ground as that Peece can caſt leuel. And then if the mark vnto which the leuel is giuen ſhal by chance be found to be in that touch point, the pellet wil ſtrike preciſely in the middle of that mark. But whē the ſaid mark ſhal happē to be without the ſame touch point, that is to ſay, without the point M, the pellet will alwaies ſtrike ſomwhat vnder that marke, I meane ſo much more vnder the middle of that mark as the ſame marke ſhalbe more remote or farther from the touch point, be it without or within that touch point. And it is true that the ſame marke being within, that is to ſay,Note. towardes the Peece, the Pellet cannot ſtrike very loe, becauſe that loneſſe can neuer be equall to the height of the leuel ſight which is vpon the breeche of the Peece, which may be about the one halfe of the thickneſſe of the peece in the breech, as hath been ſaid in the endeof the ſeuenth Colloquie, and therefore in ſuch a caſe the ſtroke is ſubiect to a ſmall error in reſpect of that which may happen when the marke is without or beyonde that touche point, as any man of a meane capacitie may conſider.

Prior.

Wherefore do you attribute vnto the diſtance which is betweene the Peece and the ſame touch point, that it is all the ground which the Peece can ſhoote leuell and doe not attribute the ſame to the diſtance betweene the Peece and the point of the interſection, in which point if the marke bee ſet, the pellet will likewiſe ſtrike in the middle of the ſaide marke euen as it doth when the marke is in the touch point, as hath been declared in the ſeuenth Colloquie?

Nicho.

Becauſe the Point of interſection hauing no determinate place, may be in very many places, according as by very many wayes the leuel ſight on the mouth of the Peece may be need.Our viſual line paſsing by the extreames of the leuel ſights may cut the line of the pellet in very manie places. But when our viſuall line paſsing by the extreames of the leuel ſights doth only touch and not cut the ſaid line of the pellet, the ſaid touch point cannot bee but in one onely place. leſſe more ſhorter than the leuell ſight on the breech of the Peece. But the touch point cannot be but in one place only, the which place is more farther from the mouth of the Peece than any other place whatſoeuer, where our viſuall line may meete with the line of way in which the pellet flieth. Then that being a more longer or farther concourſe and leſſe variable than any of the other concourſes which doe cut the ſame, I thinke for this reaſon that ſuch a dignitie ought more worthily to bee giuen to that touch point than to any of the points of interſection.

Prior.

Your ſayings do agree with reaſon, and this matter with the other two matters which haue been ſpoken of before, are three good leſſons.

diagram of the firing of a piece of artillery

The 10. Colloquie.

When one or both of the leuell ſights ſhall not be preciſely ſet in the very middeſt of the vppermoſt part or outſide of the peece, then that peece will alwaies ſhoote his pellet wide of the marke vnto which the leuel was giuen by thoſe ſights. Alſo when the concauitie or hollowneſſe of a peece is not bored or caſt right in the middeſt of the mettall, then that peece will ſhoote his pellet wide of the marke vnto which the leuel ſhalbe giuen. And how the middle part of the concauitie in a peece may be iuſtly knowne: and how the leuel ſights may be rightly placed vpon the outſide and vppermoſt part of a peece right ouer the middle point of the concauitie in the peece.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

You haue heeretofore made mee to vnderſtande the cauſe why a pellet ſhot at a marke vnto which leuell is giuen, doth ſometimes ſtrike in the middeſt of that marke, and ſometimes aboue that marke, and ſometimes vnder that marke: nowe I woulde knowe why the pellet doth ſometimes ſtrike muche wide of the marke vnto which the leuel is giuen?

Nicho.

This may happen by two cauſes, the one of them is by reaſon of the leuell ſights, for when one of thoſe ſightes or both of them ſhall not be preciſely ſet in the middeſt of the vppermoſt part or outſide of the Peece,Note. that Peece is forced thereby to driue his pellet wide of the marke. For if the leuell ſight on the breech of the Peece ſhall be ſet without the ſame point of the middeſt, as for example towards our right hand, the ſame Peece alſo will driue his pellet wide vpon the ſame right ſide of the marke vnto which the leuell was giuen.Note. And if the leuell ſight on the breech of the Peece ſhall be ſet without the ſame point of the middeſt, and towardes our left hande, the ſame Peece vvill alſo ſtrike vvide from the marke tovvardes the ſame left ſide.

Prior.

It ſeemeth to mee that this ſhould be contrary to that vvhich you haue ſaid, I meane if the leuell ſight on thebreech of the Peece be ſet vvithout the point of the middeſt, and tovvards the right ſide, that the peece will ſhoote his pellet wide of the marke towardes the left ſide.

Nicho.

It is not ſo my Lorde, but it is as I haue told you, and to the ende that this may bee proued to be true by reaſon. I doe ſuppoſe for example ſake that the peece in the figure folowing hath on his breech a leuell ſight noted with this letter C ſet ſomewhat without the point of the midſt & towards the right hand, and that the leuell ſight D which is at the mouth of the Peece is ſet iuſt in the point of the middeſt, and that the point E is the marke vnto which the leuel is giuen by the ſaid two leuell ſights, the which point E muſt needes bee wide, & towardes the left ſide from the line F G, which is ſuppoſed to be the way of the pellet, as it doth appeare to bee in the figure following. Then this point or marke E being vpon the left ſide wide of the pellets way, it followeth that the way of the pellet lieth wide from the ſame marke, and towardes the right ſide thereof as by the figure following which is made for an example you may perceaue. And ſuch effect would much more ſolowe if D the leuell ſight on the mouth of the Peece were alſo without the ſame pointe of the middeſt towardes the other ſide, that is to ſay, towardes the left ſide.

diagram of the firing of a piece of artillery

The ſecond cauſe of ſuch effect or inconuenience may come through the concauitie of the peece which often times is not bored or caſt right in the middeſt of the mettall. I meane that the ſame concauitie or hole is not in the verie middeſt of the mettall, but makes one ſide of the peece to be more thinner or thicker than the other ſide, ſo that although the two leuell ſightes be well ſet and perfectly placed in the verie middell pointes vpon the vppermoſt part of the mettal, yet that peece muſt needs ſhoot wide, for notwithſtanding the leuell ſightes are placed in the verie middle points vpon the vppermoſt parte of the mettall yet they doe not ſtande right ouer the middell of the concauitie of that peece, and for that cauſe ſuch a peece ſhootes wide. Wherefore to remedie this inconuenience it is neceſſarie to ſearch aduiſedly for the verie middle of the concauitie as well in the taile of the Peece, as in the mouth of the ſame, and to place the leuell ſightes ouer the middle of the ſame concauitie for to amende that fault in the Peece.

You may ſee the type of this inſtrument which is made of two long rulers or ſtaues in the 23 Colloquie of this booke.

How the leuell ſights that are to be placed vpon the outſide & vppermoſt part of a Peece, may be ſet in their due places right ouer the middle point of the concauitie in the ſame Peece.

To finde the middle of the ſame concauitie the Gunners vſe (as I haue been informed) two long Rulers or ſmall ſtaues verie right and of equall breadth, and doe put one of them right into the concauitie, and downe to the bottome of the ſame, and the other without vpon the Peece, and they ioyne one part of that Ruler which is aboue the Peece to the Ruler that goeth into the mouth of the Peece in that part thereof which is without the mouth of the ſame, and ſo where they finde the very middle of the concauitie to bee, there right ouer the ſame vpon the outſide and vppermoſt part of the Peece they doe place in the taile of the Peece, and at the mouth of the Peece the two leuell ſightes. And this being a way ſpeedy enough and of ſmal cunning, it is not to be miſliked although it may be otherwiſe done.

Prior.

May not a way be deuiſed to ſet thoſe leuell ſightes in their due places without the helpe of thoſe Rulers, only by diſcharging the Peece oftentimes together?

Nicho.

It may be ſo done: That is to ſay, if the Peece ſhall ſtrike wide vpon the right ſide of the marke, moue the leuell ſight which is on the taile of the Peece ſomewhat towards the left part, and if the Peece ſhall happen to ſtrike wide towards the left ſide of the marke, moue the ſame leuell ſight which is on the taile of the peece ſomwhat towards the right ſide, and goe on in ſo doing till the perfect place where that leuell ſight muſt ſtand is found, and then make a durable marke in that place (if the leuell ſight be a moueable thing) ſo that at an other time you may haue no cauſe to ſeeke for that place againe.

Prior.

I doe vnderſtand you well and am ſatiſfied for this euening.

The 11. Colloquie.

Howe there is a proportioned length for euery peece of Artillerie: and howe when any kinde of peece is made more longer or more ſhorter than his proportioned length, it will ſhoote alwaies leſſe grounde. And howe this is no generall rule, that by howe much the Canon of a peece is more longer, by ſo muche it ſhootes the farther: and how it is a manifeſt error and a very vnprofitable thing to make very long Culuerings: and how a Culuering doth ſhoote further than a Cannon: and howe a Cannon may bee made to ſhoote farther than a Culuering: and howe much the mettall of euery peece ſhoulde weigh: and how long each peece ought to bee: and how much each pellet which is ſhotte out of thoſe peeces doth weigh: and howe many Horſes or Oxen muſt bee prouided to drawe each kinde of peece.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. Seruant. PRior.

What is the cauſe that by howe much the Canon of a Peece of Artillerie is more longer, by ſo much it ſhootes the farther?

Nicholas.

This propoſition is not generall, I meane that by how much the Canon of a Peece is more longer, by ſo much it ſhootes the farther.

Note

You may know the proportioned length of eury great Pece of Artillerie by reading the 39 chapter of myne Appendix.

Note.

But this is to be beleeued, and to be for a truth affirmed, that to euery kinde of peece there is one certaine and determinate length ſo duely proportioned for the powder and pellet which ſuch a Peece doth carrie, that if a Peece be in any maner of way out of that proportion, it will ſhoote thereby a leſſe ground. And therefore that you may haue perfect knowledge of the proportionate length for all maner of Peeces, I ſay, that it will not be a commendable thing to make the Canons of Peeces long and ſhort, but vpon neceſſitie: for euermore when any kinde of Peece is made more longer or more ſhorter than that his proportioned length, it will ſhoote alwayes leſſe ground: I meane when it is diſcharged with one and the ſame quantitie of powder.

Prior.

I thinke you ſay true, for I ſee that ordinarily there is allowed for the due charge of euery Canon & of euery other ſhort Peece ſo much powder as doth way two third partes of the pellets waight, and that there is commonly alowed to euery Culuering which is a Peece that hath a more longer Canon, ſo much powder as wayeth ⅘ partes of the pellets waight: and I thinke that the Gunners doe ſo, becauſe if they ſhould charge a Culuering with no more powder than with ſo much as wayeth ⅔ partes of the pellets waight (as they doe a Cannon) perchaunce the Culuering would not ſhoote ſo much ground as the Cannon will doe.

Nicho.

I knewe not ſo much before, and for that it is ſo as you ſay, I am glad that I doe knowe it.

Prior.

There is no Gunner ſo vnſkilfull but doth know that this is true which I haue tolde you.

Nicholas.

I thinke that this being a truth ought to bee knowne to euery Gunner: but I maruaile much for what purpoſe Princes doe cauſe ſuch Peeces to bee caſt with a fault ſo manifeſt, and will not through the coſt and hurt which commeth thereby redreſſe the ſame.

Prior.

As a Culuering is charged with a more quantitie of powder than a Cannon, ſo it will ſhoote farther than a Cannon.

Nicholas.

Hath your Lordſhippe had any experience thereof?

Prior.

No: and yet I beleeue that this is true which I haue tolde you, for all Gunners generally are of that opininion, and it cannot bee otherwiſe, for the hollowe Cylinder of the Culuering being more longer than the hollowe Cylinder of the Cannon, and charged with a more quantitie of powder than the Cannon, it muſte needes bee that the Culueringe will ſhoote farther than the Cannon. And the coſt thereof is not ſo great as you thinke it to bee. for a Canon whoſe Pellet waygheth twentie pounde waight, is commonly charged with thirteene poundes and foure ounces of powder, and the Culuering whoſe pellet waigheth twentie poundewaight is commonly charged with ſixteene pound waight of powder, which is but two pound and eight ounces more of powder than is due for the charge of a Canon, ſo that the coſt of two pound and eight ounces of powder (which is the exceſſe) is but a trifle.

Nicho.

I will not affirme that the Culuering ſhall ſhoote more or leſſe grounde than the Canon, for this matter is not very plaine vnto me hauing no perfect knowledge of his proportioned length, as before I haue ſaid, but this is true,A Culuering being charged with no more powder than with the due charge of a Canon wil not ſhoot ſo much ground as a Canon wil do. that the Culuering charged with no more powder than with the due charge of a Canon, wil not ſhoote ſo much ground as a Canon wil do. And I am certaine that he which wil ſhoot with a Culuering ſo much ground as he may doe with a Canon, muſt needes put into that Culuering more powder than is vſed to be put into a Canon. And he ſhall haue need of ſo much more powder as the difference betweene the two ſhootes made with an equall or like quantitie of powder ſhalbe more greater. And therefore I conclude that when a Culuering whoſe pellet waigheth twentie pounde waight, is diſcharged with no more powder than is the ordinarie charge of a Canon, it may bee eaſily perceaued that the ſame quantitie of powder is not ſufficient to make the Culuering ſhoote ſo much grounde as a Canon will doe which is charged and diſcharged with the like quantitie of the ſame powder.Note. But it may be that they which did firſt appoint for the charge of the Culuering ſo much powder as waigheth ⅘ partes of his pellets waight, haue perchance vpon their experience ſet downe that proportion to make the Culuering ſhoote ſo much grounde and perhaps more than the Canon can doe. But this thing may not be graunted nor denied before proofe hath beene made thereof: neuertheleſſe be it as you will, if the ſayd Culuering charged with the ſame quantitie of powder which chargeth a Canon, ſhooteth not ſo farre as the Canon will doe, it is a manifeſt error, and a ridiculous thing to ſay, that this error may bee redreſſed by charging the Culuering with a more quantitie of powder,Note. and that thereby the Culuering ſhall ſhoote as muche grounde or more than the Canon will doe. For that exceſſe of powder beeing put into a Canon charged before with his due charge of the ſame powder, will cauſe that Canon to ſhoote perchaunce more grounde than the ſaide Culuering can doe. Concerning the more charges or expences which your Lordſhip ſaith is but a trifle, I ſay that the ſame is much more than your Lordſhip doth ſuppoſe it to be: for if I be not deceiued, the Culuerings beeing made more longer than the Canons, muſt alſo by reaſon bee made more thicker of mettall. This being ſo, there is more mettall put in a Culuering than in a Canon, and conſequently a Culuering is much more heauier than a Canon, and being more heauier muſt alſo be drawne with a more number of Oxen or Horſes than a Canon muſt haue, and there muſt bee alſo a more number of men to gouerne thoſe Oxen or Horſes, and a more quantitie of victuale prouided aſwell for the cattaile as for the men which do gouerne thē, beſides the wages which the Prince or Comminaltie that ſendeth foorth thoſe men by the commaundement of the Prince, doe ordinarily pay vnto them. And ſo beholde what may followe in the end through this ſmall error committed by the Prince. But if the error bee ſo much in one Culuering, whoſe pellet waigheth twentie pounde, you ſhall finde it much more greater in that Culuering whoſe pellet waigheth 30, 40, 50, or 60 pounde waight, as I haue learned of a Gunner who hath had experience thereof.

Prior.

Without doubt there is more mettall in a Culuering than is in a Canon, and conſequently a Culuering muſt be drawne with more Oxen or Horſes than a Canon. And of this matter I haue a note in my memoriall howe much mettall is in euery one Peece, & of what length each peece ought to be,Note. & how many oxen or horſes muſt be prouided to draw each Peece.

Nicho.

I beſeech you my Lord giue me a coppie therof, for it may be that in time to come the ſame will pleaſure me.

Prior.

With a good will. Seruant bring hither vnto me my memoriall which is my cheſt.

Seruant.

Here it is my Lord.

Prior.

Now write as I ſhall tell you.

A Faulconet whoſe pellet of leade weigheth 3 pounde waight is 5 foote, and ½ foote long,The length and waight of great Peeces made in theſe daies do differ much from the length and weight of peeces made in time paſt as it doth appeare in the 39 chapter of my Appendix. and commonly containeth 400 pounde waight of mettall, and muſt be drawne with two horſes.

A faulcon whoſe pellet waigheth 6. pound waight being 7 foote long containeth 890 pound waight of mettall, and muſt be drawne with foure horſes.

A Peece called in Italy Aſpidi, whoſe pellet wayeth twelue pounde waight, being fiue foote and ½ foote long, containeth 1300 pound waight of mettall, and muſt be drawne with ſixe horſes.

A Saker, whoſe pellet wayeth 12 pounde waight, being 8 foote long, containeth 1400 pound waight of mettall, and muſt be drawne with eight horſes.

A Saker, whoſe pellet wayeth 12 pound waight, being 9 foote long, containeth 2150 pound waight of mettall, and muſt be drawne with ten horſes.

A Saker, whoſe pellet wayeth ten pound waight, being 8 foote long, containeth 1300 pound waight of mettal, and muſt be drawne with ſixe horſes.

A Culuering whoſe pellet of yron wayeth ſixteene pound waight, being 7 foote and ½ foote long, containeth 1750 pound waight of mettall, and muſt be drawne with eight or ten horſes.

A Peece called in Italie Paſſauolante, whoſe pellet wayeth 16 pounde waight, beeing 12 foote long, containeth 2740 pound waight of mettall, and muſt be drawne with fiue yoke of Oxen.

A Culuering whoſe pellet wayeth 14 pounde waight, being eight foote and ½ foote long, containeth 2233 pound waight of mettall, and muſt bee drawne with fiue yoke of Oxen.

A Culuering whoſe pellet wayeth 20 pound waight, being ten foote long, containeth 4300 pound waight of mettall, and muſt be drawne with 7 yoke of Oxen.

A Canon whoſe pellet wayeth 20 pound waight, being 7 foote long, containeth 2200 pound waight of mettall and muſt be drawne with fiue yoke of Oxen.

A Canon whoſe pellet wayeth 20 pound waight, being 8 foote long, containeth 2500 pound waight of mettall, and muſt be drawne with fiue or ſixe yoke of Oxen.

A Culuering whoſe pellet wayeth 30 pound waight, being _… foote long, containeth _… pounde waight of mettall, and muſt be drawne with 8 yoke of Oxen.

A Canon whoſe pellet wayeth 30 pounde waight, being _… foote long, containeth _… pound waight of mettall, and muſt be drawne with 6 yoke of Oxen.

A Culuering whoſe pellet wayeth 50 pounde waight, being 10 foote and ½ foote long, containeth 5387 pound waight of mettall, and muſt bee drawne with 12 yoke of Oxen.

A Culuering whoſe pellet wayeth 50 pound waight, being 12 foote long, containeth 6600 pound waight of mettall, and muſt be drawne with 14 yoke of oxen.

A Canon whoſe pellet wayeth 50 pound waight, being 8 foote and ½ foote long, containeth 4000 pound waight of mettall, and muſt be drawne with 9 yoke of oxen.

A Canon whoſe pellet wayeth one hundred pound waight being nine foote and ½ foote long containeth 8800 pounde waight of mettall, and muſt bee drawne with 18 yoke of oxen.

A Canon whoſe pellet wayeth 120 pounde waight, beeing 10 foote long containeth 12459 pound waight of mettall, and muſt be drawne with 25 yoke of Oxen.

A Culuering whoſe pellet wayeth 120 pound waight, being 15 foote long, containeth 13000 pound waight of mettall, and muſt be drawne vvith 28 yoke of oxen,

Nich.

Your Lordſhip may here make an end, for one halfe of that vvhich I haue noted vvoulde haue been enough.

Prior.

I muſt tell you alſo of ſixe other notes, & aftervvards you ſhall make an end of your vvriting: I meane that there are alſo

Gunnes of vvhich each pellet being of ſtone doth vveigh 250 pound vvaight, and euery of the ſaide Gunnes is 10 foote and ½ foote long and containeth 8900 pound vvaight of mettall, and muſt be dravvne vvith 18 or 19 yoke of Oxen.

There are alſo Gunnes of vvhich each pellet vvayeth 150 pounde vvaight, and euery of the ſaid Gunnes are 10 foote long, and containe 6160 pounde vvaight of mettall, and muſt be dravvne vvith 12 yoke of oxen.

There are alſo Gunnes of vvhich each pellet vvayeth 100 pound vvaight, and euery of the ſame Gunnes being 10 foote long, do containe 5500 pound vvaight of mettall, and muſt be dravvne vvith 11 yoke of Oxen,

There are alſo Gunnes of which each pellet wayeth one hundred pounde waight, andeuery of the ſame Gunnes being only eight foote, and ½ foote long, containeth 4500. pounde waight of mettall, and muſt bee drawne with nine yoke of Oxen.

Alſo there are Gunnes called in Italy Cortaldi, of which each pellet wayeth 45 pounde waight, and euery of the ſaid Gunnes being ſeuen foote long, containeth 2740 pounde waight of mettall, and muſt be drawne with fiue yoke of oxen.

There is an other ſort of ſuch peeces called in Italie Cortaldi, of which each pellet wayeth thirtie pound waight, and euery of the ſaide Gunnes being ſeuen foote and ½ foote long, containeth 1600 pounde waight of mettall, and muſt be drawne with three yoke of oxen.

And ſo heare I wil make an end.

Nicholas.

Doth that pounde waight which I haue noted containe twelue ounces or ſixteene ounces?The pounde waight which doth containe 12 ounces, is called the ſubtile waight of Venice, and the pound waight which doth containe 16 ounces, is called the groſſe waight of Venice, and 350 pounds of the groſſe waight of Venice doe make 550 poundes of the ſubtile waight of Venice, as Bartholomeo di Paſ. da Vinetia, hath written in his booke intituled, Tariffa de i peſi e miſure and are the feete which I haue noted according to the meaſure of Venice? Or are they longer or ſhorter then the ſaide meaſure of Venice?

Prior.

I thinke that each of thoſe pounds doth containe but 12 ounces, and for anſwere to your queſtion of feete I know not what to ſay, for this note was deliuered to mee in Barletta, and it may bee that the feete before mentioned are according to the meaſure of feete in that place which (as I thinke) doth not differ from the meaſure of feete in Venice.

Nicho.

Nowe it is no matter whether or no I doe learne that meaſure ſo exactly, for it ſufficeth that I doe knowe that a Canon whoſe pellet waieth fiftie pound waight being eight foote and ½ foote long, doth containe 4000 pounde waight of mettall, and that the Culuering whoſe pellet wayeth 50. pounds waight, and is one of that ſort, which is twelue foote long, and containeth 6600 poundes waight of mettall, hath in it 2600 poundes waight of mettall more than is in a Canon and that this Culuering muſt bee drawne with fiue yoke of oxen more than the Canon hath neede of,Note and that the ſame fiue yoke of oxen (as I thinke) muſt haue fiue men to gouerne them, whereby you may perceiue to how much charge this wil amount in continuance of time and how much the exceſſe of powder which is ſpent at euery ſhoote is worth.

Prior.

The charge is great in one Culuering, and doth much exceede in many, and truely if I were in health, I would ſee a proofe hereof, for it is a matter of great importance.

The firſt Corollarie.

IN the precedent Colloquie there is mention made of the waight and length of peeces according to the ſubtile waight of poundes and meaſure of common feete in Ʋenice, which doth not agree with the poundes of auer de poize waight, nor with the meaſure of feete of aſsiſe in England: therefore I haue reduced that ſubtile waight and meaſure of cō mon feete in Venice, into the auer de poize waight,The contents of the Table next folowing. and meaſure of feet and ynches of aſsiſe in England, & for the benefite of my Readers do ſet foorth in a Table following the names of the aforeſaid peeces, the length of the ſaid peeces according to the meaſure of common feete in Venice, and according to the meaſure of feete and inches of aſsiſe in England, the waight of the ſaid peeces, and of their pellets, according to the ſubtile waight of Venice, & according to the auer de poize waight of England, & alſo the nūber of horſes or oxen which muſt be prouided to draw euery of thoſe or ſuch like Peeces.Inſtructiōs by which the Reader may eaſily vnderſtand the Table next following. This Table is of it ſelfe eaſie to be vnderſtood and needeth no other declaration than that which the titles ouer euery Columpe in the ſame doth ſhevv, this only excepted, the Reader muſt vnderſtand that (as Gaſparo Bugati hath written in his booke intituled in Italian,Howe the ſubtile wayght of Venice may bee made. Hiſtoria vniuerſale) 24 graines of Wheate doe weigh one pennie waight, 24 pence do weigh one ounce, & 12 ounces do weigh one poūd of the ſubtil waight of Venice: & the Reader muſt alſo be inſtructed that (as Bartholomeo di Paſi da Vinetia aledgeth in his booke named Tariffa de i Peſi e miſure) 550 pounds of the ſubtile waight of Venice do make 364 pounds of auer de poize waight of England, The difference betweene the ſubtile waight of Venice & the auer de poize waight of England. & that the ſaid auer de poize waight (as we may reade in Stratioticos, in Pharmacopoea Laur: Iouberti cap. de ponderibus & menſuris, and in the Ground of Artes) is thus made. Twentie grainesof Barlie way one ſcruple waight:

How the Auer de Poize waight of England may be made.

What theſe letters Y I. and M ſt doe ſignifie in the Table next folowing.

The meaſure of a common foot of Venice. The difference betwene a cō mō foot of Venice & a foote of aſsiſe of England.

The meaſure of the Arſenall foot of Venice What the letters which are ſet right againſt the Peeces named in the Table next following doe ſignifie.

3 ſcruples way one dramme waight: 8. drammes weigh one ounce waight: 16. ounces weigh one pound waight: 28. pounds weigh ¼ of an hundred waight: 56 poundes weigh ½ of an hundred waight: 84 pounds weigh ¾ of an hundred waight: & 112 pounds weigh an hūdred of auer de poize waight. Likewiſe the Reader muſt learne that where this letter Y is in any ſquare of my Table, it doth ſignifie, that the pellet of ſuch waight as is in that ſquare expreſſed, is of yron, and that the letter L in a ſquare doth ſignifie that the pellet of ſuch waight, as is in that ſquare expreſſed, is of leade, and that the letters M ſt in a ſquare do ſignifie that the pellet of ſuch waight as is in that ſquare expreſſed is of a marbell ſtone. Moreouer the Reader muſt know that the meaſure of a cōmon foote in Ʋenice (by which as I haue been informed the ſaid peeces were meaſured) doth containe in length (as Girolamo Cataneo in his booke Dell' arte militare, and Nicholas Tartaglia in the firſt booke of the third part of his general treatiſe di numeri & miſure haue depicted the ſame) one foote, one ynch, and ½ of an ynch of the aſſiſe of Englande, and that there is an other kinde of foote meaſure in Venice, called the Arſenal foote containing in length one foote, one ynch, and ⅕ of an ynch of the aſsiſe of England, which ought alſo to bee remembred to this end, that the true meaſure of the ſaid Peeces might not by any Reader bee miſtaken. And to conclude, the Reader muſt not bee ignorant, that the letters which are ſet directly againſt the Peeces named in this Table, do ſignifie that the peeces againſt which they ſtand in this Table are the very ſame Peeces againſt which the like letters are ſet in the precedent Colloquie.

The 12. Colloquie.

Hovv long the Canon or concauitie of euery Peece of Artillerie ought to bee, and hovv a mouing bodie is alvvaies let in his paſſage vvhen it doth touch an vnmoueable bodie, and hovv the paſſage of a mouing bodie is by ſo much more let, as that mouing bodie is more, and by a longer time touched vvith the vnmoueable bodie.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

Yeſterday in the euening we diſputed whether or no in all ſortes of Artillerie the cōcauitie of a Peece, which is made too long or too ſhort, doth hinder the far ſhooting of thoſe Peeces, now I would vnderſtand whether by natural reaſon wee may appoint how long the concauitie of each Peece ſhould bee, and aptly proportion the ſame for his conuenient meaſure of powder and pellet?You may know the proportioned length of euery great Peece of artillerie by reading the 39. chapter of mine Appendix.

Nich.

The length of the canon or concauitie of each Peece ought to be ſuch, as in the very ſame inſtant when all the powder is a fier, the pellet ſhould be perceaued to be iſſuyng at the very end of the Peece. That is to ſay, at the mouth of the Peece, for in that inſtant all the expulſiue vertue of the powder begins to worke on the pellet in the chiefe of his furie or force, and after that vertue explſiue hath wrought on the pellet, the ſaid pellet finding nothing to let or reſiſt his range (except the aire) will flie more farther than if the concauitie of that Peece had beene more longer, or more ſhorter. For if the concauitie of that Peece had been more ſhorter, the pellet woulde haue bin gone out of the mouth of the Peece before al the powder had bin fired, & before all the expulſiue vertue of the gunpowder had wrought vpon the pellet, & ſo a part therof would haue bin to no purpoſe. And it might eaſily haue hapened, that much of the gunpowder woulde haue gon vnburned out of the Peece together with the pellet, I meane that gunpowder which was vntouched with fier. And if the concauitie of that Peece had byn more lōger, the pellet would not haue byn preciſely at the mouth of the Peece at that inſtant when all the gunpowder was a fier,A mouing bodie is let in his paſſage, when it doth touch an vnmoueable bodie. but ſomewhat more within the concauitie of that peece, and therefore the ſaid pellet being in the prime of his ſwiftnes and running along by that ſmall part of the concauitie which then remained for the pellet to runne in, is thereby greatly let in his way and paſſage, for alwaies a mouing bodie is let in his paſſage, when it doth touch an vnmoueable bodie. And by ſo much is the paſſage of a mouing bodiemore let, as that mouing bodie is more & by a longer time touched with the vnmoueable body.

Prior.

I do vnderſtand you well, and like well of your reaſons, but I will talke no more hereof in this euening.

The 13. Colloquie.

Howe a peece being charged with more powder than his due charge vnto a certaine meaſure, will ſhoote more ground than it will doe when it is charged onely with his due charge of powder. And how a peece being charged with a more or leſſe quantitie of powder than that certain meaſure is, will ſhoote a leſſe diſtance than it will doe with that certaine meaſure of powder: and how the wind which commeth by reaſon of the powder in the concauitie of the peece doth alwaies follow ſomewhat neare or ſomewhat vnited vnto the pellet after the pellet is gone out of the mouth of the peece, and therby doth augment the moouing of the pellet, and how the force of the ſame winde doth not worke ſo much in driuing foorth the ſame pellet when it is without the concauitie of the peece, as it doth when it is within the concauitie of the peece. And how that part of gunpowder which is in the concauitie of the peece moſt neareſt to the touchhole doth fire before that parte of the powder which is more remote.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. Seruant. PRior.

Yeſterday in the euening you declared with good reaſons of what length the concauitie of a peece of Artillerie ought to be for to be dulie proportioned for the conuenient meaſure of the powder and pellet with which the peece is vſed to bee charged, the which conuenient meaſure of powder is ſuppoſed to be ſo much in waight as the ⅔ partes of the waight of the pellet.Queſtion. Now ſuppoſing that a Cannon whoſe Pellet wayeth 20 pound waight hath ſuch a due and proportioned length as is conuenient for ⅔ partes in powder of the pellets waight, and that the ſame Cannon is charged with more powder than with ⅔ parts of the pellets waight,Aunſwere. I aſke of you whether or no that peece will ſhoote more ground than it was woont to doe?

Nicholas.

Without doubt it will ſhoote ſomewhat farther than it was woont to doe.

Prior.

This is contrary to thoſe reaſons which you did alledge yeſterday in the euening, for in this caſe the pellet would be gon out of the mouth of the peece before all the powder ſhould be a fier, & therfore that part of his force which the exceſſe or ouerplus of powder ſhoulde cauſe woulde bee fruſtrate and in vaine after the pellet is gone out of the mouth of the peece, and therefore that peece ſhould not ſhoote farther through the exceſſe of the powder,The winde which comes by the powder in the concauitie of the peece doth alwaies follow ſomwhat nere or ſomwhat vnited vnto the pellet after the pellet is gone out of the mouth of the peece & therby doth augment the mouing of the pellet but the force of the ſame wind doth not worke ſo much in driuing forth the ſame pellet when it is without the concauitie of the peece, as it doth when it is within the concauitie of the peece. but onely the ſame ground which it was woont to doe, becauſe the force of the ſame exceſſe in powder is wholye vaine and fruſtrate.

Nicho.

That windy force which comes by the exceſſe of powder after that the pellet is out of the mouth of the peece, although it could not worke on the pellet whilſt the ſame pellet was within the concauitie of the peece, yet the ſaide windie force doth not therefore leaue to worke on the pellet after it is out of the mouth of the Peece, that is to ſay, in the ayre: for al that wind which comes by the powder in the ſaid concauitie doth alwaies follow ſomewhat neare or ſomwhat vnited vnto the pellet, although the pellet be ſomewhat gone out of the mouth of the peece, and therefore it doth ſomewhat augment that mouing. And it is true that the ſame windie force doth not worke ſo much in driuing foorth the ſame pellet when it is without the concauitie of the peece, as it doth when it is within the concauitie of the ſame. I meane that his ſuch woorking ſhall not be proportionall to the exceſſe of powder that is put into the ſame peece, but it ſhall differ much from that proportion.

Prior.

I do not vnderſtand this proportionall woorke.

Nicho.

The proportionall woorke is to be vnderſtoode in this ſorte: ſuppoſe for an example, that this our Cannon whoſe pellet waigheth 20. pound waight is mounted at an eleuation giuen, and diſcharged with ⅔ partes in powder of the pellets waight, and that it doth then ſhoote 1000. paces, and that the ſame Cannon is afterwards diſcharged with ſo much powder as the pellet doth weigh, the which quantitie of powder is once and a halfe ſo much as ⅔ partes inpowder of the pellets waight, now I ſay if this exceſſe of powder doth woorke proportionally on the pellet, then that peece will ſhoote at the ſame eleuation iuſt 1500 paces, that is to ſay, once and a halfe ſo much as it did when it was diſcharged with ⅔ partes in powder of the pellets waight. And I ſay that this peece in ſuch a caſe will not ſhoote the ſame 500 paces of more ground, nor perchaunce the halfe thereof, that is to ſay 250 paces. But wee will ſuppoſe heere that the peece will ſhoote the ſame 250. paces of more grounde, which in the whole ſumme is 1250 paces. And alſo I ſay whoſoeuer ſhall ſhoote the ſame Cannon with ſo much powder as the pellet weigeth and ⅓ part more which is in the whole 4/3, that this ſecond third will not increaſe the ſame range of the pellet ſo much as the firſt third did. That is to ſay, it will not increaſe by 250 paces as by ſuppoſition it did with the firſt third, but it increaſeth much leſſe than the ſaid 250 paces. And likewiſe whoſoeuer doth adde ⅓ part of powder more vnto the aforeſaide 4/3 partes of powder,Note. ſhall thereby increace the far flying of the pellet, but not ſo much as the exceſſe of the ſecond third did. So that eache increace or exceſſe of the powder vnto a certain meaſure or limite, doth alwaies cauſe the peece to ſhoote ſomewhat farther. But after the exceſſe of the firſt third, the ſaid increaſe by the other exceſſes doth decreaſe vnto that meaſure or limmite, and frō that limmite or meaſure vpwardes whoſoeuer doth adde more powder ſhall not make the peece to carry farther.Note. And the exceſſe or ouerplus of powder may be ſo much, as that it will not make the peece to caſt more ground but leſſe ground.

Prior.

You tell mee of a thing that doth not well like mee, for you ſaye that you may put into a peece ſo much powder aboue a certaine meaſure or quantity that ſhall make the peece to caſt more ground, and leſſe ground, the which thing (as it ſeemeth to me) is repugnant to reaſon.

Nicho.

Prouerbe. My ſayings therein are according to reaſon as it may be prooued by the common prouerbe which ſaith that too much encloſed breaketh his couer, and for to make this doubt plaine, I muſt of neceſſitie ſpeake of extremities, and therefore if one ſhall charge a peece with ſo much powder as the concauity of the ſame wil hold, leauing onely towards the mouth of the peece ſo much of that concauitie empty, as will ſcarcely receaue the pellet, and ſhall diſcharge that peece being in ſuch a ſorte charged, I aſke of your Lordſhip whether you thinke that the ſame peece will now ſhoote more ground, or leſſe ground thā it would haue done if it had bin charged and diſcharged with his ordinary charge, that is to ſay with ⅔ partes in powder of the pellets waight?

Prior.

I thinke that a peece charged in that ſort will breake when it is diſcharged, & that the ſame too much of powder (as your prouerb ſaith) wil breake the couer that is to ſay, it wil break the peece.

Nich.

I wil not diſpute whether in this caſe that peece ſhould by reaſon breake or not breake, for a long diſputation might be made therof, but I wil now ſuppoſe that the ſame peece wil not breake.

Prior.

In this caſe where the concauitie of a peece is ſo ſtraight, as that it was needeful for to make the pellet enter into the ſame with the force of a rammer, I beleeue that thereby the ſaid peece wil ſhoot more farther.An admonition.

Nicho.

In all things that haue bin ſpoken, & are to be ſpoken concerning the ranges of Artillery, ſuppoſe alwaies except it be otherwiſe ſpecified, that the pellets are equall aſwel in greatnes, as in waight, & that they are alſo equally round, for euery of theſe accidents wil make the ranges of the pellets to vary, and therfore in this our caſe I ſay, that it is to be ſuppoſed that the pellet which is to be ſhot out of the concauitie filled with powder, is of the very ſame quallity of waight, meaſure & roundnes as that pellet is which we ordinarily ſhoote out of the peece, that is to ſay, with ⅔ partes in powder of that pellets waight.A peece whoſe concauity is full of powder wil ſhoot much leſſe groūd thā it will do when it is diſcharged with his ordinary charge.

Prior.

Suppoſing that to be in ſuch ſort as you ſay, the thing in effect is very doubtfull.

Nicho.

There is no doubt in it, for it is very certain that the peece whoſe concauity is full of powder, will ſhoote much leſſe ground than that peece will doe which is diſcharged with his ordinary charge.

Prior.

By what reaſon?

Nicho.

This is the reaſon thereof. All the powder (how fine ſo euer it be) doth not fier at one inſtant, that is to ſay, the powder which is at the touchhole is a fier before that which is farther of from that place, and the powder which is more nearer to the touchhole is a fier ſomwhat before the powder that is more farther of from the ſame. This propoſition being granted, it is manifeſt that the ſame part of powder which is in the concauitie of the peece moſt neareſt to the touchhole,That part of gunpowder which is in the concauitie of the peece moſt neareſt to the touchole doth fiar before that part of gunpowder which is more remote. doth fier before that which is more remote. And that I may be the better vnderſtood, I will deuide in my mind al the length of the powder which is found to be inthe ſame concauity into four equall parts. I ſay then that the ſame part of powder which is next to the touchhole doth fier before the other part which is next adioining vnto it, and in fiering cauſeth ſo great a quantity of windy exhalations, that ten ſuch places as that is where the powder was firſt a fiar, will not bee able to receaue the ſame exhalations and therfore according as the ſame exhalations are continually cauſed by the powder which continually is ſet on fier, ſo it is neceſſary for that exhalation to go forwards in getting by force a more bigger place than the place of the powder which is the cauſe of the ſame, and it cannot get ſuch a place but by two waies, the firſt of theſe two waies is by expelling before it with violence the reſt of the powder which is not a fire, and which is towardes the mouth of the peece together with the pellet, or elſe by making the peece to breake, and bicauſe it is to be thought that the ſame exhalations wil more eaſily thruſt out the powder together with the pellet than make the peece to breake, and eſpecially the pellet being at the extreme or end of the concauity, I ſay then that the firſt fourth part of our ſaid powder which was firſt a fire goeth on continually burning, and expelleth before it the other powder lying next before the ſame & conſequently that expelleth out the pellet, and the pellet being very neare out of the peece, at the firſt and leaſt thruſt which it feeleth in the beginning goeth out of the ſame ſuddenly, and is expelled onely with the whole and vnburned powder (as hath bin ſaid) & not by the proper exhalation of the fiered powder, the which expultion being made ſo in the beginning, may not be but weake in the pellet, I ſay weake in reſpect of that it will be when the pellet is expelled onely by the windy exhalation and in the chiefe of the great furie of that exhalation, beſides this the vnburned powder followeth the pellet going out of the peece, and within a while after falleth downe to the ground, and this powder by going in the ayre, and then falling downe vpon the ground, doth much let the going of the windy exhalation which followeth after the Pellet, & hinders much the range of the ſame pellet. So that for theſe reaſons the pellet in ſuch a caſe will not range very far. But ſuch a peece being diſcharged with ſomewhat a leſſe quantity of powder will without doubt ſhoote farther than that peece will doe whoſe concauitie was filled with gunpowder, for in this ſecond manner or way all the concauitie is not full of powder by the length of twice the thickneſſe of the pellet, and the pellet being in the charge will not be found ſo at the extreame of the peece his mouth, but more within. And therefore the pellet will not ſo go out of the mouth of the peece at the firſt and leaſt thruſt of the powder, but will reſiſt a little more than the other: within which time much more of the powder wil be a fiar, and conſequently a greater quantity of windy exhalations wil be cauſed, & the pellet with a more force or fury ſhalbe thruſt out & expelled, I ſay thruſt out & expelled with the powder, & not only by the windy exhalation as it was ſaid of the other ſhoot. And ſo by theſe euident reaſōs in this ſecond ſhoot with leſſe powder, I cōclude that the peece wil ſhoot farther thā it did at the firſt when al the concauity was ful of powder. And likewiſe if you wil alſo charge the peece again with a leſſe quātity of powder, I meane with ſo much powder as wil not fil al his concauity by the length of thrice the thicknes of the pellet, I ſay that in ſuch a caſe the ſame peece wil ſhoot farther than it did when it was charged with gūpowder vp to the mouth within twice the thicknes of the pellet. And ſo if you wil charge the peece again with powder vp to the mouth within 4. times the thicknes of the pellet, it will ſhoote farther than it did when it was charged with powder vp to the mouth within thrice the thicknes of the pellet, likewiſe the peece being charged with gunpowder vp to the mouth within fiue times the thicknes of the pellet wil ſhoot farther thā it did when it was charged with gunpowder vp to the mouth within foure tymes the thickeneſſe of the pellet, and ſo it proceedeth vnto a certaine meaſure being a meane betweene thoſe two extremeties. When you are come to that certaine meaſure,Note. you ſhall finde this worthineſſe in it, that he which will then charge that peece vvith a leſſe quantitie of powder than that certaine meaſure is, ſhall ſhoote a leſſe diſtance than hee did vvith that certaine meaſure, and likewiſe he which will charge the peece with more powder than that certaine meaſure is,We muſt kepe a meane betweene 2. extremities of diuers properties. ſhal alſo ſhoote a leſſe diſtance than he did with that certaine meaſure.

Prior.

This is a good ſpeculation, and it likes me well, for in truth I know that wee ought of neceſſitie to keepe a meane betweene two extreamities, which are of diuers properties.

Seruant.

My Lord, it is now ſupper time,

Prior.

Then let vs go to ſupper.

The 14. Colloquie.

How the powder with which a peece of Artillerie is charged, ought not to be rammed downe too hard in the peece, nor ſuffered to lie diſperſed or too looſe in the peece, & how in al contrary extremities we muſt build vpon the meane. And how the powder which is very hard rammed downe in the peece wil not be ſo ſoone a fier as the powder which lyeth diſperſed or more looſe. And how the longer that it is before the Powder doth take fier, the more weaker will his effects be, and the ſooner that the powder is a fier, the more forceably doth it driue the pellet, and thereby his vertue & power doth worke more effectually togeather, and howe hee doth weaken the force of gunpowder that doth ramme it downe too hard in the peece, or that doth ſuffer it to lye much diſperſed and looſe.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

What thinke you, is it better to ramme the powder hard downe in the peece, or to leaue it ſomewhat diſperſed and looſe?

Nich.

In all contrary extremities we muſt build vppon the meane, that is to ſay, the gunpowder would not be too hard rammed, nor lie diſperſed or too looſe,

The gunpouder which is very hard rammed downe in the peece will not bee ſo ſoone a fiar as the gunpowder which lyeth diſperſed or more looſe.

The longer that it is before the gunpowder doth take fier, the more weaker will his effectes bee, and the ſooner that the gunpowder is a fier, the more forceablye doth it driue the pellet, and therby his virtue and power doth worke more effectually togeather.

for the gūpowder which is very hard rammed downe in the peece, doth more reſiſt the fier that commeth vnto it, than that powder doth which lyeth looſe, and will not be ſo ſoone a fier as the gunpowder which lyeth diſperſed or more looſe, and the longer that it is before the gunpowder doth take fier, the more weaker will his effects be, contrariwiſe the ſooner that the gunpowder is a fier, the more forceably doth it driue the pellet, and thereby his vertue and power doth worke more effectually togeather. The ſame thing in a maner doth happen when the gunpowder doth lye much diſperſed and very looſe, and eſpecially when it lyeth in a long fourme like vnto a traine which is made to ſet a thing that is far of on a fire: in which traine that part of gunpowder is firſt a fire which is at that end of the traine where the fire was firſt giuen, and afterwardes the fire goeth burning continually and ſucceſſiuely the reſt of the gunpowder by little and little euen to the other end of that traine, and the more longer that the traine is, the more longer will the time be before all that gunpowder be a fire the very ſame may be applyed to this caſe of artillery, for the powder lying diſperſed and looſe in the concauitie of a peece, doth lye in a long fourme and faſhion, and therefore it will bee the longer before it bee all a fire, and for that cauſe the effect of that gunpowder wil not be of ſo greate a force.He doth weaken the force of gunpowder that doth ram it downe to hard, in the peece, or that doth ſuffer it to lye much diſperſed and looſe. And hereupon I conclude that the powder lying too hard rammed downe in the peece, or lying too much diſperſed and looſe, weakeneth the effects of that peece, and therefore it behoueth vs to keepe a meane (as before hath bin ſaide) and not to be in extremities, that is to ſay, the gunpowder muſt not be rammed downe too hard, nor ſuffered to lye to looſe.

Prior.

Your opinion heerein pleaſeth me well.

The 15. Colloquie.

How a ſmall peece called in Italian Schioppo doth ſhoote more ſtraighter and more farther at a leuell marke than an Harchibuſe can do, and how an harchibuſe will be to more effect, and pearce farther into an obiect placed within a common diſtance, than the ſaid Schioppo can do. And alſo how there is a kind of Schioppo which will at an equall diſtance pearce farther into an obiest than an Harchibuſe can doe.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

What is the cauſe that a peece which is called in Italian Schioppo doth ſhoote more ſtraighter and more farther at a leuell marke, or in a right line, than an harchibuſe can doe, ſeeing the Harchibuſe will be to more effect, and pearce farther into an obiect placed within a common diſtance, than that Shioppo can doe?

Nicho.

The cauſe hereof is for that peraduenture the pellet of the Harchibuſe is more greater than the pellet of that Schioppo, and that the waight of the Harchibuſe pellet doth hinder the ſwift flying of the ſame pellet. As for example:Example. ſuppoſe that ſuch a Schioppo will ſhoote a pellet of ½ ounce in waight at length in a right line 400 paces, and that an Harchibuſe will ſhoote a pellet of an ounce in waight in a right line but onely 300 paces,You muſt vnderſtanſt and that in this Colloquie N. Tartaglia doth meane by theſe words right line, an inſenſible crooked line. now I ſay that in a diſtance of an hundred or of 150 paces, the Harchibuſe will pearce farther than the ſaide Schioppo will doe, although at that place the pellet of that Schioppo flyeth more ſwiftly (by the reaſons alleaged in the 4. propoſition of the firſt booke of our nwe ſcience) than the pellet of the Harchibuſe And therefore if it bee ſo as your Lordſhip ſayeth, the pellet of the Harchibuſe ſhould by reaſon be more greater than the pellet of the Schioppo.

Prior.

It is true that an Harchibuſe doth generally cary a greater pellet then doth the Schioppo, and yet there is a kind of Schioppo which ſhootes pellets as bigge as any Harchibuſe doth.

Nicolas.

When a Schioppo doth carye ſo greate a pellet as an Harchibuſe, and ſhootes more ſtraighter or more farther in a leuel line then an Harchibuſe doth, then without doubt at an equall diſtance ſuch a Schioppo will pearce farther into an obiect than the Harchibuſe will doe.

Prior.

by reaſon it ſhould be ſo as you ſay, and you haue ſpoken enough for this euening.

The 16. Colloquie.

How a peece of Artillerie will doe a greater effect againſt a wall or any other thing ſtanding firme and faſt vpon the ground, than it will doe againſt a ſhippe or Gallie moouing on the Sea. And how a peece of Artillerie will doe a greater effect againſt a ſhippe or Gallie which doth come towardes it, than it will doe againſt a ſhippe or Gallie which doth ſaile from it, and how the thing which doth more let a mouing bodie, is more thruſt, ſtroken, and hurt with the ſaid mouing bodie than that thing is which doth leſſe let the ſaid mouing bodie.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

What is the cauſe that when a pellet being ſhot out of a great peece of Artillerie and hitting a ſhippe or a Gallye on the Sea, doth pearce into the ſhip or Gallie but a little way in reſpect of that it vſeth to doe when it is ſhot againſt a wall, for euery ſhippe or gallie (as it is well knowne) is made of plancks of wood, and therfore when 2 or 3 ſhips lye neare together, it is to be thought that a great peece of Artillery being diſcharged at thē, in reſpect of that it will doe againſt a thicke wall, ſhould by reaſon ſhoot thorow all their ſides, yet ſeldom times it happeneth that the pellet doth penetrate thorow both the ſides of one ſhip, for oftentimes the pellet reſteth within the ſhip or gallie.

Nicho.

Note. It is manifeſt by naturall reaſon that the thing which doth more let a moouing body, is more thruſt, ſtrooken, and hurt with the ſaide moouing bodie: the walles then ſtanding firme and faſt on the ground doe let more the waye or range of the pellet than a ſhippe or gallie doth when it moueth on the Sea, and through that mouing, the ſhippe or gallie yeeldeth ſomewhat to the ſtroke of the pellet, wherby the pellet worketh not that great effect, nor pearceth into it ſo far as it would haue done if the ſhippe or gallie had bin well fixed and ſet faſt in the ground as the walles are, ſo that by this reaſon a peece of Artillery is to more effect againſt a wall or any other thing ſtanding firme and faſt on the ground, than againſt a ſhippe or gallie moouing on the Sea.Note. And a peece of Artillerie will be to more effect againſt a ſhippe or gallie which doth come towardes it than againſt a ſhippe or Gallie that doth ſaile from it, for the ſhippe which comes towardes the peece, comes againſt the range of the pellet, and therfore the pellet doth a more effect againſt it than it would haue done if the ſhippe had ſtoode firme on the Sea. And the ſhippe or gallie which goeth or failethfrom the peece, yeeldeth more to the ſtroke of the pellet than that ſhippe or Gallie doth which ſtandes firme and quiet on the Sea.

Prior.

I do vnderſtand you well.

The 17. Colloquie.

How you may get out quickely the nayles or any other thing which ſhall happen by any maner of meanes to be put into the touchholes of great peeces of Artillerie.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prier of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

Tell me brieflye if by chaunce in the tyme of any ſuddaine aſſault the Artillery ſhould be choked with nayles or otherwiſe, whether it be poſſible to deuiſe a waie to vnchoke quickly and vppon the ſudden the ſame Artillery, I ſay vpon the ſudden, becauſe many know how to do it, and doe the ſame with a certaine water or oyle which being put vppon the touchhole that is choked, eates the ſame choking, and ſo vnchoketh the peece. There are other as I vnderſtand which do the ſame with a borer, that is to ſay, with ſuch a thing as doth make the touchhole. But euery of theſe waies require ſome time for to do the ſame, but when a great many peeces are to be vnchoked, I would know a waie how if it be poſſible they might be quickly vnchoked.

Nicho.

Such a thing may be done (except I be deceaued) by charging all the ſame Artillerie with ſuch pellets as ſhal go downe hardlie into their peeces. Then after the peeces are ſo charged, lay them againſt the ſame place at which you ſhould haue had occaſion to ſhoote if they had beene vnchoked, and hauing made a trayne of powder within the concauitie from the mouth of the pece vnto the pellet in euery peece, watch for an occaſion that you may not ſhoote in vaine, and vpon occaſion offered to ſhoote, giue fire to the traine at the mouth of the peece, and ſo all the peeces will doe not onely their ordinary effects, but will alſo (as I thinke) in their diſcharges caſt out the nailes of yron, or any other thing with which they were choked, and by ſo vnchoking of them, there will come no hurt or diſcommoditie.

Prior.

This is a good and ſpeedie waie, and I beleeue that a better waie cannot be deuiſed than this, if the peeces in their diſcharges will as you haue ſayd, caſt out the nailes and other thinges wherewith they were choked.

Nicho.

There is no doubt but that the peeces will caſt out in their diſcharges all that which did choke them,

Prior.

If it ſhall happen that ſome of the nailes be ſo faſt in the touchhole that the peeces do not in their diſcharges caſt them out,Queſtion. what is the remedie then?

Nicho.

Charge the peeces againe, and ſhoote them of in the ſame maner as you did before,Aunſwere. but firſt in this caſe you muſt warme with fier the place which is choked,Note. and then laye claie round about that place or touchhole for to receaue and containe a little of very hot oyle, which muſt be powred vppon the touchhole or place that is choked: Whereby the choked touchhole being made warme, ſucketh in that hot oyle which will make the choking yron to bee more ready to ſlippe and goe out. Alſo in that caſe after you haue charged your peeces with powder,Note. and before you doe put into them their pellets, you muſt with a ſtaffe make a hole thorowe the powder euen to the breeche of each peece, and directly vnder the touchhole that is choked, and in this caſe this ſecret is not from the purpoſe, for I thinke it will performe this action without the vſe of the hot oyle.

Prior.

I am of your opinion therein, for in the diſcharging of thoſe peeces, the raging fire doth find the ſaid hole made in the powder to be ill or not wel cloſed, and therefore I thinke it a thing needeleſſe to prepare hot or cold oyle for that purpoſe: but inſomuch as it is now ſupper time, I will talke no more hereof, and from hencefoorth wee will talke of ſome other good matter, for concerning Artillery I haue no other queſtion to aſke you.

The 18. Colloquie.

How a pellet ſhot out of a peece at an ohiect which is very neare vnto the ſaide peece, doth not worke ſo effectually, nor pearce ſo far into that obiect as it doth when it is ſhotte at the like obiect ſtandingfarther of. And how the more farther that the pellet flyeth from the peece, the more ſlolye it doth goe, and that where it goeth ſlolie there it woorketh a little effect, and how euery mouing thing moueth alwaies ſome other thing.

Interlocutors L. Iames of Achaia. Nicholas Tartaglia. L. Iames.

I know by experience that when a pellet is ſhot out of a peece at a wall which ſtandeth very neare vnto the ſaid peece, that the ſame pellet doth not worke ſo effectually, nor pearce ſo farre into that wall, as it would haue done if the wall had bin farther of, but by the reaſons which you alleage in your nwe ſcience, it ſhould be otherwiſe, for you ſay there, that the more farther the pellet flieth from the peece, the more ſloer doth it goe, and that where it goeth ſlolie, there it woorketh a little effect. Then by how much more nearer the peece is to the place at which you ſhoote, by ſo much ought his pellet to woorke a more effect on the place where it ſtrikes than that pellet will doe which is ſhot out of a peece lying more farther of from the ſaid place, becauſe the pellet that is ſhot out of the peece planted neare vnto the ſame place, ſtrikes it with a more ſwifter mouing, and yet as I haue ſaid, I know by experience that it will come to paſſe otherwiſe, and therefore I aſke of you what is the cauſe of this inconuenience?

Nicholas.

Euery mouing thing moueth alwayes ſome other thing. For an aunſwere to your doubt, you muſt note how euery moouing thing moueth alwaies ſome other thing, and therefore when the pellet is mooued by the winde which the Saltpeter cauſeth, the ſame pellet togeather with the ſame winde mooueth alſo in that very ſame inſtant the ayre which is neare vnto it within the concauitie of the peece, and the ſame ayre moueth and thruſteth out the other ayre conſequently next vnto it, and ſo the one ayre thruſteth the other ayre in ſuch ſort, that the ſayd pellet thruſteth and carrieth before it a great quantitie of aire, in a very long faſhion, or fourme, the which fourme although it bee but of ayre cauſed through the force of the pellets moouing,Note. yet that ayre is of it ſelfe ſo waightie as that for a little while it penetrateth like as it were a beame of wood the other aire with which it meeteth in his way: But it doth not continue long to penitrate the aire,Note. for this ayrie figure for a little while goeth before the pellet, and the pellet being a heauy body, doth more eaſily penetrate the aire than the ſaid airy figure, and therfore the pellet doth go much more ſwifter than that airie figure,Note. & in a ſhort time leaues that airy figure behind, which in the beginning was before it. Now to returne to our firſt purpoſe, when we diſcharge a peece of artillery at a thing very neare vnto vs, this airy figure which is thruſt before the pellet (as before hath been ſaid) hits the thing at which wee ſhoote, before the pellet doth ſtrike it, & for that the ſame airy figure is not able to penetrate the ſame mark the formoſt end therof which firſt did hit the marke muſt needs rebound & returne backe againſt the reſidue of the ſame airy figure and pellet that followeth it, (and eſpecially when the peece is diſcharged at a marke lying leuell with the mouth of the peece) the which returne cauſeth the pellet to meete with that reſidue of the airy figure being neare vnto it, and maketh a great ſtriffe, that is to ſay, the reſidue of that airy figure would go forwardes and can not, partly becauſe (as it hath bin ſayd) it is not able to pearce into that thing at which you ſhoote, and partly becauſe of that other parte which is forced to returne back againe, through which ſtryfe the pellet is much let in his way, and by that meanes can not doo all that effect which otherwiſe it would doo.Note. You may know howe much ground is in a meane diſtāce by reading the 70 chapter of mine Appendix. But when the place at which you ſhoote is in a meane diſtaunce from the Peece, the pellet through his ſwiftnes will leaue all the ſame airy figure behinde it, or at the leaſt the greateſt parte thereof, ſo as in that place which is within a meane diſtance, the pellet will woorke more effectually than in a place which is more nearer to the Peece, becauſe the pellet in dooing of his effect hath no ſuch great let nor ſtrife with the aire.

L. Iames.

I like your reaſons well, and perceaue by them that it commes of no other cauſe.

The 19. Colloquie.

In what place and at what diſtance a Peece of Artillerie will worke moſt forceably and moſt effectuallie

Interlocutors L. Iames of Achaia. Nicholas Tartaglia. L. Iames.

There is an other doubt in which I would bee reſolued, and it is this: If you plant a Peece of Artillerie too neare vnto the thing at which you ſhoote, by the reaſons which you haue alleaged, and by the experience which I haue had therein, the effects of that Peece will not bee ſo forceable as they would in a meane diſtance. Likewiſe if you plant a Peece too far of from the place at which you ſhoote (by the opinion of all men) the ſame will happen, I meane if you plant a Peece too farre of from the marke, it doth not worke ſo effectually in the thing where it hits, as it woulde doe in a meane diſtance. Now I aske of you whether by reaſon a place may bee appointed where the pellet ſhot out of ſuch a Peece of Artillerie finding no let or reſiſtance in any part of his way or range ſhall worke moſt effectually?Note.

Nicho.

If the pellet at that very inſtant when it commeth to ioyne with the furthermoſt part of the ſaid airie figure (whereof I haue ſpoken in the precedent Colloquie) ſhall finde there an obiect, then in the ſame place it will worke more effectually than in any other place: For if the obiect be more towardes the mouth of the Peece, the ſaid ayrie figure will ſtrike that obiect before the pellet will hit the ſame, as it hath been ſaide in the precedent Colloquie, and immediately after the bloe, it reboundes backwardes againſt the reſidue of the ſame ayrie figure and pellet, and hinders ſomwhat the range of the pellet, as hath been ſaid in the precedent Colloquie. And if the obiect ſhould be farther from that place, then ſo ſoone as the pellet is wholy gone from that airy figure: that is to ſay, hath left that ayrie figure behinde it, immediately it findes the ayre as it were quiet, whereby the pellet doth with more difficultie penetrate that quiet ayre, than the aire of the ſaid airie figure which goeth likewiſe towards the ſame place to which the pellet doth goe: and therefore the pellet being gone from that airy figure doth by ſo much decreaſe in force as it doth goe more farther from it, and for that cauſe it foloweth that his effectes will be the more weaker. So that for theſe two reaſons, the pellet ſhoulde worke more effectually on that obiect which is founde to be preciſely in the pellets going out from the end of the ſayde ayrie figure, than in any other place more farther or more nearer to the ſame.

L. Iames.

I beleeue that it is ſo as you ſay: for in effect I perceiue that the pellet will ſtrike in that place without any let of the reflection of the ayre, and that betweene the Peece and the ſame place it hath not been let by the quiet ayre, as it will be let when it commeth vnto it if it goe more farther.

The 20 Colloquie.

The cauſe why two waddes of hay or of toe are put into a Peece at euery time when it is charged: And how Arte ſhould imitate nature which doth nothing but to ſome ende and purpoſe, and how vſe hath alwayes been obſerued in many Artes as well Mechanicall as Liberall: And how the Artificer is praiſe worthie that ſearcheth the cauſe of thinges vſed to bee done in his Arte: And how knowledge is no other thing than to knowe the thing by his cauſe.

Interlocutors Bombardiero.This worde Bombardiero oth here & in •… other places of this boke ſignifie him that doth ſhoot in a great peece of artillery and is of ſome called a Canoncere. Nicholas Tartaglia. BOmbardiero.

for what cauſe (as you thinke) are two waddes of hay or of toe put into a Peece at euery time when it is charged, I meane one wadde after the powder isput in betweene the powder and the pellet, and an other wadde after that the pellet is put in?

Nicho.

Vntill now I knewe not of this thing which you haue tolde me, I meane that a wadde of haie or of tow is put into the peece betweene the powder and the pellet, and likewiſe that an other ſuch wadde of haie or tow is put into the peece after the pellet. But it ſeemeth to me at this preſent, that if it be ſo as you ſay, it were more conuenient that I ſhould aſke of you the cauſe of that cautell, then that you ſhould aſke the ſame of me, for if you vſe to doe ſo at euery time when you charge a peece,Art ſhould immitate nature which doth nothing but to ſome end and purpoſe. you ſhould know to what purpoſe it is done, becauſe Art ſhould immitate nature in this thing, which doth nothing but to ſome end and purpoſe.

Bombardiero.

I will confeſſe vnto you that I am vnlearned, and that I haue vſed to do ſo becauſe I haue ſeene all other Gunners vſe to doe the ſame.

Nich.

Vſe hath alwaies bin obſerued in very many arts aſwell mechanicall as liberall, and therefore I do not maruell at you nor blame you, but commend you for ſearching the cauſe of that thing which is vſed to bee done in your Arte, and ſo ought euery man to doe,Vſe hath alwaies bin obſerued in many arts aſwell mechanicall as liberall, and the artificer is praiſe worthie that ſearcheth the cauſe of things vſed to be done in his art, becauſe knowledge is no other thing than to know the thing by his cauſe. for knowledge is no other thing, than to know the thing by his cauſe, but now to returne to our purpoſe, the firſt wadde which is put betweene the powder and the pellet is for no other cauſe as I thinke, but to ſweepe, bring, and keepe togeather in his due place all the powder which in charging of the peece was put into the concauity of the ſame.

And concerning the other wadde which is put into the peece after the pellet, I thinke it was firſt deuiſed vppon neceſſitie, which doth neuer happen but when a peece is diſcharged from a high place downewardes at a more loer place. For in that action the mouth of the peece lying downewardes towardes the marke, it may bee (except a wadde be put in after the pellet) that the ſame pellet will fall out at the mouth of the peece, and therefore to the end that the pellet may not fall out, a wadde is put into the peece after the pellet.

Bombardiero.

You alleadge good reaſons, and yet I ſee that a wadde is alſo vſually put into the peece after the pellet when wee ſhoote vpwardes at a marke ſtanding on high where no ſuch perrell is that the pellet will fall out at the mouth of the peece lying directly agaynſt the marke, therefore I would know the cauſe thereof.

Nicholas.

The cauſe thereof is ignoraunce, for if you vnderſtoode the reaſons of that action, then you would not put a Wadde there, except when neceſſitie ſhall compell you to doe it.

Bombardiero.

I perceaue that you doe tell me a truth herein.

The 21. Colloquie.

How a peece which had beene oftentimes togeather charged and diſcharged was made thereby ſo much attractiue, as that it did ſodainlie drawe into his concauitie a little dog, which by chaunce did in going by, ſmell vnto the mouth of the ſame peece. And how if any one ſhall ſet his bare bellie to the mouth of a hot peece he ſhall ſticke ſo faſt vnto it as that he ſhall not be able without great difficultie to goe from it.

Interlocutors Bombardiero. Nicholas Tartaglia. BOmbardiero.

I will tell you newes at which I knowe you will greatly maruell and it is this. On a tyme being appointed to make a batterie after manie ſhootes it chaunced by a certaine occaſion that a peece beeing diſcharged did ryſe vppe in ſuch ſorte as the mouth thereof went into the grounde, and in the meane while that I was buſie to prouide labourers to bring the Peece with leauers vnto his place, a little Dogge goeing by (as it chaunced) did ſmell vnto the mouth of the ſame Peece, and by ſo doeing was ſodainely faſte ioyned to the mouth of that peece, and immediatlie after drawne into the concauitie of the ſayde Gunne, which thing when the ſtanders by hadde ſeene, ſome of them ranne to helpe the ſayde dogge, and although they perceaued him to bee drawne in euen almoſt to the fartheſt ende of the ſaid concauitie, they pulled him out being almoſt dead, and what became of him afterwardesI know not, but as I thinke he dyed. Now tell me what you thinke of this?

Nicho.

I doe not maruell at this thing, for after a peece hath bin oftentimes togeather ſhot in, it waxeth hot, and through that heate (as it hath bin ſaide in the fift Colloquie) that peece is made attractiue euen as a cupping glaſſe which is made hot with tow burned in the ſame,A cupping glaſſe is a thing which phiſitions and Surgens do vſe and of ſome is called a boxing glaſſe. and therefore it is no maruaile that the dogge was drawne into the concauitie of that peece for I beleeue that when a peece is very hotte, if any one will goe vnto it and ſet his bare bellie to the mouth thereof, he ſhall ſticke ſo faſt vnto that place, that he ſhall not be able without greate difficultie to goe from thence, and in ſuch a caſe a peece will be made much more attractiue if his touchhole be cloſe ſtopped.

Bombardiero.

Your reaſons doe pleaſe me well.

The 22. Colloquie.

Howe there are diuers accidentall cauſes which will make any peece of Artillerie to breake: and how a peece which breakes doth moſt commonlie breake at the breeche, or neere vnto the mouth, and ſeldome tymes in the middle: and how euerie moouing thing may by two waies be let or hindered to mooue a ſide a rounde and heauie bodie which is ſetled and quiet: and how euery peece of Artillerie being diſcharged doth make a roaring ſounde by reaſon that the exhalation of winde which the Saltpeeter cauſeth in the peece doth breake and teare in peeces the aire that reſiſteth the ſame exhalation, and how a ſound is no other thing than a bloe which two bodies that haue no ſoules or liues do make togeather.

Interlocutors Gunfounder. Nicholas Tartaglia. GVnfounder.

Whence commeth it that euerie peece which breakes, doth moſte commonly breake at the breeche where the powder is, or at the mouth, and ſeldome tymes in the middle? that a peece doth breake in the breeche it is no maruell, becauſe in that place the powder doth ſhewe all his force, but I maruell much that a peece doth ſometimes breake at the mouth, for it ſeemeth to me that a peece ſhoulde rather breake in the middeſt of the concauitie, than at the mouth, becauſe the exhalation of the Saltpeter findeth at the mouth of the peece a large place to goe out, which is not to be found within the middeſt of the concauitie.Euery mouing thing may by a waies be let or hindered to mooue a ſide a round & heuie bodie which is ſetled and quiet.

Nicholas.

Concerning this matter wee muſt thinke that euerie moouing thing may by two waies be let or hindered to mooue a ſide a round and heauie bodie which is ſetled and quiet, the firſt is, to mooue that heauie bodie in the beginning, for after it is mooued, there is no difficultie to maintaine the ſame in continuall moouing: the other lett which the ſaide mouing thing may receaue, is that after it hath mooued the rounde and heauie bodie, and that the ſaide bodie is brought to a continuall moouing a ſide, the moouing thing receaues greate hinderaunce if there bee anie lette or reſiſtance againſt it, therefore I ſaie that by the ſame exhalation of wind which the Saltpeter cauſeth, after it is engendered in the peece, there happeneth two great difficulties, the firſt is to mooue ſo ſuddenly the pellet being ſetled and quiet, and therefore in that ſuddaine accident the ſaide windie exhalation finding the peece in that place to be weake in the mettall, or the mettall to be ill vnited or not well cloſed in the caſting, or more weaker in the one ſide than in the other, doth eaſily breake the peece in that place. But if by chaunce the mettall in that place ſhall reſiſt ſo ſtrongly as that the exhalation doth mooue the pellet, then the pellet being mooued from that place, it is not to be feared that the peece will breake there, except ſome ſtraunge accident doth happen to the pellet within the peece as in the end of this Colloquie ſhall be declared. For ſo ſoone as the pellet is in mouing, that exhalation will continue with eaſe if no other let do happen, but ſo ſoone as the pellet commeth to the mouth of the peece, it findes all the aire without the peece, and by how much the pellet together with the ſaid exhalation that thruſteth it to aſſault the aire commeth more ſwiftly, by ſo much the more vnited and with a greater force doth the aire oppoſe it ſelfe very ſtrongly to reſiſt that ſudden moouing, and thereuppon in that place an other difficultie or ſtrife riſeth betweene the exhalation within (which thruſteth foorth the pellet) and the aire without, that is to ſay,

The cauſe of the roaring ſound which a peece of Artillery doth make when it is diſcharged.

A ſound is no other thing than a bloe which 2 bodies that haue no ſoules or liues do make togeather.

the exhalation woulde goe out of the concauitie, and the aire without doth reſiſt the ſame, but in the end the exhalation within being of a greater force, and getting the victorie, breaketh foorth and teareth in peeces his ſaide enimie, and through that breaking foorth of the ſame exhalation, the great and roaring ſound which the peece makes doth come.

For a ſounde is defined by wiſe men to bee no other thing than a bloe which two bodies that haue no ſoules or liues doe make togeather. Therefore in this caſe it cannot come of any other cauſe than of the bloe which is made by the exhalation engendered within the peece, and the aire without the peece. And then the mouth of the peece being as it were in the middeſt of the ſtrife, doth alwaies ſuffer very much: and this is the cauſe that the peece lacking his due thickneſſe in the ſaid place, or for ſome other vnknowne fault made in the caſting, doth there eaſily breake.

Gunfounder.

I like well of your reaſons, but I haue yet an other doubt which is this, that although a peece doth moſt commonly breake at the breeche where the powder is, or at the mouth, yet ſometimes it breakes in the middle of the concauity, and therefore I doe greatly deſire to knowe the cauſe thereof.

Nicholas.

The two cauſes of which I haue before ſpoken are generall cauſes, and commonly they cauſe all manner of peeces to ſuffer generally in the ſaid two places more than in any other place, but beſides the ſayde generall cauſes, we muſt thinke and beleeue that many other cauſes may happen which not onely will cauſe any peece of Artillerie to ſuffer more in the ſaid two places, that is to ſay, at the breeche where the powder is,Note. and at the mouth, but alſo in the middle parte of his concauitie. As for example ſake, if by ill happe the pellet running along in the concauitie findes any little ſtone like vnto a wedge in fourme, or any other harde and little bodie, and that by chaunce the pellet runnes vppon that ſtone or bodie, it muſt needes bee that the ſame ſtone or bodie ſhall let and hinder the moouing of that pellet, and thereby compell the pellet eyther to ſtaie in that place (which commeth to paſſe when the pellet doth goe very ſtraightly or hardly within the peece) or elſe that pellet in paſſing thorow the peece vppon the ſame ſtone or bodie, makes a little leape ouer the ſame ſtone, and that may bee when the concauity of the peece is more wyder than the height or thickeneſſe of the pellet: and ſo if by chaunce the pellet be let by that ſtone or bodie lyke vnto a wedge in fourme, through that let (the ſame being greate or ſtrong) the peece will be forced to breake. And if the pellet ſhall finde that ſtone or bodie in the beginning of his way, the peece will breake in that end or part where the powder is: And if the pellet ſhall finde that ſtone or bodie in the middeſt of the concauitie, the peece will by reaſon breake in the middle part of that concauitie: And if the pellet ſhall finde that ſtone or bodie neare vnto the mouth of the peece, then it will breake at the mouth: But if by chaunce the pellet ſhall haue roome to paſſe vppon that bodie, then in his paſſage (as before hath bene ſayde) it will of neceſſitie leape vp, and thereby ſtrike the vppermoſte parte of the concauitie of the Peece, and rebounde againe to the grounde or vndermoſte parte of the ſame concauitie. The which ſtroke and rebounde cannot bee of ſo little force, but that it is able to cauſe the peece for to breake in that place, and this is one of the accidentall cauſes which is able to breake a peece in any place. Alſo when a pellet is not equallie rounde, or is in one parte more higher than in an other, the peece will ſometimes breake about the mouth.A braſſe peece of artillery being made hot with ſhooting is apt to breke. Alſo a peece made of Braſſe mettall being made verie hotte by often ſhooting in it, is more apt to breake than when it is colde. For the braſſe mettall is of ſuch nature as that being hotte, it will ſoone breake. Alſo by how much the more higher you doe ſhoote with a peece, by ſo much that peece doth ſuffer more than any other peece with which you doe ſhoote leuell. Alſo in caſting of the peece there may be cracks and holes made in the ſame,You may learne by reading the 43. Chapter of mine Appendix to knowe whether or no hony combs, cracks, or flawes, are within the concauitie of any great peece of Artillerie. in part not to be perceaued by our ſences, and in part manifeſt, but being within the peece wee cannot ſee them, and thereby the peece is more weaker in that place than it ſhould bee, and vppon this occaſion ſometimes without any other particuler accident, the peece breakes in that place whether it be at the tayle, or at the mouth, or in the middeſt.

Sometimes alſo the concauitie of the peece is not made preciſely in the middeſt of the mettall, but goeth more to one ſide than to an other, whereby the mettall vppon the one ſide of the peece is more thinner, and vppon the other ſide more thicker than it ſhould be, and therefore vppon that ſide where the mettall is more thinner and weaker than it ſhould be, the peece doth ſometimes breake: And this is as much as I can tell you concerning the cauſes which do make a peece to breake.

Gunfounder.

You haue at large ſatiſfied me in all my doubtes.

The 2. Corollarie.

ALthough Vannuccio Biringuccio in his Pirotechnia calleth them lyers which ſay that they can tell how to make Gunpowder that ſhall make no noyſe when it is ſhot out of a gunne, and affirmeth that it is a thing impoſſible to be done with any peece of Artillerie, or with any potgunne of elder, out of which boyes vſe to ſhoote paper and ſloes, becauſe (as before in the precedent Colloquie hath bin ſaide) the exhalation of winde that is within the concauitie of a gunne by breaking the aire which without the mouth of the Gun reſiſteth the ſame, doth cauſe the gunne in his diſcharge to make a roaring ſound, yet I doe beleeue that ſuch Gunpowder may bee prepared, for I haue read in a learned and creadible Author that the ſame kind of gunpowder hath bin made, and that a Duke of Ferrara was the firſt inuentour of the ſame gunpowder which (as my ſaide Authour ſaith) is of ſo ſmall a force, Ferrara or Ferraria is a Citie in Italie, and alſo it is a promontorie in Spayne. as that it will ſhoote a pellet ſcarce 12. paces from the mouth of the gunnne: But to the end that no ill minded man ſhall doe hurt with the ſame vnneceſſarie and vnlawfull kinde of Gunpowder by any thing that ſhall be by mee written thereof, I will not heare name my ſayde Authour, nor teache any perſon to make the ſame.

The 3. Corollarie.

IN ſome places at ſometime it may happen that it ſhall be thought a needefull peece of ſeruice to breake greate peeces of Artillerie, wherefore by occaſion of that which hath beene declared in the precedent Colloquie, I will heere ſaye vnto him that is deſirous to learne, that this action may be performed with ſmooth yron wedges, which I would haue ſo made as euery of them ſhould be a foote in length, and at one end thinne like an edge of a knife, and at the other end an inch thicke. For when one of theſe wedges ſhall bee thruſt into a peece charged with powder and pellet, and the thin end of the wedge put in vnder the pellet, it muſt needes bee a let to the moouing of the pellet, and make the pellet ſticking faſt within the peece by reaſon it cannot by any meanes paſſe ouer the thicke end of the wedge, to breake the peece although it was charged with no more powder than his ordinary charge. Alſo if you will charge any greate peece of Artillerie with a full charge of ſuche gunpowder as I doe teache you to make in the 16. chapter of mine Appendix and haue marked their with the number of 13 you ſhall breake the peece.

Alſo you may breake any great peeece of Artillerie in what part thereof you will after this manner. Lay the Peece in a furnace vpon yron wedges or vpon ſtones of ½ foote in height, and make a good fire of coales vnder and rounde about that part of the peece where it ſhall be broken: Then bloe the fire with a paire of belloes till you haue made the peece very hotte, and after you haue ſo done, take the peece out of the fire, and with an yron hammer ſtrike hard vpon the hot part of the peece, and by ſo doing you ſhall breake the ſame peece in that verie place. Likewiſe you maie breake any great peece of Artillerie thus. Make in the ground a ditch ſomewhat longer than the peece which ſhall be broken, and in the bottome of this ditch cut a trenche ſo long as that parte of the peece which ſhalbe made hot: Fill this trench with coales, and laie the peece which ſhall be broken vpon yron wedges or ſtones of halfe a foote in height in the ditch, ſo as the peece in that partwhich ſhall be made hot and broken, may lie directly ouer the ſaid trench: then hauing couered the Peece in that part, which ſhal be made hot and broken, all ouer with coles, & made a wall of ſtones, or ſome other thing round about it (I meane the Peece) ſo as men may worke vpon it, put fire to the ſaid coles, and with belloes bloe the fire till you haue made the Peece very hot: this done, lift the Peece vp out of the ditch, and with an yron hamer ſtrike hard vppon the hot part of the Peece tyll you haue broken it there: which you ſhall quickly doe.

The 23 Colloquie.

How it may be knowne whether a Peece which was neuer diſcharged or ſhot in, will ſhoote right vppon a marke, or wide, or a ſcue from the marke vnto which the leuel ſhal be giuen: And how if a Peece of Artillerie be more thicker vppon the one ſide than vppon the other, the concauitie of the peece is not right in the middeſt of the mettall. And how if a peece be more thicker vpon the one ſide than vpon the other, the ſame peece will not ſhoote his pellets foorth right, but alwayes awry towardes the thicker ſide of the mettall: And how you may know the thinneſſe and thickneſſe of the mettall in any part of the concauitie in the peece.

Interlocutors Gunfounder. Nicholas Tartaglia. GVnfounder.

Is it poſsible that I may perceiue whether a Peece which is newly laid vpon his carriage & was neuer ſhot in, wil ſhoote right, wide, or aſcue?

Nich.

Your queſtion in ſubſtance is no more than this, that you would knowe whether the concauitie of that Peece doth lie right in the midſt of the mettall or no: & if it doe not lie in the midſt of the mettall that you would vnderſtande how or towards what part of the Peece that concauitie doth goe, which as I thinke may without any difficultie be done: For I conſider that this is a thing which by diuers wayes may be ſearched out and knowne. But to ſhewe you a way by which it may ſpeedilie and eaſily be done, you muſt geue me ſome reſpite to think thereon.

Gunfounder.

Thinke a while of it, for I haue asked this doubt of many which by their profeſsion are Engenars, and haue not found any of them able to reſolue mee therein.

Nicho.
depiction of a measuring instrument

Then I meaſure or cauſe ſome other to meaſure aduiſedlie the diſtance betweene the point A the ende of the ſtaffe or ruler,Note. and the mettall of that Peece in the ſame place, and ſuppoſe that the ſayd diſtance is preciſely ſo much as is the ſhort line E. Then I doe remoue thoſe ſtaues or rulers to an other place or ſide of the Peece, and for your better vnderſtanding hereof, I doe remoue them to the oppoſite part of that Peece as it doth appeare by the other figure, and in that place I meaſure or cauſe ſome other to meaſure the diſtance that is betweene the ſaide point A the ende of the ſtaffe, and the mettall of the Peece, the which I will ſuppoſe to be as much as the length of the line F. Nowe I ſay if the line F be equall to the line E, the mettall of that Peece is of equall thickneſſe as well in the vppermoſt part as in the loermoſt part of that Peece. But becauſe in this caſe I doe ſenſibly finde the line F to be longer than the line E, therefore I conclude that the mettall of the Peece is more thicker aboue, than it is beloe, and that it is ſo much more thicker, as the line F is longer than the line E.

depiction of a measuring instrument

After this ſort and maner I muſt proceede to the right ſide, and to the left ſide, and to all the other partes or ſides rounde about the Peece, noting alwaies the diſtances by lines for by thoſe lines,Note. I ſhall know exactly the thickneſſe and thinneſſe of the mettall round about the concauitie of that Peece, and by the reaſons before alledged, I ſhall alſo know towardes what way or ſide the ſaid Peece wil ſhoote his pellets, which is the thing that wa propoſed

Gunfounder.

You haue tolde me of a good and ſpeedie way which pleaſeth me well.

The 4 Corollarie.

ALthough the concauitie in a Peece of Artillerie doth lie right in the middeſt of the mettall of that Peece, yet may the ſaid concauitie be taper bored: wherefore to know whether or no a Peece of Artillery is taper bored you muſt prepare a Rammer head equall in height and compaſſe to the concauitie in the Peece, and that being done, thruſt the ſaid Rammer head into the ſaid concauitie: for if it will not go downe vnto the touchhole, the Peece is taper bored in that very place where the Rammer head ſtickes. To know how much the Peece is taper bored, make the like proofe with a Rammer head of a leſſe height & compaſſe than the firſt was, & by making diuers proues after this ſort, you ſhal know how much the Peece in euery place of his concauitie is taper bored. Such a Peece as is ſo taper bored that his concauitie is wyder at the mouth than at the touchhole, is to be miſliked, becauſe the Gunner may put into it a pellet which (though it ſhall ſeeme to be a fit pellet) will ſticke faſt in the Peece, and by reaſon it will not go downe vnto the powder breake the Peece if it be not ſhot out in ſuch or like ſort as in the 27 chapter of mine Appendix you are taught to doe the ſame. Alſo ſuch a Peece is to be miſliked, becauſe the pellet that ſhall goe downe to the powder is ſo ſmall that it will ſwarue in the deliuerance, & randge a leſſe ground than it would haue done, if it had bin fit for the mouth of the Peece. But ſuch Peeces as are not taper bored from their mouthes downewards towards their touchholes till within a foote or a foote and a halfe of their touchholes, are not (as ſome ſay) to bee miſliked, becauſe ſuch Peeces are thereby more ſtronger and by that meanes their pellets will goe more cloſer vnto the powder: yet this can not be denied that the ladles for ſuch peeces muſt bee rounder bent, and that as the ſpunge which is fit for the mouth of one ſuch Peece will not goe within his concauitie downe to the touchhole or bottome, ſo the ſpunge which is fit for one ſuch Peece at the bottome, will be too loe for the reſt of his concauitie.

The 24 Colloquie.

The cauſe and reaſon why the mouth of a hot Peece of Artillerie falling into a ſandie grounde, did drawe a great quantitie of the ſaid ſand into the concauitie of that Peece.

Interlocutors Gunfounder. Nicholas Tartaglia. GƲnfounder.

I will aske an other queſtion of you which is this: one time as I prooued certaine Peeces at Lio, At Lio which is a place with in a mile of Venice, there is a Hauen vnto which yeerely on the Aſcention day (as William Thomas in his booke intituled, The Hiſtory of Italy ſaith) the Duke of Venice with the Senate in their beſt aray vſe to goe for to throw a ring into the water, & thereby to take the Sea as their Eſpowſe. it chaunced after I had charged and diſcharged one Peece manie times together that the mouth of the ſame Peece fell into a very ſandie grounde, and that ſo ſoone as the mouth of the ſayde Peece was within the ſaid ground, a great quantitie of the ſame ſand was drawne into the concauitie of that Peece: nowe I aske of you the cauſe of that effect?

Nicho.

A Gunner did once aske me the like queſtion as it wil appeare in the 21 Colloquie of this booke, for as your Peece drew into the concauitie thereof a great deale of ſande, ſo his Peece drew into the concauitie of the ſame a little dogge. Therefore I will anſwere your queſtion as I did anſwer his: that is to ſay, a Peece which is diſcharged oftentimes together muſt needes waxe hot, and ſo ſoone as it waxeth warme, it is made thereby ſomwhat attractiue euen as a cupping or boxing glaſſe, and by ſo much it is made more attractiue, as it is made more hot. Therefore it is no maruaile that your ſaid Peece drew ſande into his concauitie.

Gunfounder.

I doe like well of this your anſwere.

The 25 Colloquie.

How that leuell ſight which is well placed vpon a handgunne to ſhoote at a marke lying leuell with the mouth of the ſame Gunne, and in a conuenient diſtance from the ſaid Gunne, will not ſerue well to ſhoote at a marke ſet on a height in a like conuenient diſtance from the ſaid Gun: And how he which will ſhoote in ſuch a Gunne that hath ſuch a leuell ſight at a marke lying leuell with his Gunne, and in a conuenient diſtance from his ſtanding, ought to take his leuell at the middle of that marke: And alſo how hee which will ſhoote in ſuch a Gunne that hath ſuch a leuell ſight at a marke ſet on a height, in a like conuenient diſtance from his ſtanding, ought to take his leuell at the loeſt part of that marke.

Interlocutors Schioppetiero.This worde Schioppetiero doth here and in all other places of this booke ſignify him that doth vſe to ſhoote in an Harchibuſe, Caliuer, or any other Handgunne. Nicholas Tartaglia. SChioppetiero.

I haue a Handgunne with a leuell ſight ſo well placed that if I doe ſhoote in the ſaid Peece at a marke lying leuell with the mouth of the ſame and in a conuenient diſtance from my Peece, moſt commonly the pellet will ſtrike in the middle of that marke although the ſaid marke be a very ſmall thing. Now I aske of you whether or no that leuel ſight being ſo well placed will ſerue mee to ſhoote at a marke or ſome other little thing eſpied on a height in a like conuenient diſtance?

Nich.

It is a manifeſt thing that the ſaid leuell ſight will not ſerue you ſo well to ſhoote at a marke eſpied on a height in a like conuenient diſtance.

Schioppetiero.

Wherefore?

Nicho.

Becauſe if you ſhoote at a marke lying leuell in a conuenient diſtance, moſt cōmonly your pellet ſtrikes in the middle of the marke, and of neceſsitie at the end of that diſtance, and in that place your viſuall line doth touch or cut the line or way in which the pellet muſt goe. And becauſe in ſhooting at markes eſpied on a height, the pellet doth goe much more by a right line, or by a leſſe croked line than the pellet which is ſhot at a marke lying leuell with the Peece, as hath bin ſayd before in the ſecond Colloquie: therefore by how much the pellet ſhot at a marke on a height doth go more righter than the pellet which is ſhot at a mark lying leuel, by ſo much doth that way of the pellet come more nearer or ſooner to meete and cut your ſaid viſuall line, than the way of the pellet which is ſhot at a marke lying leuell. Then making that interſection more nearer by ſhooting at a marke on a height, the thing at which you ſhoote will be beyond that interſection, and ſo the ſaid thing or marke being at the ſayde firſt diſtance, & beyond that interſection, it is impoſsible by reaſon of your ſaid leuel ſight that the pellet ſhall in that caſe ſtrike in the middeſt of the marke.

Schioppetiero.

I do not well vnderſtand your reaſons, neither will I trouble you to make me vnderſtand them, for I thinke you ſhould haue much a doe with me to make me perceiue them. But do you conclude that if I ſhoote at a marke eſpied on a height & at the ſame firſt diſtance, that the pellet will ſtrike aboue that marke or vnder that marke?

Nicho.

I conclude that there the pellet will ſtrike aboue the marke, for alwayes when the viſual line doth cut the way ofthe pellet, and that the marke or thing at which you ſhoote is beyond that interſection the pellet will ſtrike ſomewhat aboue the marke, & by ſo much the more aboue the marke as the ſaid marke ſhall be more farther of from that interſection.

Schioppetiero.

Certainelie you ſay true therein, for you ſhall vnderſtand that I haue in my time killed with my Peece 2000 little birdes, and my long experience hath taught mee to know that which now you haue told mee:Note. therefore when I haue occaſion to ſhoote at any little birde ſitting on a heigth vpon a tree within a conuenient diſtance, I take my marke alwayes at the feete of the bird, but when the bird ſittes on a place lying leuel with my Peece, then I take my marke preciſely at the body of the birde, and by ſo doing I doe ſeldomtimes miſſe with my ſhoote.

diagram of a visual line

The 26. Colloquie

How that leuell ſight which is well placed vpon a handgunne to ſhoote at a marke lying leuell with the mouth of the gunne, and in a conuenient diſtance from the ſaid Gunne, will not ſerue well to ſhoote at a marke lying vnder the leuell of the Gunners eie, and in a like conuenient diſtance from the ſaid Gunne: And how the Gunner which ſhootes in a Gunne which hath ſuch a leuell ſight at a thing lying vnder the leuell of his eye, and in a conuenient diſtance from his ſtanding, ought to take his leuell at the loeſt part of that thing or marke.

Interlocutors Schioppetiero. Nicholas Tartaglia. SChioppetiero.

I haue another queſtion to aske of you which is this: if I ſhould ſhoot with my ſaid handgun at a marke lying vnder the leuel of my eie, & in a conuenient diſtance from my ſtanding, whether or no will the ſame leuell ſight ſerue mee to ſhoote at the ſaid marke, which wil ſerue mee to ſhoote at a marke lying leuell with mine eie, I meane, whether or no will the pellet ſtrike in the middeſt of that marke, or aboue that marke, or vnder that marke?

Nicholas.

It is manifeſt by the reaſons before alleaged that your ſaide leuell ſight will not ſerue you in that diſtance, for the pellet in that caſe will alſo hitte aboue the ſame marke.

Schioppetiero.

You aunſwere mee well, for I hauelearned by long experience, that whenſoeuer I ſhall ſhoote at any little bird ſitting in a place which is vnder the leuell of mine eye, to take my marke at the feete of the ſame bird as I vſe to doe when I ſhoote at another bird ſitting on high vppon a tree or tower, and by ſo doing I doe ſeldome times miſſe the marke.

Nich.

I am glad that by your long experience you can witneſſe the ſame to bee true which I by naturall reaſon without any practiſe haue ſpoken.

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The 5 Corollarie.

ONe Luigui Collado a Spaniard finding fault with the precepts writtē in the precedent Colloquie teacheth his Readers to ſhoote at a loe marke lying within a conuenient diſtance in this ſort folowing:A Gunner ſhooting at a loe mark within a conuenient diſtance, ought to take his leuel aboue the ſame mark as Luigui Collado hath written. imbaſe, ſaith he, the mouth of your Peece till by putting your eie to the vppermoſt part of mettall in the greateſt circumference at the taile of the ſame Peece, you may ſee that the vppermoſt part of mettall, & the top of the diſpart vpon the mouth of that Peece do lie in a right line with the loe marke. This done, hang a line & plummet vpō the vppermoſt part of mettall in the greateſt circumference ouer the mouth of the ſame Peece, & eleuate the mouth of that Peece till the ſaid line and plummet ſhall hang without any bending cloſe by all the ſame mouth, and then ſuffering the Peece to lie at that eleuation you ſhall ſee (as the ſaid Luigui Collado hath writtē in the 80. chapter of his booke named Pratica manuale di Arteglieria) that it will in his diſcharge ſtrike the ſaid loe mark: which is contrary to the doctrine taught in the precedent Colloquie wherfore I do exhort euery Gunner to learne by his practiſe in which of the two repugnant authours the error is,

The 27. Colloquie

When one which hath ſhot in a Handgunne at a marke lying leuell with his eye, doth remoue the ſaid marke more farther from him, becauſe he perceiueth that through the fault of his leuell ſights the pellet did hit aboue the marke, and after he hath ſo done doth ſhoote againe at the ſame marke, then the pellet at the ſecond ſhoote will ſtrike more aboue the mark than the other pellet did at the firſt ſhoote. And how it is no inconuenience but a conuenient thing to doe that which by reaſon muſt bee done.

Interlocutors Schioppetiero. Nicholas Tartaglia. SChioppetiero.

I haue yet an other queſtion to aske of you which is this. Hauing ſhot in my Handgunne at a marke lying leuell with mine eye, and perceiued that the pellet did hitpellet did hit aboue the marke, I remooue the ſaid marke to another place more farther of from my ſtanding, or I goe backe with my Peece to be farther of from the ſaide marke, nowe if I ſhall ſhoote againe at that marke, whether will the pellet ſtrike more aboue that marke, or more vnder that marke than it did at my firſt ſhoote?

Nicholas.

In this caſe the pellet will ſtrike at your ſecond ſhoote more aboue the marke than it did at your firſt ſhoote?

Schioppetiero.

It will do ſo in deede, for it chaunced on a time that to proue how farre a new Handgunne would ſhoote leuell, I did ſhoote at a marke in a conuenient diſtance from my ſtanding, and ſtrooke with the pellet aboue that marke, wherupon in hope to hit the middeſt of the marke, I remooued the marke about tenne paces farther from my ſtanding at the firſt ſhoote, and going backe from the ſaide marke to that my ſtanding place, I ſhot againe, and at this ſecond ſhoote I ſtrooke with the pellet more aboue that marke than I did at the firſt ſhoote, the which ſeemed to me to be a thing againſt all reaſon, for I thought then and doe thinke ſo ſtill, that by remoouing the marke to a place more farther of from my ſtanding, the pellet ſhoulde hit more loer than it did when the marke ſtood more nearer vnto me: And therefore I pray you ſhew vnto me the cauſe of this inconuenience.

Nicho.

It is no inconuenience 〈◊〉 a conuenient thing to doe that which by reaſon muſt be done. It is no inconuenience but a conuenient thing to doe that which by reaſon muſt be done and it would bee a great inconuenience to haue it as you thought it ſhoulde be. For alwaies when a Schioppetiero or a Gunner ſhootes at a marke which lieth from his Peece in a right line, and that by force or through the fault of the two leuell ſights the pellet hits aboue the marke, it is manifeſt that the viſual line cuttes the way of the pellet, and that the ſame interſection which the viſual line makes in the way of the pellet is within the marke, that is to ſay, betweene the Peece and the marke, as it doth appeare by the reaſons alleaged in the ſeuenth Colloquie, and becauſe for a very long way together by how much the marke at which you ſhoote is more beyond the ſaid interſection, by ſo much the pellet will hit more aboue that marke, therefore by remoouing the ſame marke ſomewhat father of from your ſtanding, that marke will be likewiſe ſomwhat more remooued from that interſection, and by ſo much as the marke ſhall bee remooued more farther of (euen vnto a certaine limite) by ſo much the pellet will hit more higher or more aboue the ſaid marke: the ſame in effect will followe if the Schioppetiero or Gunner will goe backe more farther of from the marke. And all this which I haue tolde you muſt bee intended when the pellet hits aboue the marke through the fault of the two leuell ſights, and not through the fault of him which ſhootes,Admonition. for if it be by default of him which ſhootes, I meane if he in diſcharging the Handgunne doth make any moouing, and that thereby the pellet doth ſtrike aboue, vnder, or wide of the marke, our reaſons extend not to helpe that inconuenience, but to amend thoſe faultes which may be committed by the meanes of the two leuell ſights which are ſet vpon the handgunne.Note. Alſo you muſt vnderſtand that the ſaid marke may be ſo much tranſported, and ſet ſo farre of from his firſt place, that not only the pellet will hit more nearer to the marke than it did at the firſt ſhoote, but alſo ſtrike the ſame marke, as it doth appeare by the reaſons alleaged in the end of the ſeuenth Colloquie: that is to ſay, if by happe the marke ſhall bee tranſported and ſet ſo farre of as that it be put in the ſame place where our viſual line makes a ſecond interſection in the way of the pellet, without doubt the pellet will hit in the very middeſt of the marke as it hath been ſaid before in the 7 Colloquie. And if by chaunce the marke bee not put in that place of the ſecond interſection, but neare vnto it, then the pellet will not hit ſo preciſely in the very middeſt of that marke, but neare vnto it, that is to ſay, if the marke ſhall be put ſomewhat within the place of that interſection, the pellet will ſtrike ſomewhat aboue the marke, and if the marke be put ſomewhat without that interſection,Note. the pellet will ſtrike ſomewhat vnder the marke, as all this may eaſily be perceaued by the reaſons and picture in the ende of the ſeuenth Colloquie. And the ſayd marke may bee alſo tranſported ſo much from the ſaid ſecond interſection, as that the pellet can not come to touch it, which by naturall reaſon is eaſie to be perceiued.

Schioppetiero,

I doe well vnderſtand your reaſons and make great account of them.

The 28 Colloquie.

The reaſons and cauſes why a Schioppetiero which doth ſhoote in a Handgunne at a marke lying leuell with his eye, and through the fault of his leuell ſights doth ſhoote vnder the marke, ſhall by remouing the ſaid marke more farther from him and ſhooting at it againe ſtrike ſometimes more vnder the ſame marke than he did before, and ſometimes betweene the marke and the place where the pellet did hit at the firſt, and ſometimes preciſely in the marke, and ſometimes aboue the marke.

Interlocutors Schioppetiero. Nicholas Tartaglia. SChioppetiero.

By occaſion of the aforeſaid queſtion an other thing commeth to my remembrance, which is this: I ſhoote in my handgunne at a marke lying leuell with the mouth of my Peece, and for that the pellet doth hit vnder the marke through the fault of the two leuell ſights, I doe remoue the ſame marke farther of from me, or goe backe from the ſaid marke, now if I ſhall ſhoote againe at that marke lying in a right line with my Peece, whether or no will the pellet at the ſecond ſhoote hit more higher, or more loer than it did at the firſt ſhoote.

Nicho.

In this caſe there may be diuers alterations becauſe the leuel ſight before at the mouth of the Peece may be of equall height with the leuell ſight behinde at the breech of the Peece, and the ſaid leuell fight before may bee more higher, and alſo more ſhorter than the leuell ſight behinde:Note. If then by chaunce the leuell ſight before vppon the mouth of the Peece ſhall bee of equall heigth or longer than the leuell ſight behinde vpon the taile of the Peece according to the reaſons alleaged in the beginning of the ſeuenth Colloquie, by how much more farther the marke is remooued frō you, by ſo much the pellet wil ſtrike more loer. But if the leuell ſight before ſhall be more ſhorter than the leuell ſight behind and that by chaunce it is ſo much ſhorter than the other, as that your viſuall line doth cut the way of the pellet (as is declared in the ende of the ſeuenth Colloquie) in that caſe the pellet muſt needes at the ſeconde ſhoote ſtrike higher than it did at the firſt ſhoote, and yet that may be vnder the marke: that is to ſay, betweene the ſaid marke & the place where the pellet ſtrooke at the firſt bloe, and it may bee alſo preciſely in the midſt of the marke,Note. & it may bee alſo aboue the marke: For alwaies when the leuell ſight before is ſo much ſhorter than the leuell ſight behinde, as that your viſuall line doth cut the way of the pellet as before hath been ſayd, and that in ſuch a caſe a Shioppetiero or Gunner doth ſhoot at a marke lying leuell with his Peece, & through the fault of the two leuell ſights, and not through any fault in himſelfe doth hit vnder the marke, it is manifeſt that the interſection which the viſuall line makes in the way of the pellet, by the reaſons alleaged in the ende of the ſeuenth Colloquie ſhall be beyonde the marke: that is to ſay, the marke ſhall be betweene the ſayd interſection and him that doth ſhoote. And therefore if the place to which the marke ſhal be remooued be within that interſection, of neceſsitie the ſaid ſecond bloe will be vnder the marke, and yet it will be more nearer to the marke than the firſt bloe was: that is to ſay, it will be between the marke & the firſt bloe. But if the marke be remooued to the very place of the interſection, the pellet at the ſecond ſhoote will hit preciſely in the middeſt of the marke, that is to ſay, in the marke which lyeth in a right line with the mouth of the Peece. But if the marke be remooued by chaunce beyond the ſaid interſection, the pellet at the ſecond ſhoote muſt needes ſtrike aboue the marke, and it will ſtrike ſo much more aboue the marke vnto a certaine limite, as the marke is more remooued beyonde the ſaide interſection as in the ende of the precedent Colloquie hath been ſayde. But if the leuell ſight before be ſomewhat ſhorter than the leuell ſight behind, and that the ſhortneſſe thereof bee ſo little, as that it is not able to cauſe your viſuall line to ioyn aloe with the way of the pellet, yet in this caſe at euery remoouing of the mark the pellet wil hit vnder the mark, and this notwithſtanding the pellet at the ſecond ſhootemay hit aboue that place, and vnder that place, and alſo in the very ſame place where the pellet did ſtrike at the firſt ſhoote. For if the marke at the firſt ſhoote be by chaunce ſet in the place where your viſuall line paſſeth moſt neareſt to the way of the pellet (as hath been declared in the eight Colloquie) and is afterwardes tranſported beyond that place, without doubt the pellet will ſtrike at the ſecond ſhoote more vnder than it did at the firſt ſhoote: The ſame followeth when the marke is ſet beyonde that place, but when the marke is ſet at the firſt ſhoote within that place where your viſuall line paſſeth moſt neareſt to the way of the pellet, that is to ſay, more neare vnto you, and is afterwardes remoued for the ſecond ſhoote more nearer to that place, the pellet will ſtrike at the ſecond ſhoote higher than it did at the firſt: and yet that bloe will bee vnder the marke: that is to ſay, the pellet will ſtrike betweene the firſt bloe and the marke. But when the marke is remoued without that place where your viſuall line paſſeth moſt neareſt to the way of the pellet, it may be remoued ſo little without that place, as that the ſecond bloe will be betweene the firſt bloe and the mark, and it may be remoued ſo much without that place, as that the ſecond bloe will be vnder the firſt bloe, and it may be ſo proportionally remoued without the ſaide place, as that the ſecond bloe will hit preciſely in the place of the firſt bloe, and all this will appeare very plainely to him that doth conſider well of the figure in the eight Colloquie. But when the leuell ſight before hath his due and conuenient ſhortneſſe in reſpect of that leuel ſight which is behind, the which thing happeneth very ſeldome times: that is to ſay, that the viſuall line doth preciſely touch and not cut the way of the pellet, then if in ſuch a caſe any Schioppetiero or Gunner ſhall ſhoote at any marke vppon a right line, & by meanes of the ſaid two leuell ſights, and not through his owne fault ſhall ſtrike with the pellet vnder the marke, it may be by that which hath been ſpoken and declared in the ninth Colloquie that the ſaid marke is both within and without the touch of thoſe two lines, for the marke being ſo within or without that touche, the pellet alwayes ſtrikes vnder the marke as may bee eaſily perceaued by the figure in the ninth Colloquie. But when the firſt bloe is much vnder the marke, it may bee adiudged that the marke is without the ſayde touche, for the marke being within the ſayd touche, the pellet can not hitte very loe by the reaſons alleaged in the ſaid ninth Colloquie. And if the marke being without the ſayde touche, be ſet more without the ſame touche, certainelie the ſecond bloe will bee muche vnder the firſt bloe. But when the marke being ſet within the ſaid touch is remoued to a place more farther, it may happen that the marke in the ſecond place is within that touche, and it may bee in the very touche, and it may bee alſo without that touch. If the marke then in the ſeconde place bee ſet within that touche, the ſecond bloe will bee aboue or higher than the firſt bloe, and yet it will be vnder the marke: that is to ſay, it will bee betweene the marke and the firſt bloe. But if by chaunce the marke in the ſeconde place bee ſet in the verie point of the touche, the ſeconde bloe will bee preciſelie in the middeſt of the marke: But if the marke in the ſeconde place bee ſet without the ſayd touche, it may bee ſo much without the ſame, as that the ſeconde bloe will bee loer than the firſt bloe, and it may bee alſo ſo little without that touche, as that the ſeconde bloe will bee higher than the firſt, and yet it will bee vnder the marke: that is to ſay, betweene the marke and the firſt bloe. And it may bee ſo proportionallie without as that the ſeconde bloe will ſtrike preciſely in that place, where the firſt bloe ſtrooke.

Schioppetiero.

Your reaſons haue done me much good, for I beginne now to vnderſtand them, and where I had thought to haue made an ende of my queſtions, your argumentes haue brought new doubtes into my minde, ſo that if I ſhall not be tedious vnto you, I will deſire you to reſolue me in them.

Nicholas.

Proceede for by ſo doing you ſhall not be tedious vnto mee.

The 29. Colloquie

The cauſe why a Schioppetiero or a Gunner when he ſtandes neare vnto a marke lying leuell with his eie, is more apt with euery ſort of leuel ſights to ſtrike that marke, or to make a faire ſhoote at theſame, than when he ſtandes more farther from the ſaid marke: And how hee which will ſhoote at a little marke lying very neare vnto him ought to take his leuell at ſuch a height, as that the mouth of his Peece may couer the ſame marke.

Interlocutors Schioppetiero. Nicholas Tartaglia. SChioppetiero.

I perceiue by your arguments before alleaged, that your opinion is if the leuell marke at which I ſhoote be not ſet in the point where my viſuall line meetes with the way of the pellet, that I cannot ſtrike the ſaid marke in the middeſt, the which thing on the one part as I conſider muſt needes bee true by naturall reaſon, ſo on the other part my long experience cauſeth mee to thinke otherwiſe of the ſame. But before I doe tell you in what part that agreeth not with my experience, I will deſire you to open this doubt vnto mee: whence commeth it that euery Schioppetiero and euery Gunner generally the more nearer he ſtandes vnto a marke lying leuell with his Peece, the more apt hee is with euery ſorte of leuell ſightes to ſtrike in the marke or to make a faire ſhoote.

Nicholas.

To open your doubts concerning all ſorts of differences which may happen in the two leuell ſights, I will firſt beginne with this: when by chaunce the leuell ſight before is preciſely of the ſame height that the leuell ſight behinde is of, I meane when the leuell ſight before is equally ſo high as the leuell ſight behinde, then by how much he that ſhootes ſtands more nearer to the marke, by ſo much he ſhall be more apt to ſtrike in the marke or to make a faire ſhoote, and this commeth to paſſe through two cauſes. The firſt of them is for that alwayes as before hath been ſaid in the ſeuenth Colloquie, that Handgunne or Peece will ſhoote vnder the leuell marke, and the bloe will be by ſo much more vnder the marke, as he which ſhooteth is more farther from the marke: and contrariwiſe by how much he which ſhooteth is more nearer to the marke, by ſo much the bloe ſhall bee the leſſe vnder the marke, and the loeſt ſtroke which may happen in the like caſe ſhall be when he which ſhootes ſtandes ſo neare vnto the marke, as that the ende of the leuell ſight before doth as it were touch the ſaid leuell marke: and the bloe which ſtrikes leaſt vnder the marke is about ſo much vnder, as is that diſtance which is betweene the extreames or endes of the leuell ſights and the concauitie of the Peece, which may be a little more than the thickneſſe of the mettall of the Peece at the breech,Note. which in a Handgunne may be neare ſo much as the thickneſſe of one finger, and in a great Peece, ſo much more as the Peece ſhall bee more thicker of mettall at the breeche: and although the pellet ſo ſoone as it is gone out of the mouth of the Handgunne or Peece doth goe continually declining downewardes as hath been ſhewed in the thirde Colloquie, yet in that little time while the pellet may be ſeene, his ſaid declining ſhall not be ſenſible, that is to ſay, it ſhall not with our eyes be diſcerned. Therefore in a ſhort way by reaſon of the ſaide leuell ſightes that Handgunne may hit a little more vnder the leuell marke than the thickneſſe of a finger, which before hath been ſpoken of, I ſay by meanes of the leuell ſightes,Note. and not through the fault of him which ſhootes, for the faultes and accidentall cauſes which may chaunce through his faulte that ſhootes, are not comprehended within our Argumentes. And this is the firſt cauſe why a Schioppetiero and alſo a Gunner when hee ſtandes neare vnto the leuell marke, and ſhootes in a Peece that hath his leuell ſight before of equall height with the leuell ſight behind, is more apt to ſtrike in the marke, or to make a fayrer ſhoote than when hee ſhall ſtand more farther of from the ſayde marke: And by the ſame reaſon, the like wyll happen when the leuell ſighte before is ſomewhat longer than the leuell ſight behinde, for in ſuch a caſe as hath been ſayd in the ſeuenth Colloquie, the Peece will alwayes ſtrike vnder the leuell marke, and by ſo much the more vnder, as he which ſhootes ſhall be the more farther of from the marke, and the bloe in ſuch a caſe ſhalbe at the leaſt ſo much loer than the mark, as is the ſpace betweene the top of the leuell ſight before, and the concauitie of that Peeceor a little more, the which loneſſe when the marke is as hath been ſaide very neare to the mouth of the Peece, may be little more than the thickneſſe of a finger. But in an equall diſtance the bloe will be a little more loer than is the ſpace betweene the toppe of the leuell ſight before, and the concauitie of the Peece, eſpecially in a very ſhort diſtance: So that this is the firſt cauſe as hath been ſayd why a Schioppetiero and alſo a Gunner when he ſtandes neare vnto the marke lying leuell with his eye, and ſhootes in a Peece that hath his leuell ſight before ſomewhat more higher than the leuell ſight behinde, is more apt to ſtrike in the marke,Note. or to make a more fairer ſhoote than when hee ſhall ſtand more farther of. But beſides this firſt cauſe I thinke that euery Gunner and Schioppetiero doth perceiue by naturall reaſon an other cauſe, which is this,When a •… ner is ve •… neare vn •… marke h •… take his 〈◊〉 ſomewh •… aboue th •… ſame ma •… that alwayes when he is very neare to the marke at which he ſhootes, he muſt not take his leuell at the very marke, But ſomewhat aboue the marke, for he ſhould by naturall reaſon vnderſtand, that the vppermoſt ends of the two leuell ſights are aboue the mouth of the Peece out of which the pellet flies: and by ſo doing he ſhall amend that little error before ſpoken of, which he wil otherwiſe commit in ſhooting vnder the marke, & make himſelfe more apt to ſtrike preciſely in the midſt of the marke. And therefore I ſay when the leuell ſight before is of equall height or ſomewhat more longer than that behind, then the Gunner and Schioppetiero (for the reaſons before alleaged) by how much the more nearer he ſtands to the mark, by ſo much he is more apt to ſtrike the marke at which he ſhootes, or to make a more fairer ſhoote.Note. Much more by the ſaid reaſons the very ſelfeſame thing will come to paſſe when the leuell ſight before is ſomewhat ſhorter than the leuell ſight behinde, and more ſhorter, or not ſo ſhort as it ſhould be: for in any way you wil, as let it be loer, there the viſual line commeth to be more nearer to the way or line in which the pellet goeth, and continually commes more nearer vnto it, vntil it cutteth, toucheth, or paſſeth more nearer to the way of the pellet than it did in the two former poſitions of the leuell ſights. For in the ſame, the ſaid viſuall line doth goe from the way of the Pellet, and in this continually it commes more nearer to the way of the pellet vntill it commes to the aforeſaid place: And although alſo in this ſecond poſition of the leuell ſights, by how much more the marke which lyeth leuell with the Peece ſhall be within that place where the viſuall line doth meete with the way of the pellet, or within that place where it paſſeth neare to that way or line in which the pellet goeth, by ſo much the ſtroke ſhall be more loer, as it hath been declared in the ſeuenth, eight, and ninth Colloquies, and yet that loneſſe may bee but little as hath been alſo ſayde in the ſame Colloquies. For the moſt loneſſe that may be there, is the ſame which was the greateſt in the other two firſt: that is to ſay, when the marke which lieth leuell with the peece is very neare vnto the leuell ſight before, I meane the leuell ſight vppon the mouth of the Handgunne or Peece, the which in a Handgunne can bee little more than the thickneſſe of one finger as before I haue declared. Then in a Handgunne whoſe mouth is laide very neare to the marke, the greateſt loneſſe is little more than the thickneſſe of a finger, but the marke being ſomewhat farther of from the mouth of the Peece it muſt needes be that the bloe ſhall not be ſo loe vnder the marke as the thickneſſe of a finger, and it ſhall bee by ſo much leſſe vnder the marke, as it ſhalbe more farther from the mouth of the handgunne ſo that it be not beyond the ſaid interſection or touch which the viſuall line makes in the line or way of the pellet, or beyond the moſt nigheſt part thereof.Note Then the marke being at the leaſt tenne paces from the mouth of the Handgunne, the loneſſe of that ſtroke will bee ſcant ſenſible. Beſides this as hath been before ſayde, when he that ſhootes is very neare vnto the marke at which he ſhootes, I thinke that by a certaine natural diſcretion he doth not take his leuel preciſely in the midſt of the marke, but a little thing aboue: for he ought to know by naturall reaſon as before hath been ſaide, that the toppes of the two leuell ſights are ſomewhat aboue the mouth of the Handgun out of which the pellet flieth, and by ſo doing (as I thinke he doth) he ſhal amend that little error which the pellet would cōmit in ſtriking vnder that mark: & for theſe two cauſes that Schioppetiero or Gunner with that kinde of leuell ſights generally ſhalbe more apt to ſtrike the marke ſet in a place neare vnto him, or to make at it a fairer ſhoot than he ſhal do with the two firſt kinds of leuell ſights of which I ſpake in the beginning of this Colloquie. For in that kinde of leuell ſights the viſual line by a great ſpace goeth as it were ioyned or little diſtant from the way of the pellet. And therefore in all that ſpace which is betweene the mouth of the handgunne and the place where the viſual line doth meete with the way or line in which the pellet doth goe, or where the ſaid two lines are moſt neareſt, hee is not ſubiect as it were to commit any error for the reaſons before alleaged by meanes of the leuell ſights.

Schioppetiero.

You haue fully ſatiſfied me with your reaſons, for of the one part I affirme by thoſe reaſons which you haue alleaged in the precedent Colloquie, that it is impoſſible to ſtrike a marke which lyeth leuell with the mouth of the Peece, when that marke is not preciſely in the pointe of the interſection, or in the touch of thoſe two lines meeting together: that is to ſay, of the viſuall line, and the line or way in which the pellet doth go. And of the other part it hath ſeemed to me through my longe experience that it ſhould be otherwiſe: for I haue ſhot in my handgunne and killed therewith many litle birdes, of which ſome haue ſtoode in a competent longe diſtance from me, and ſome of them haue ſtoode but in a meane diſtance from me, and ſome other of them haue ſtoode very neare vnto me. The which thing would not ſo haue chaunced if it had bin ſo as I did at the firſt ſuppoſe it to be. For if the leuell ſights vpon my handgunne be ſuch as will make my viſuall line to meete with the line and way of the pellet, it is to bee beleeued that it doth ſo alwaies as it were in one and the ſelfeſame diſtance, eſpecially when I ſhoote after one ſorte, and charge alwaies in one and the ſelfeſame maner. And therefore the thing being ſo, if I ſhoote more ground or leſſe ground than that appointed and determinate diſtance, it wil be impoſſible to ſtrike the very miſtdeſt of that marke which lieth leuell with the Peece: But this (as before hath bin ſaid) is already founde by experience to be otherwiſe,Note. that is to ſay, it hath bin my hap oftentimes in a common diſtance,When you wil hoote at any itle marke which is very eare vnto ou, take your euell at ſuch a eight as that he mouth of our Peece ay couer the ame marke. and in a meane diſtance, and in a ſhort diſtance, and after one and the ſelfeſame ſorte, to ſtrike with my handgunne in the very middeſt of the marke, the which thing cauſed me to doubt thereof, but now you haue made me to vnderſtand very well all that I doubted of, and eſpecially for that when I ſhot at any litle birde which was very neare vnto me, I did alwaies vſe (as you haue ſaid) to take my leuell at ſuch a height as the mouth of my handgunne did couer the litle birde, whereby I did ſeeldometimes miſſe the marke.

Nicholas.

It pleaſeth me well that your longe experience can witneſſe the ſame to be true, which by naturall reaſon and geometricall ſkill I did thinke in my minde ſhould be ſo.

Schioppetiero.

You haue made me to vnderſtand well all that I doubted, yet by thinking vpon your arguments, a nwe matter is come into my minde which I feare to tell vnto you, for that I will not bee trubbelſome.

Nich.

Say on, you ſhall not be trubbelſome to me for I deſire to heare it.

The 30 Colloquie.

The reaſons and cauſes why a Schioppetiero ſhooting oftentimes together in a handgunne at a marke lying leuell with the mouth of his Peece, and not far from him, may ſometimes ſtrike much aboue that marke, and ſometimes much vnder that marke, and ſometimes wide from that marke, and ſometimes in that marke. Alſo the cauſes of errors which maybe committed in ſhooting with handgunnes: and by howe much the marke is more nearer to him which ſhootes by ſo much hee which ſhootes is more like to ſtrike the marke, or to make a faire ſhoote at the ſame.

Interlocutors Schioppetiero. Nicholas Tartaglia. SChioppetiero.

In your arguments vpon the precedent queſtion you haue ſhowen with very good reaſons that a Schioppetiero ſhooting at a marke neare vnto him, is alwaies ſubiect to ſtrike vnder the marke, that is to ſay, more loer than the marke, and that the ſame loneſſe can not exceede the thickneſſe of a finger or litle more, but I haue ſeene many which by ſhooting often times together in one and the ſelfeſame handgunne at a marke lying not very far from them, haue at ſometimes ſtrooke much aboue the marke, and at ſometimes much vnder, and at ſometimes very wide, and at ſometimes in the marke: now I aske of you the cauſe thereof, for as it ſeemeth to me it is repugnant to all the reaſons of your aforeſaid arguments.

Nicho.

You muſt vnderſtand that all the errours which may be committed in ſhooting with a handgunne come of ſundry cauſes: For ſome of thoſe errors are committed onely by the meanes of the leuell ſights, and ſome of thoſe errors are committed onely by the fault of him that ſhootes, and ſome of thoſe errors are committed through the fault of the one and of the other: that is to ſay, by the meanes of the leuell ſights and of him that ſhoots.Admonit •… The errors of which we haue ſpoken in our former arguments are ſuch as are only committed by the meanes of the leuell ſights, without ſuppoſing that hee which ſhootes doth commit any fault or error (as oftentimes before hath been declared) therefore the errors which doe ſimply come by the meanes of the leuell ſights, haue in them a rule and meaſure as before in their proper places hath been declared. But the errors which doe ſimply come by the fault of him that ſhootes, haue in them no order nor rule:Note. for the moſt part of thoſe errors are committed by ſome mouing, which hee that ſhootes in the Handgunne doth make after he hath taken his leuell, or in diſcharging the Handgunne. For euery mouing how little ſoeuer it be which is made in that inſtant time when the Handgunne is diſcharged, may cauſe great error at the mark which lieth leuel or in a right line with that Peece. And the error there will be by ſo much the more greater, as the mark ſhal be more farther of from him which ſhootes: for the mouing of the Handgunne,Note. which may happen by drawing of breath, or by beating of the pulſe, or by ſhaking of the hande hath for it no rule, and therefore when the marke is preciſely in the pointe where the viſuall line doth meete with the line or way of the pellet, then by reaſon of the leuell ſights, hee which ſhootes ſhould ſtrike preciſely in the middeſt of the marke, yet neuertheleſſe the handgunne being mooued, the Schioppetiero is ſubiect to ſtrike aſwell aboue the marke, as vnder the marke, and alſo to ſtrike wide of the marke, aſwell vpon the right ſide as vpon the left ſide, and he may alſo by chaunce ſtrike the marke in the middeſt: and all this may happen when the marke is within or without the meeting of the ſaid two lines: but when the marke is without the meeting of the ſaid lines, the ſaid errors will be more greater (by reaſon of the longe diſtance which is betweene the marke and him that ſhootes) than they will bee when the marke is within the meeting of thoſe lines,By how 〈◊〉 the ma •… 〈◊〉 more 〈◊〉 to him 〈◊〉 ſhootes 〈◊〉 much h •… which 〈◊〉 is more 〈◊〉 ſtrike th •… marke, 〈◊〉 make a 〈◊〉 ſhoote 〈◊〉 ſame. for then he which ſhootes is more nearer to the marke. And in truth by howe much the marke is more nearer to him which ſhootes, by ſo much euery kinde of error will be the leſſe, and therefore he which ſhootes is by ſo much more ſubiect to ſtrike in the marke, or to make a faire ſhoote as hath bin ſaid in the precedent Colloquie. And alſo he is ſubiect to all thoſe ſame accidents which come when their is any fault in the leuell ſightes, that is to ſay, by the moouing of the ſaid handgunne, he is ſubiect to ſtrike aſwell aboue the marke, as vnder the marke, and alſo wide of the marke. Alſo hee is ſubiect to ſtrike preciſely in the middeſt of the marke, for the moouing of the handgunne may by chaunce bee ſuch, that it will remedy the faulte of the leuell ſightes and cauſe him which ſhootes to hit the marke in the middeſt: But he ſhall doo ſo onely by chaunce and not by any ſkill.

Schioppetiero.

You haue ſpoken enough, for by your arguments I doo perfectly vnderſtand all my ſaid doubtes.

The ende of the firſt Booke of Colloquies.
The ſecond Booke of Nicholas Tartaglia his Colloquies concerning the variable ranges, meaſures, and weights, of leaden, yron, and marble ſtone pellets, tranſlated out of Italian into Engliſh, by Cyprian Lucar Gentleman, who hath alſo augmented the volume of the ſaide Colloquies for the benefite of his Readers, with the Contents of euery Colloquie, and with the Corollaries and Table, that are in the ſame volume.
The firſt Colloquie.

How a pellet of yron will outflie a pellet of lead: and how much a pellet of yron will outflie a pellet of lead when both of them are ſhot out of one Peece, at one & the ſelfeſame eleuation, & with an equall quantitie of powder: And how the aire doth more proportionally reſiſt a light bodie than a heauie bodie: And how the aire doth more let the range of the pellet which is ſhot out of a Peece eleuated, then the range of a pellet which is ſhot out of a Peece lying leuell with the Horizon.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

Inſomuch as at this preſent time I know not what to ſay more of the qualitie of ſhootes and other accidents of Artillerie, and for that I will not ſtand idle after the reading of Euclide, let vs ſpeake ſomewhat of the qualitie, accidents, and diuerſitie of pellets, and tell me briefly whether or no (as you thinke) a pellet of lead will outflie a pellet of yron, and by how much ground the one of them will outflie the other,Iron pellets for great ordinance were firſt brought into Italy by Charles the French king in Anno Domini 1495. as Vannuceio Biringuccio in the ninth chapter of the ſeuenth booke of his Pirotechnia writeth. when both of them are ſhot out of one Peece at one & the ſelfeſame eleuation, & with an equal quantitie of powder?

Nich.

You ſhould tell me alſo with how much powder euery of the ſame pellets is to be ſhot.

Prior.

Suppoſe that euery of the ſaid pellets is to be ſhot with ⅔ parts in powder of that which the Pellet of lead doth waie.

Nicho.

Without doubt the Pellet of yron will there outflie the pellet of lead.

Prior.

By how much?

Nicho.

A pellet of yron being ſhot out of a Peece lying leuell with the Horizon, will outflie a pellet of lead as it were by one third part of his diſtance, but the Peece being eleuated to one point, the pellet of yron will outflie a pellet of lead ſomewhat leſſe then one third part of his diſtance. And by howe much the more higher that the Peece is mounted, by ſo much the more doth the pellet of yron after that proportion decreaſe & ſhorten his range: ſo that mounting the Peece to the fift or ſixt point, the pellet of yron will goe farther than the pellet of lead little more than a fift part of his diſtance. And that your Lordſhip may the better vnderſtād me, I wil ſuppoſe that a pellet of lead being ſhot out of a Peece lying leuel with the Horizon, doth flie 300 paces in length, whereupō I ſay that a pellet of yron being ſhot out of that Peece with the ſame quantitie of powder that did driue the pellet of lead (that is to ſay with ⅔ parts of that which the pellet of lead waieth) wil flie as it were 400 paces in lēgth, that is to ſay, once ſo much, and part more called ſeſquitertia proportio. But if it be ſuppoſed that the pellet of lead at the eleuation of the fift or ſixt point, doth flie in length 3000 paces, then I ſay that the pellet of yron at that eleuation with the ſame or like quantitie of powder, wil flie in length little more than 3600 paces: that is to ſay, little more than once ſo much and ⅕ part more called ſeſquiquinta proportio.

Prior.

What is the cauſe why the ſhootes out of Peeces which are eleuated exceed not in that proportion as the ſhoots out of Peeces lying leuell with the Horizon doe?

Nicholas.

Becauſe the ayre doth more proportionally reſiſt a light body according to his kinde, than a more heauyer body, and by ſomch the more it doth reſiſt, as it findes the ſame light body to go more ſlolie and faintlie, and for that in leuell ſhootes the pellet flieth not in the ayre but onely while it goeth moſt ſwiftly: for ſo ſoone as his paſſage or mouing is let, it lights on the ground: therefore the arie doth not ſo much let the pellet there, as it doth when it is ſhot out of a peece which is eleuated, for there the pellet flieth a more longer time in the aire, and that ſloly, through which ſloneſſe (as hath been before ſaid) the aire hath proportionally a greater power and rule ouer that pellet, than it hath ouer a pellet which is ſhot out of a Peece lying leuell with the Horizon, wherefore the ſaid pellet of yron being ſhot out of a Peece eleuated doth not proportionallie ſo much exceede the pellet of lead, as it doth when it is ſhot out of a Peece lying leuell.

Prior.

I doe vnderſtand you well.

The 2 Colloquie.

Where a pellet of lead will in a maner flie as much ground as a pellet of Iron will doe: and where a pellet of lead will range more ground than a pellet of yron will doe: and where a pellet of yron wil outflie a pellet of lead: and how a pellet of lead muſt be ſhot with ⅔ partes in powder of his waight: And how a pellet of yron muſt bee ſhot with ⅔ partes in powder of his waight.

Interlocutors. L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

Tell me whether will a pellet of lead or a pellet of yron flie fartheſt when both of them are ſhot out of one Peece at one and the ſelfeſame eleuation,A pellet of lead muſt bee ſhotout of a Peece with ⅔ partes in powder of his waight. Queſtion. Anſwere. and each of them with his ordinarie charge: that is to ſay, with ⅔ parts in powder of that waight which euerie pellet by it ſelfe doth waye?

Nicho.

In leuell ſhootes and in ſhootes a little eleuated there is no great difference, but in ſhootes much eleuated, as if I ſhould ſay at the eleuation of the third, fourth, fift, and ſixt point, the pellet of lead will flie farther than the pellet of yron: and all this will come to paſſe by the reaſons alleaged in the precedent Colloquie.

Prior.

I had thought to haue asked of you which of thoſe pellets will flie fartheſt, when euery of them is ſhot with ⅔ partes in powder of that waight which the pellet of yron waieth, but by the aforeſaid reaſons I perceiue that the pellet of yron will flie fartheſt.

Nicho.

It will doe ſo in deede.

The 3 Colloquie.

Where a pellet of ſtone will outflie a pellet of yron: and where a pellet of yron and a pellet of ſtone will range one ground: and where a pellet of yron will outflie a pellet of ſtone.

Interlocutors. L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

What thinke you of a pellet of yron and of a pellet of ſtone? Which of them will flie fartheſt? And by how much will one of them outflie the other, when both of them are ſhot out of one Peece at one and the ſelfeſame eleuation, and with an equall quantitie of powder, that is to ſay, with ⅔ partes in powder of that waight which the pellet of yron wayeth?

Nicho.

Without any doubt, reaſon ſheweth vs that in leuell ſhootes, and in the greateſt part of eleuated ſhootes, the pellet of ſtone wil outflie the pellet of yron.

Prior.

By how much?

Nicho.

In leuel ſhootes (as for example from the place of equallitie or line of leuell, vnto the eleuation of one onely point) the pellet of ſtone will outflie the pellet of yron by ¼ part of the way or diſtance in which the pellet of yron goeth, and rather more than leſſe, but in ſhoots more eleuated, the pellet of ſtone wil not by ſo much encreaſe the length of his range, but rather decreaſe the ſame by ſo much as the Peece ſhall bee more eleuated. For at the eleuation of the fourth point, the difference will be very little: that is to ſay, at that eleuation the pellet of yron will in a maner flie as farre as the pellet of ſtone. But at the eleuation of the fift and ſixt point, the pellet of yron will ſomewhat outflie the pellet of ſtone: and all this commeth to paſſe by the reaſons alleaged in the firſt Colloquie of this booke.

Prior.

This matter ought to be well conſidered of.

The firſt Corollarie.

THE ſtone whereof pellets ſhall bee made, ought to bee very hard, and ſtrong becauſe a pellet of a ſoft ſtone (as Luigui Collado writeth) will bee tormented at the mouth of his Peece, and breake aſunder as it flies in the aire,

The 4 Colloquie.

Where a pellet of yron will flie farther than a pellet of ſtone: and where a pellet of ſtone will flie as farre as a pellet of yron when the pellet of yron is ſhot with ⅔ partes in powder of his waight, & the pellet of ſtone is ſhot but with part in powder of his waight: And how a pellet of ſtone being ſhot out of a peece with ⅔ part in powder of his waight will flie as much ground as a pellet of yron of like bigneſſe ſhot out of a peece with ⅔ partes in powder of his waight will doe.

Interlocutors. L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior

What thinke you whether will a pellet of yron or a pellet of ſtone flie fartheſt when both of them being equall in bigneſſe are ſhot out of one Peece at one and the ſelfeſame eleuation, and with their ordinary charge of powder, that is to ſay, when the pellet of yron is ſhot with ⅔ partes in powder of his waight, and the pellet of ſtone with part in powder of his waight?

Nicholas.

This is a hard queſtion, becauſe the proportion of the waight of euery of thoſe pellets doth differ from the proportion of the waight of the powder which is due to each of the ſayd bullets. Neuertheleſſe I conclude that at euery eleuation the pellet of yron will flie farther than the pellet of ſtone: and that by how much the Peece is more eleuated, by ſo much the pellet of yron wil proportionally more outflie the pellet of ſtone: And contrariwiſe, by how much the Peece doth lie more neare nto the place of equalitie or line of leuell, by ſo much the difference betweene their ranges will be the leſſe.

Prior.

I perceiue by this that they which did firſt appoint that a pellet of ſtone ſhall be ſhot with part in powder of that waight which the ſame pellet wayeth,Note. did peraduenture finde by experience that (as you haue ſaide) it will be there equal in flight with the pellet of yron.

The 5. Colloquie.

Where a pellet of lead will doe a greater exploite and pearce farther into an obiect than a pellet of yron will doe: and where a pellet of yron will doe a greater exploite and pearce farther into an obiect than a pellet of lead will doe: And how a pellet of lead will giue a greater ſtroke againſt any obiect, and more ſhake the ſame than a pellet of yron will doe.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

Tell me whether a pellet of lead will doe a greater effect or pearce more farther into an obiect at an equall diſtance than a pellet of yron will doe, when both of them are ſhot out of one Peece at one and the ſelf ſame eleuation, firſt with an equall quantitie of powder, that is to ſay with ⅔ partes in powder of that which the pellet of lead wayeth, and afterwards with their ordinary charges of powder.

Nicho.

I haue prooued before in the firſt colloquie of this booke, that the pellet of yron at any eleuation, will flie farther than a pellet of lead when both of them are ſhotte with the ſaid equall quantitie of powder. Therfore if the thing at which you ſhoote be ſo farre of that the pellet of lead cannot fly thether, and that the pellet of yron may flie thether, euery mā is able to iudge the ſame though I ſay nothing. But if the marke at which you ſhoote, ſhalbe in a conuenient diſtance for the one & the other ſhoote, and that the ſame obiect is not of ſo harde a ſubſtance, as that it will bruſe and beate the pellet of lead flat, without doubt the pellet of lead by reaſon of his more waight, wil do a greater exploite, and pearce farther into that obiect than the pellet of yron wil doe.The waight of a thing worketh more than the ſwiftnes thereof. For the waight of a thing worketh more than the ſwiftneſſe thereof (as before in the 16. Colloquie of the firſt booke hath beene declared) but when the marke at which you ſhoote is of ſo hard a ſubſtance, as that it will bruſe and beate the ſaid pellet of lead flat, in that caſe it is doubtfull whether the pellet of yron will penetrate ſomewhat farther then the pellet of lead. But although it be ſo, that the pellet of lead doth not penetrate ſo farre in as the pellet of yron, yet by reaſon of his more waight the pellet of lead will ſhake the thing which is ſtrooken a great deale more then the pellet of yron wil doe. And all this which hath beene ſpoken of the ſaide pellets ſhot with the ſaid equall quantitie of powder, wil be more verified by ſhooting them with their ordinarie quantitie of powder, that is to ſay with ⅔ partes in powder of that which euery of thoſe pellets doth waie by it ſelfe, I meane in ſuch things which are not apt by their hardneſſe to batter and bruſe, the pellet of lead will doe a more greater effect, and penetrate farther thā the pellet of yron, when euery of them is ſhotte with the aforeſaid equal quantitie of powder. Likewiſe in thoſe things which by their hardneſſe are apt to bruſe and beate flatte the pellet of lead, although peraduenture the pellet of yron may pearce ſomewhat farther in, yet the pellet of lead wil geue a greater ſtroke and ſhake more the ſame obiect than a pellet of yron will doe.

Prior.

This matter liketh me wel.

The 2. Corollary.

BY the reaſons alleaged in the precedent Colloquie, ſome men of a very good iudgement haue beene induced to thinke that a pellet of yron ſhot out of a Caliuer, Harchibuſe, or any ſuch like handgun, wil goe thorow ſome armors or yron cotes, which a pellet of lead ſhotte out of the ſame or like peece cannot doe, and that an arrow wel headed with harde ſteele beeing ſhot out of any ſuch handgun, wil more eaſilie pearce thorow armors, than any pellet of lead, or yron, ſhot out of the ſame or like gunne can doe: Wherefore I wiſh that the trueth herein might through priuate practiſe be knowen, & that the thing which will be moſt hurtfull to our enemies may in time of militarie ſeruice be vſed.

The ſixt Colloquie.

How a pellet of yron wil doe a greater effect, and pearce farther into an obiect than a pellet of ſtone wil doe: and how ⅔ part in powder of the waight of a pellet of ſtone is enough to ſhoote the ſame pellet out of his peece.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior

what thinke you, will a pellet of yron doe a greater effect or pearce more farther into an obiect at an equal diſtance than a pellet of ſtone when both of them are ſhot out of one peece at one and the ſelfeſame eleuation, firſt with an equall quantitie of powder, that is to ſay with ⅔ partes in powder of that which the pellet of yron wayeth, & afterwards with their ordinarie charge of powder?

Nich.

In this queſtion there is no doubt butthat the pellet of yron wil doe a more greater effect, and pearce farther into any kinde of obiect than a pellet of ſtone wil doe when the thing at which you ſhoote is not farther of than the pellet of yron wil flie, and within the reache of the pellet of ſtone, as it hath beene alſo ſaide of the pellet of lead, and of the pellet of yron in the precedent Colloquie. Now if the pellet of yron wil doe a greater exploite or pearce farther into the obiect than a pellet of ſtone wil doe, when both of them are ſhot with an equall quantitie of powder, it will doe a more greater exploit, and pearce more farther in, when both of them are ſhot with their ordinarie charge of powder, that is to ſay, when the pellet of yron is ſhot with ⅔ parts in powder of that which it wayeth, and the pellet of ſtone is ſhot onely with ⅔ part in powder of that which it wayeth.

Prior.

I haue alwaies thought it to be ſo as you haue ſpoken

The 7 Colloquie.

Why a pellet ſhot out of a Peece did make in his going a great whiſteling: and why other pellettes being ſhot preſently after out of the ſame Peece did not make ſo great a whiſteling in their going as the firſt pellet did.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

I being in the Rhodes at that time when the Turke did beſeege the ſame, went foorth with many Pioners into a peece of ground to make Bulwarkes there, and it happened that the Turkes ſhot a pellet at vs which made ſuch a whiſteling, as that we hearing the ſame a great way from vs, did eaſilie geue place vnto it, and without any hurt auoided the ſame. After that the ſaid pellet was fallen down without doing any harme, euery of vs did returne againe to labour, beleeuing aſſuredly if the Turkes ſhould ſhoote againe that we might ſaue our ſelues harmeleſſe by the warning and whiſteling of the pellet. Now it hapned that the Turkes did ſhoote againe at vs, and the pellet came towardes vs ſo quietly, and with ſo little noyſe that none of vs did heare or perceaue the ſame till it was vpon vs, and had killed fower of thoſe Pioners. Now tell me what was the cauſe why that pellet and many other which were ſhot at vs afterwards did flie ſo quietly, and made ſo ſoft a whiſteling?

Nicholas.

The cauſe thereof is grounded vpon the reaſons alleaged in the 4. Colloquie of the firſt booke, that is to ſay, at the firſt ſhoote the pellet found the aire quiet, which did thereby more reſiſt the flying of the pellet, than the ayre being troubled or ſtirred could doe, and that reſiſtance was the cauſe why the pellet did whiſtle, for the pellet did whiſtle by reaſon it did with great difficultie penetrate the ayre which was ſetled and quiet. But at the ſecond ſhoote the pellet did not only finde that ayre mooued, broken, and ſhaken by the pellet of the firſt ſhoote, but alſo going towards the place at which the ſaid pellet was ſhot, that is to ſay, going in the way of the pellet: Whereupon the pellet finding no ſuch reſiſtance at the ſecond ſhoote, as it did at the firſt ſhoote, made not ſo lowd a whiſteling as it did before. And by the ſame reaſons the other pellettes which were ſhot at you preſently after the two firſt, did make a leſſe whiſteling.

Prior.

Your reaſon doth like me well.

The 8. Colloquie.

Where a light pellet will outflie a heauie pellet: and where a heauie pellet will outflie a light pellet, and how the vertue, and ſtrength of a moouing thing may be made fruſtrate through the waight of the ſame thing, and alſo through the lightneſſe of the ſame thing.

Interlocutors Bernard Segreo. Nicholas Tartaglia. BErnard.

Doe you thinke that a heauy pellet wil flie farther than a light pellet when both of them are ſhot out of one peece at one eleuation, and with equall quantitie of powder?

Nicholas.

To this queſtion I cannot make you a determinate aunſwere, becauſe you doe not diſtinguiſh the difference of their waights, and quantitie of powder. For it is wel knowen that the waight of a thing, and likewiſe that the lightneſſe of the thing, doth make fruſtrate the vertue and ſtrength of a moouing thing. For the pellet which is ſhot may be ſo light, that it wil flie but a very little way from the mouth of the Peece. Alſo it may be ſo heauie, and expelled with ſo ſmall a quantitie of powder, that the ſame inconuenience wil folow. Therefore it is needefull for you to ſhew the difference of their weights, and the materiall ſubſtance of each pellet, and the quantitie of powder. For if the one pellet be of lead, and the other of yron, or of ſtone, and each of them be ſhot with ⅔ partes in powder of the waight which the pellet of lead wayeth, it is manifeſt by the reaſons alleaged in the firſt and third Colloquie of this booke, that the pellet of yron or ſtone wil outflie the pellet of lead. But if one of thoſe pellettes be of lead, or of yron, and the other of light wood, or of ſuch corke as is vſed to be put in pantables and ſlippers, it is to be beleeued that the heauie pellet (I meane the pellet of lead or yron) ſhot with his ordinarie charge in powder, will flie much farther than the light pellet, that is to ſay, than the pellet of light wood, or corke which is ſhot with the ſame and like quantitie of powder. And contrariwiſe he which ſhall ſhoote a pellet of lead of a hundred pound waight in a Cannon of 9. foote and ½ in length, and likewiſe a pellet of wood as bigge or as thick as the pellet of lead, and ſhal ſhoote the one and the other of thoſe pellettes with a pound or two of powder, it is to be thought that in this caſe the pellet of wood will outflie the pellet of lead: Whereby we are taught to know that it is needefull to limite a proportion betweene the waight of the thing which is ſhot, and the vertue of the moouing thing.

Bernard.

This diſcourſe pleaſeth me wel for once to be ſatisfied in this doubt I cauſed a pellet of mettall to be made which was holowe within, and ſhot the ſame, but it did not flie ſo much ground as an ordinarie pellet of yron wil flie.

The 9. Colloquie.

How by knowing the diameter and waight of one pellet, you may tell the true waight of any other pellet whoſe diameter is knowne.

Interlocutors L. Giulio Sauorgnano. Nicholas Tartaglia. L. Giulio.

There is a pellet whoſe diameter is foure ynches,The 23. Chapter of my Appendix will teach you by knowing the diameter and waight of one pellet, to tell the diameter of any other pellet whoſe wayght is knowen. and it wayeth eight pounde waight, now I aske of you what another pellet wil way whoſe diameter is ſix ynches?

Nicholas.

That pellet wayeth twenty ſeuen pound waight.

L. Giulio.

How is it poſsible that a pellet whoſe diameter is ſix ynches (which make ½ foote) ſhall way no more than 27. pound waight? I thinke it ſhould way more than 60. pound waight.

Nicholas.

You ſay true. For if the pellet be of yron, and in his diameter ſix ynches long of ordinarie meaſure (which is ½ foote) I doe affirme without any doubt that it wil way about 60. poūd waight.

L. Giulio.

Why ſaied you then that it would way onely 27. pound waight?

Nicholas.

I ſay if the pellet which is foure ynches high doth way onely eight pound waight, that the pellet of ſix ynches high wil way 27. poūd waight. But if the pellet which is foure ynches high be of yron, it wil way more than 18. pound waight or thereabout: therefore I haue aunſwered your queſtion according as it was propoſed.

L. Giulio.

By what rule haue you found out that the pellet of ſix ynches in height wayeth twentie ſeuen pound waight?

Nicholas.

I hauefound that out by this meanes. I did cube thoſe foure ynches (which is the diameter of the firſt pellet) and the cube thereof was 64. Likewiſe I did cube the ſaide ſix ynches (which is the diameter of the ſecond pellet) and the cube of the ſame was 216. then by the rule of three I did ſay, if ſixty foure way eight pound waight, what ſhall 216 way? Multiplying 216. by 8. the product was 1728. which number being deuided by ſixtie foure yeelded in the Quotient twentie ſeuen. Therefore I conclude that the ſecond pellet wayeth twentie ſeuen pound waight if the firſt pellet doe way no more than eight pound waight.

L. Giulio.

I doe well vnderſtande all this.

The 10. Colloquie.

How you may finde out the diameter of a pellet which muſt be double to another pellet whoſe diameter is knowen.

Interlocutors. Zanantonio. Nicholas Tartaglia. ZAnantonio.

There is a pellet whoſe diameter is fiue fingers, now I aske of you by what meanes I may know the diameter of another pellet which is double to the ſaid pellet of fiue fingers in height?

Nicholas.

Cube the diameter of fiue fingers in height, and the cube number thereof wil be 125. then multiplie 125. by two, the product thereof will bee 250. Finally extract the cube roote of 250, and ſo the ſame cube roote ſhal be the diameter of the ſecond pellet, the which cube roote of 250. being extracted in ſuch ſort as I haue before declared, will be ſomewhat more than ſixe fingers, that is to ſay, there will remaine 34/

Zanantonio.

How muſt I order this number 34. which remaines for to make of it a conuenient fraction to be added vnto thoſe ſix fingers.

Nicholas.

I haue not hetherto in any Authour which hath written of the extraction of Cubike rootes, read any good rule which will teach you to make a true fraction after the Cubike roote is extracted out of a number which is no Cubike number, and the cauſe thereof is (except I be deceaued) for that the right way to extract a Cubike roote was vnknowen vnto them, I doe not ſay vnknowen, as though the ſaid Authors knew not how to extract a Cubike roote, or that the rules which they haue ſet downe ſerue not for to extract a Cubike roote, but I will ſay that their rules are not ſo true and plaine for that purpoſe as they ſhoulde be: for if they were true & plaine to extract the Cubike roote, it would be thereby an eaſie matter to make a fraction of the number remayning after the nigheſt Cubike roote is extracted out of a number not Cubike.By reading M. Records book called the whetſtone of wit, you may learne after the nigheſt cubike roote is extracted out of a number not cubike, to make a fraction of the number remayning

Zanantonio.

Is not that the right way to extract a Cubike roote which you haue alredie ſhewed vnto me?

Nicholas.

That is the very true and right way for to extract a Cubike roote.

Zanantonio.

In ſo much as you haue taught me to extract a Cubike roote, I pray you teach me alſo how I ſhall make after the nigheſt Cubike roote is extracted out of a number not Cubike, a fraction of the number remayning.

Nicholas.

You muſt at this time haue patience, but I promiſe you I will ſhortly teach you, and all others that will learne, to doe the ſame, and alſo other thinges.

Zanantonio.

If there be no other remedie I will haue patience till that time.

The 2. Corollary.

YOu may alſo in this ſorte following double or treble a round pellet or any other ſphericall bodie. Drawe a rightline of what length you will, and note that line with A B then croſſe that line with another line which I would haue you to note with C D, and call the poynt in which the ſaide lines doe croſſe one another E. This done open your compaſſe to the length of the diameter of that Sphere which you will double or treble, and with your compaſſe ſo opened marke vppon the line E D, from E towards D, the length of that diameter. And when you will treble the ſaid Sphere, marke thelength of that diameter thriſe vpon the line E B from E towards B. But at this preſent you ſhal onlie double the ſaid Sphere, and therefore marke the length of the ſaide diameter vppon the line E B from E towards B no more times thā twiſe as I haue done in the points F G of the figure folowing. Now deuide the line E F into two equall parts in the point H, and deuide the line E H into two equall parts in the point L. likewiſe deuide the line L H into two equall parts in the point M. After this plaſing one foote of your compaſſe in M, and the other foote of the ſame in G, you muſt deſcribe a ſemicircle which in the figure folowing is marked with theſe letters N C G. Finally deuide the ſaid line C D into two equall parts in the point O, and then plaſing one foote of your compaſſe opened to the wideneſſe of one of thoſe partes laſt mentioned, in O, and the other foote of your compaſſe vpon the line E A, drawe the archeline N R C and by ſo doing you may conclude, that the ſpace N E, by the ninth propoſition of the ſixt booke of Euclide, is double to the ſpace E D as it doth appeare by the figure following,

The 11. Colloquie.

How Vitruuius hath erred in appointing a proportion for thoſe ſtones which are put into the hole of the Enguine called Baliſta.

Interlocutors Zanantonio. Nicholas Tartaglia. ZAnantonio.

By what rule or way doth Vitruuius appoint a proportion for thoſe ſtones which are put into the hole of the Enguine called Baliſta?

Nicholas.

I do now remember that the reaſon which you asked me in the precedent Colloquie, is the very ſame which Vitruuius doth write of in the ſeuenteenth Chapter of his tenth booke, where he concludes, that if the ſtone which is ſhot out of the Baliſta doth way two pounde waight, the hole at the head of the Baliſta muſt be fiue fingers, and if ſuch a ſtone doth way fower pound waight, the ſaid hole muſt be ſixe fingers: the which determination is like vnto mine in the precedent Colloquie in reſpect of the whole number, that is to ſay of ſix, and not of the fraction. For the fraction 34/ which remaines in that place telleth vs that the ſaid hole muſt be ſomewhat more than ſix fingers and ¼.

Zanantonio.

It may be that Vitruuius his booke was ill tranſlated.

Nicholas.

It is ſo tranſlated into Latin.

Zanantonio.

But looke I pray you whether his other determinations which folow in that place be iuſtly concluded.

Nicholas.

Without doubt there is ſome error in them, but more in one than in another. And I beleeue that this commeth ſo to paſſe for that hee was ignorant how to make a conuenient fraction of that which did remayne when he had extracted the Cubike roote out of a number not Cubike, and for proofe thereof he concludes, that if a ſtone which is to be ſhot out of that Baliſta doth way ſixe pound waight, that the hole at the head thereof muſt be ſeuen fingers, and for the fraction which remaynes more thanthe ſaid 7. fingers, he puts downe 9. pointes in fourme like vnto a circle.

Zanantonio.

Who knoweth that the ſaide 9. pointes doe ſignifie the conuenient fraction or part of a finger which that hole ſhould be more than the ſaide 7. fingers, ſeeing we vnderſtande not the ſignification of the ſaid 9 points which is an auncient thing?

Nicholas.

When it is ſo, it foloweth of neceſsitie that in euery place where 9. ſuch points are put, they repreſent one and the ſame fraction, the which is otherwiſe: for in the ſaide places there happens fractions of diuers denominations, as for example the hole at the end of the Baliſta muſt be 7. fingers and about / ; parte of a finger for to receiue the ſaid ſtone, that is to ſay, the ſaid hole would be ſomewhat leſſe than 7. fingers, and 1/ ; parte of a finger. Therefore in that place the ſaid 9. points ſhould ſignifie ſomewhat leſſe thā 1/ part of a finger. And for a ſtone of 10 pound in waight, the ſaide Ʋitruuius concludes, that the ſaide hole of the Baliſta would be 8. fingers high and more, which he doth expreſſe by the ſaide 9. pointes, but I by working according to the order ſet downe in the precedent Colloquie, finde that the ſaide ſtone of 10. poundes in waight doth aske a hole ſomewhat more than 8. fingers and ½ and hereupon this followeth that the ſaide 9. points in that place doe ſignifie ſomewhat more than one halfe finger: and I found before that they did ſignifie leſſe then ⅛ part of a finger, whereby it is manifeſt how the ſame 9. points haue no certaine ſignification, and that Vitruuius was ignorant how to make a right fraction of that number which did remayne after he had extracted the cubike roote out of a number not cubike. And I ſay the ſame of all other Authors which I haue read in that matter.

Zanantonio.

I beleene that Ʋitruuius was not ignorant therein, and that this fault is to be imputed vnto the Tranſlator.

Nicholas

The ſame fault and a greater is in the moſt auncienteſt bookes which are written in the Latin tongue, for in them it is ſaid, that for a ſtone of 20. pound in waight the hole of the Baliſta muſt be 10. fingers, and the fraction remayning is expreſſed by the ſaide 9 points, but I finde that the ſaide hole would be 10. fingers and ſomewhat more than ¾ of a finger, and ſo he goeth forwardes committing errors in all his other determinations folowing.

Zanantonio.

I maruell that the ſame man hath erred in this matter.

The 12. Colloquie.

By the diameter and waights of one pellet of yron, the diameters and waight of many other pellets of yron are found out. And how a pellet of lead is in proportion to a pellet of yron of the ſame bigneſſe as 30. is to 19. And how a pellet of lead is in proportion to a like pellet of a marble ſtone as 4. is to 1. And how a pellet of yron is in proportion to a like pellet of marble ſtone as 38. is to 15.

Interlocutors L. Iames of Achaia. Nicholas Tartaglia. L. Iames,

I pray you of courteſie ſhewe vnto me in a picture how much in length the diameter of a pellet waying ſo much as in Italian is called Rotulo ought to be, and how much in length a pellet waying two Rotuli, ought to be in the diameter, and how much in length a pellet of three Rotuli in waight ought to be, and ſo of a pellet of fower Rotuli, and of a pellet of fiue Rotuli and of a pellet of ſixe Rotuli, & ſo foorth of other pellets waying ſo many Rotuli as you will.

Nicholas.

To fulfil your Lordſhips requeſt it is requiſite that you ſhould aduertiſe me with great heed and good aduiſement of the diameter & waight of one pellet, that is to ſay, you muſt take a pellet the more bigger it is the better it is, and way the ſame ſo curiouſly as you doe ſiluer, and meaſure aduiſedly how much it is in the diameter, & afterwards tell me the length of that diameter, and how much the pellet wayeth and how much a Rotulo dooth way, and how it is deuided, that is to ſay, how many ounces or poundes it dooth containe,Lezze is a city within the kingdome of Naples. for there is no ſuch kinde of waight vſed in this place, and when you haue ſo done I will ſatisfie your Lordſhippe therein.

L. Iames.

The line here drawen is the diameter of an yron pellet which wayeth nine Rotuli, and one Rotulo is a certaine waight vſed in Lezze which conteine 33. ounces and ⅓ part of an oūce,that is to ſay, 100 ounces make 3 rotuli.

Nicholas.

Moſt honorable Lorde, I ſee by this line the diameter of a pellette waying 9 Rotuli, and now by the ſame diameter I will ſhewe vnto you the diameters of many other pellettes. And for the ſatisfiing of others, I will alſo reduce this waight of Rotuli to the waight of this place, that is to ſay, to 33 ounces & ½ for one Rotulo. And becauſe ſome diameters are ſo long as that they cannot be drawne at length in this leafe of paper, I will note onely the halfe of ſuch diameters, ſo as you ſhall perceaue the ſame. And if the diameter which you haue ſhewen vnto me be iuſt, then the ſame diameters which I ſhall Geometrically finde out and ſhewe vnto you will be iuſt, but if there be any error in that diameter which you haue ſhewen vnto me, then the diameters which I ſhall ſhewe vnto you will be alſo erroneous. Likewiſe if your Rotulo bee iuſt 33 ounces and ⅓, and that each pounde (by which I will now appointe the pellettes to be wayed) doth containe onely 12 ounces, and that there is no difference betweene the oūce of Lezze, and the ounce of Venice, then the ſaide pellettes may bee wayed and tryed with the waight of Venice, otherwiſe not.

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line representing the diameter of a pellet of iron

15

line representing the diameter of a pellet of iron

16

line representing the diameter of a pellet of iron

17

line representing the diameter of a pellet of iron

18

Now this ought alſo to be knowne, that all the pellettes which are of one fourme and bigneſſe, are not preciſely of one waight: For in one pellette the mettall may be very cloſe and well caſt, and in the mettall of an other pellette there may be through many cauſes diuers little holes whereof at this preſent I woulde not haue ſpoken, but that I thought it needefull for me to aduertiſe you thereof to this end, if the diameters & waights of pellets doe not preciſely agree with my determination of the ſame, that my ſaid determination ſhould not therefore be ill ſpoken of.All thinges wrought of a materiall ſub tance can not be ſo perfectly made, but that alwaies ſome of them may be made bet er and more perfecter. For all things wrought of a materiall ſubſtance can not be ſo perfectly made but that alwayes ſome of them may be made better & more perfecter. Alſo your Lordſhip muſt vnderſtand that if the diameter which you haue ſhowen vnto me be the diameter of a pellet of yrō (as you ſay it is) all the diameters which I haue ſhowen vnto you muſt be intended to be the diameters of pellets of yron, & not of pellets of lead. But if you will apply thoſe diameters vnto pellets of lead; you muſt increaſe their waight by one halfe of the waight which a like pellet of yron doth way, that is to ſay, if the diameter be of a pellette of yron, & that the ſame pellet wayeth 9 Rotuli, which make 25 pounds in waight, then a pellet of lead caſt in the like fourme, and of the ſame bigneſſe wil way about once ſo much and a halfe, that is to ſay, 13 Rotuli and ½ which make 37 pounds and ½ pound waight: for the pellet of lead is in waight to the pellet of yron of like fourme and of the fame bigneſſe almoſt as it were in ſeſquialtera proportione, & ſo we muſt vnderſtand of all other ſuch pellets. And if a pellet be made of a common ſtone according to the meaſure or length of any of the aforeſaid diameters, the ſaid pellet of ſtone will way about the fourth part of that waight which a like pellet of lead doth way, that is to ſay, the proportiō in waight of that marble ſtone to a like pellet of lead, is as it were ſubquadrupla proportio. And the proportion in waight of that marble ſtone to the like pellet of yron is as 15 to 38. And ſo by the knowledge hereof you may finde out the waight of any other pellet whoſe diameter is knowne. And to the end you may the better remember this matter, I haue hereunder noted diſtinctly their ſaid proportions.

A pellet of lead is in proportion to a pellet of yron of the like fourme and of the ſame bigneſſe as 30 is to 19, that is to ſay, as it were almoſt in ſeſquialtera proportione.

A pellet of lead is in proportion to a pellet of a marble ſtone of like fourme and of the ſame bigneſſe as 4 is to 1.

A pellet of yron is in proportion to a pellet of marble ſtone of like fourme & of the ſame bigneſſe as 38 is to 15.

The 3 Corollarie.

You may read in my firſt Corollary in the firſt booke of N. Tartaglia his Colloquies the difference betweene the ſubtile waight of Venice, & the Auer de poize waight of England.SOme perſons by looking vpon the diametral lines drawne in the precedent colloquie, & reading in the ſame colloquie the pounds & ounces of Ʋenice waight, wil not eaſily perceaue the true length of the ſaid diametral lines according to ſeete and ynches of aſsiſe of England, nor tel the true waight of the pellets which haue ſuch diameters according to the waight which we cal in this realm auer de poize waight, Therfore for the better inſtructiō of ſuch readers as are ignorāt therein, I haue in the table folowing reduced the length of the diameters of al the yron pellets which are in the ſaid colloquie expreſſed by lines, into ynches & parts of ynches of the aſsiſe of England, & the waight of the ſame pellets expreſſed in the ſaide colloquy by the waight of Lezze named rotuli, and by the ſubtil waight of Venice into the ſaid auer de poize waight, which containes 16 ounces in a pound, & 112 pounds in a hūdred waight, as you may more at large reade thereof in my firſt Corollary in the firſt booke of N. Tartaglia his colloquies.

A Table ſhewing the true meaſure of all the Diameters that are expreſſed by lines in the precedent Colloquie according to the meaſure of Feete and ynches of Aſsiſe in England, and alſo the waight of yron pellets which haue ſuch Diameters according to the waight of Lezze called Rotuli, and according to the ſubtile waight of Venice, and alſo according to the Auer de poyze weight of England. The meaſure of all the Diameters that are in the precedent Colloquie expreſſed by lines, according to ynches and partes of ynches of aſsiſe of England. The waight (according to the waight of Lezze called Rotuli) of ſuch yron pellettes as haue the ſame Diameters that are noted in this Table The waight (according to the ſubtile waight of Venice) of ſuch yron pellets as haue the ſame Diameters that are noted in this Table. The Auer de poize waight of ſuch yron pellets as haue the ſame Diameters that are noted in this Table. Ynches Parts of ynches Rotuli Pounds Ounces Hūdred waight Pounds Ounces Drāmes Scruples Graines 4 356/413 9 25 0 0 16 8 5 2 9 1/ •… 5 89/2065 10 27 9⅓ 0 18 6 1 0 7 29/ •… 5 83/413 11 30 6⅔ 0 20 3 5 2 2 6/7 5 143/413 12 33 4 0 22 0 0 1 9 1/11 6 54/413 18 50 0 ¼ 5 1 3 1 18 2/ •… 7 301/413 36 100 0 ½ 10 2 7 0 16 4/11 8 132/413 45 125 0 ½ 26 11 5 0 5 5/ •… 9 303/413 72 200 0 1 20 5 6 1 12 /11 4 280/413 8 22 2 0 14 11 0 0 9 9/ 65 4 28/59 7 19 5 0 12 13 7 0 11 7/3 4 104/413 6 16 8 0 11 0 3 2 12 / •… 4 0 5 13 10⅔ 0 9 3 0 0 0 3 293/413 4 11 1⅓ 0 7 5 5 0 15 5/ •… 3 153/413 3 8 4 0 5 8 1 2 16 4/ •… 2 390/413 2 5 6⅔ 0 3 10 6 1 17 57/99 2 238/413 1 2 9⅓ 0 1 13 3 0 18 26/3 1 271/413 0 1 0 0 0 10 4 2 2 42/55 2 278/413 4 2 0 2 12 0 2 18 2/ •…

The end of the ſecond booke of Colloquies.
The third booke of Nicholas Tartaglia his Colloquies concerning minerall Saltpeeter of diuers colours, Gunpowder of diuers ſortes, and the cauſe why ſome ſortes of gunpowder are corned, and ſome ſortes of gunpowder are not corned, tranſlated out of Italian into Engliſh by CYPRIAN LVCAR Gentleman who hath alſo augmented the volume of the ſaid Colloquies for the benefite of his Readers with the contents of euery Colloquie, and with the Corollaries that are in the ſame volume
The firſt Colloquie.

How Saltpeeter was knowne vnto men in olde time: and how there is a minerall kinde of Saltpeeter and an artificiall kinde of Saltpeeter: and how there are diuers ſortes of minerall Saltpeeter: and how there is Saltpeeter of many colours.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

Is it not a maruaile that men in olde time had no knowledge of Saltpeeter which we in this age doe ſo well know?

Nicholas.

That ſimple hath been knowne of a long time, for all the auncient Phiſitions and naturall Philoſophers make mention thereof. Some of them as namely Anicen calleth Saltpeeter by the name of Baurache, for ſo in the Arabian language it is named: and ſome others call Saltpeeter by the name of Afronitrum, becauſe of the Greekes it is ſo called: and others as Serapion, Diaſcorides,

The Pandecte is a volume of ciuile law called the Digeſtes but here it ſignifieth an hearball.

You may reade of the medicinable vertue of niter in a diſcourſe which T Chaloner gē tleman hath publiſhed therof, & was imprinted in Lō don by Geralde Dewes in Anno Dom. 1584.

& Plinnie cal the ſame Niter, or ſpume of Niter, for in the latine toung it is ſo named. In the Pandecte it is affirmed that there are two kindes of Niter or Saltpeeter, that is to ſay minerall and artificiall. And it is ſaid that of the minerall kinde there are foure ſortes, that is to ſay, Armenian, Affrican, Roman, and Aegyptian. Moreouer Serapion ſaith that the mines of Saltpeeter are as the mines of Salt, for it is known that water runneth out of thē, the which water as Plinnie affirmeth congealeth and freeſeth harde as it were a ſtone: alſo it is founde that in thoſe mines there is a thing like vnto a ſtone, which is called ſtonie Salt, alſo it is ſaid that there is white Saltpeeter, redde Saltpeeter, and Saltpeeter of many other colours: and it is affirmed that there are many ſortes of Saltpeeter not onely for the diuerſitie of colours: but becauſe firſt there is founde a very ſpungie kinde thereof, that is to ſay full of holes, and then there is found an other kinde which is like vnto a flat & brickell plate, & of manie other qualities which in a long time will not be told one by one, and thereof one ſort is more biting and more ſtronger than an other. Of the artificial Saltpeeter I ſhall not neede to ſpeake, becauſe at this time it is better knowne than the hearbe Betonica.

Prior.

I had thought that Saltpeeter had not been knowne till now of late in this age.

The 2 Colloquie.

How men in olde time did know that Saltpeeter would burne, and how they did vſe to make therewith fireworkes: and how they did call Saltpeeter by diuers names.

Interlocutors. L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

Tell me briefly whether men in olde time hauing knowledge of naturall Saltpeeter & of artificiall Saltpeeter (as before you haue prooued by the authoritie of ancientPhiſitions) had alſo knowledge that the ſame woulde kindle and burne ſo forceably as it doth.

Nicholas.

The ſaid ancient Phiſitions and naturall Philoſophers doe make mention of the propertie which they found in it to be neceſſary for medicine, and of nothing els concerning the ſame: But many other auncient Authours knew that it would burne,The Snaile, Ramme, and portable Towars are ingens of warre. The names by which Saltpeter was known in the old time. for they did vſe to make certayne fireworkes with the ſame for to burne the Snaile, Ramme, and portable Towars which were vſed at that time in the aſſaultes of Cities: and alſo to fire a Nauie. But in the making of theſe fireworkes ſome did call Saltpeter by the name of burning ſalt, ſome did call the ſame ſtonie ſalt, ſome did call the ſame ſalt practike, and others did call the ſame properly Saltpeter.

Prior.

Concerning this matter I would aske you an other doubt, but becauſe my head doth now ake, I will deferre to doe it till to morrow in the euening.

The 3 Colloquie.

How men in the olde time which knew that Saltpeter would kindle and burne, did not know how to make gunpowder: and how gunpowder is made of Saltpeter, Brimſtone, and Cole, and not onely of Saltpeter.

Interlocutors. L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

If men in the old time had knowledge that Saltpeter would kindle and burne ſo forceably as it doth, why ſhould not they know alſo how to make gunpowder being at this time a thing of great importance in the militarie Art.

Nicho.

This is no good conſequent to ſay, if men in the olde time had knowledge that Saltpeter woulde kindle and burne, that of neceſsitie they ſhould alſo know how to make Gunpowder:Gunpowder is made of Saltpeter, Brimſtone, & Cole, and not only of Saltpeter. for the powder is not made onely of Saltpeter, but is compounded of three thinges (as I beleeue your Lordſhip doth know) that is to ſay of Saltpeter, Brimſtone, and Cole, and therefore it may be beleeued that men in the old time which knew Saltpeter and the nature thereof were ignorant how to make gunpowder.

Prior.

By reaſon it may be ſo.

The 4 Colloquie.

Why gunpowder is made of Saltpeter, Brimſtone and Cole: what vertue or particuler office euery of the ſaid ſimples hath by it ſelfe in the making of gunpowder: & how it is more poſsible to make gunpowder without Cole and Brimſtone, than without Saltpeter, becauſe all the vertue and force of the powder depends vpon pure Saltpeter, and not vpon any other thing.

Interlocutors. L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

By what reaſon, or for what cauſe is gunpowder made of theſe three things, that is to ſay of Saltpeter, Brimſtone, and Cole, & not of any other ſimples? and what vertue or particular office hath euery of the ſaid three materials or ſimples by it ſelfe in the making thereof: and what will any two of thoſe ſimples doe without the thirde.

Nicholas.

Gunpowder is made of the aforeſaid three materials, becauſe euery of them will helpe and ſupply euery defect which is in any of the other two: for the Brimſtone is more apt to make the fire flame when it is touched therewith, than any of the other two, the which flame of fire is much more apt to inflame the Saltpeter than any other fire. And becauſe the Saltpeter in burning is reſolued into a windie exhalation, the which is ſo mightie that ſodainly it will extinguiſhe the fllame which hath taken holde of the Brimſtone, and alſo the flame which through the Brimſtone hath taken hold of the Saltpeter, and for that the nature of Brimſtone, and alſo the nature of Saltpeter is ſuch that the flame in them being extinguiſhed there will remaine no token of fire. Therefore in mixing together only theSaltpeter and Brimſtone which muſt be very well pounded, and putting fire to the ſame the fire doth kindle, and immediately after it is extinguiſhed by the reaſons aboue alleaged: that is to ſay, the fire will not continue till all the matter thereof bee conſumed and burned, but it will burne a while, and leaue part of the ſaide mixture vntouched therewith. Therefore to remedie this defect, a Cole finely pounded is added to the Saltpeter and Brimſtone, for the Cole is of that nature that it will kindle ſo ſoone as it is touched with the flame of fyre, and turnes into an vnflaming fyre, the which fyre without flame by how much it is more blowne with any winde, by ſo much the more ſooner it kindles, and keepes a fyre til all his ſubſtance is turned into aſhes, & therfore the mixture of the aforeſaid three materials being touched with fyre, the Brimſtone doth immediately flame as before is ſaid, the which flame doth not onely ſet the Saltpeter on a flaming fyre, but alſo in that very inſtāt ſets the Cole on a fyre without any flame, the which fyre by winde is not extinguiſhed, but augmented, and therefore that winde which the Saltpeter cauſeth can not extinguiſh the ſaide fyre which is without flame in the Cole, but as I haue ſayd augment it: for the Brimſtone being touched with a flaming fyre, or with an vnflaming fyre, cannot chooſe but flame, the which flame as before hath been ſayde, makes alſo the Saltpeter to flame. Therefore when the ſaid three materials being very well pounded, & mixed together are touched with fyre, they will not leaue burning till they bee wholy conſumed, except there be a fault in ſome of the ſaid 3. materials by reaſon of moiſtneſſe, or that the mixture of them is not made by a conuenient proportion. And therefore I conclude that the office of Brimſtone in that mixture is onelie to make a flaming fyre,The office of Brimſtone mixed with Cole and Saltpeter. and to bring the ſayde fyre vnto the other two materials, & that the office of the Cole is only to maintaine the ſame vnflaming fyre which the brimſtone brought vnto it,The office of Cole mixed with Brimſtone and Saltpeter. and eſpecially againſt that great winde which the Saltpeter cauſeth.The office of Saltpeter mixed with Cole and Brimſtone. But the office of the Saltpeter is onely for to cauſe that ſo great exhalation of winde. For in that winde conſiſtes all the vertue, & propertie of the powder: and that only is the ſame thing which driueth ſo forceably each pellet.All the vertue and power of gunpowder depends onely vpon Saltpeter, and the Brimſtone & Cole are mixed with Saltpeter for no other cauſe than to reſolue the Saltpeter into fire and winde. And therefore I conclude, that all the vertue and power of the powder depends only vpon the Saltpeter, and that the two other ſimples or materials, that is to ſay, the Brimſtone & the Cole are put in for no other cauſe, than to reſolue the ſaid Saltpeter into fyre and winde: For whoſoeuer maketh gunpowder only of Brimſtone and Cole, and with a great quantitie of the ſame will charge a Peece of Artillerie, and then put fyre into the ſaid powder, I ſay that thereby the force of ſuch powder will not be able to expell out of the ſaid Peece any little ſplint of wood, or ſtrawe. This cōmes ſo to paſſe becauſe all that vertue expulſiue depends only vpon pure Saltpeter, and not of any other thing. Wherefore it is more poſsible to make powder for Artillerie without Cole and Brimſtone than without Saltpeter. For we may beleeue that it is more poſsible to deuiſe other materials which ſhall doe the office of Brimſtone in taking a flaming fyre, & likewiſe which ſhall doe the office of Cole in maintaining the ſaid vnflaming fyre, than to finde an other materiall which is apt to cauſe ſo great & violent winde as that is which the Saltpeter doth cauſe.

Prior.

It is to be beleeued that it is more poſsible to make good gunpowder without Cole and Brimſtone, than without Saltpeter, for all the vertue and force of gunpowder (as before you haue ſaid) dependes vpon pure Saltpeter, and not vpon any other thing. But foraſmuch as it is now late we will make here and end.

The 5. Colloquie.

By whome gunpowder & gunnes were firſt deuiſed: how the inuention of a thing which at the firſt is homely and rude, will with time be made better: how the proportion of things in making gunpowder hath many times without reaſon been chaunged: how gunpowder may be made by diuers wayes: and how gunpowder ought to be laid, and kept in drie places.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

Yeſterday in the euening you declared the cauſe why gunpowder is made of the aforeſaid three materials, and the office which euery of the ſaid materials, hath in thatmixture. Nowe I aske of you what hee was which did firſt inuent gunpowder, and by what reaſon he hath appointed that propottiō & quantitie of euery of the ſaid materials which is needfull for the ſame mixture?

Nicho.

The common people report by the authoritie of Cornazano that gunnes and gunpowder were deuiſed by chaunce by a Duchman who was an Alchimiſt: But I thinke that Archimedes the Siracuſan, and moſt skilful Philoſopher, and Mathematician, was the firſt inuentor thereof: and he that wrote the Commentary vppon the firſt booke of Vitruuius in the eight leafe is of mine opinion therein: for as Ʋallurus declareth in the tenth booke of warfare, it is written in diuers bookes that Archimedes deuiſed a certaine kinde of enguine made of yron, out of which he ſhot againſt an armie vppon the land with an incredible ſounde or noyſe ſtones of great waight and bigneſſe, the which thing giueth vs to vnderſtand, that it was an enguine like vnto a great gunne, for that it ſhot very great pellets of ſtones (as not long agoe but within this our age hath byn vſually done) and eſpecially with ſuch an incredible ſounde as in ſhooting of gunnes doth happen: the which ſound (as I thinke) cannot be made in any other ſort of enguine,The firſt inuention of a thing which is homely and ruſtike will with time waxe better becauſe it is an eaſie thing to adde vnto the thing deuiſed. except in one like vnto a gunne, yet I beleeue in that time gunnes were made of a more deformed faſhion than now they be, for alwayes the firſt inuention is homely, and ruſticke and with time it waxeth better, becauſe it is an eaſie thing to adde vnto the thing deuiſed. And this may be applied to gunpowder, that is to ſay, when it was deuiſed by Archimedes, or by any other whom you will, it is to bee thought that it was not made at that time in ſuch order and proportion as it is now at this preſent: For I iudge that from the ſame time hitherto, the order to make gunpowder hath been very many times altered: and for prooffe thereof I haue read in ſome Authours which are not very auncient certaine wayes and orders to make gunpowder which differ much from the orders and wayes that haue ſince that time been vſed.

Prior.

Tell me briefly what proportion hath been obſerued, and is nowe obſerued?

Nicho.

I haue read in ſome of the moſt auncienteſt bookes that for to make gunpowder a like quantitie of euery of the ſayd three materials muſt bee taken: that is to ſay, ſo much of the one as of the other. And ſome other bookes written ſince that time, willeth them which will make gunpowder, to take three parts of Saltpeter, two parts of Brimſtone, and two parts of Cole. Other bookes teacheth vs to take for the making of gunpowder ten poundes of Saltpeter, three poundes of Brimſtone, and three poundes of Cole. And in ſome other books we are willed to take for the making of gunpowder twelue poundes of Saltpeter, three poundes of Brimſtone, and two poundes of Cole. In other bookes we are willed to take nine partes of Saltpeter, two partes of Brimſtone, and three partes of Cole. And in other bookes written ſince that time we are willed for the making of gunpowder for Handgunnes to take foure partes of Saltpeter, one part of Brimſtone, and one part of Cole. Some other bookes teacheth vs for the making of groſſe or courſe gunpowder, to take twentie partes of Saltpeter, three partes of Brimſtone, and tenne partes of Cole. But for to make ſomewhat more finer powder for the Handgunne, wee are taught to take an hundred partes of Saltpeter, tenne partes of Brimſtone, and thirtie ſixe partes of Cole. Some ſay that for to make groſſe gunpowder wee muſt take an hundred partes of Saltpeter, twentie partes of Brimſtone, and thirtie ſeuen partes of Cole. And for to make fine gunpowder wee muſt take nine partes of Saltpeter, three partes of Brimſtone, and ſixe partes of the flower of Mirochea when wee will prooue to make gunpowder without Cole. But I knowe not this hearbe called Mirochea, for I did neuer reade of any hearbe ſo called in the Pandecte, or in Auicenna, or in any other Herball. Some other of a later time haue ſayde, that for to make groſſe gunpowder wee muſt take two partes of Saltpeter, one part of Brimſtone, and one parte of Cole made of Willoe: and for to make gunpowder for an Harchibuſe that we muſt take three partes of Saltpeter, one part of Cole made of young bowes of Willoe, and one part of Brimſtone: and for to make fine gunpowder for a Handgunne, they ſay we muſt take of Saltpeter many times refined 5 parts, of Brimſtone 1 part, of Cole made of the twigs of a Filbert tree, or of a young Nutte tree of one yeeres grothe one parte. Some others ſay that for to make groſſe gunpowder we muſt take three parts of Saltpeter refined, one part of Brimſtone and two partes of Cole made of willoe: and for to make gunpowder of amiddle ſort, they ſay that we muſt take tenne partes of Saltpeter refined, two partes of Brimſtone, and three partes of Cole made of willoe: And for to make fine gunpowder for an harchibuſe,Note. they ſay that wee muſt take tenne partes of Saltpeter refined, one parte of Brimſtone and one part of Cole made of the cleane twigges of a filbert tree. And for to make better gunpowder, that is to ſay, for Handgunnes they will vs to take 27 partes of Saltpeter refined, of Brimſtone three partes, of Cole made of the cleane twigges of a Filbert tree 4 partes. Some other ſay that for to make more forceable and ſtronger gunpowder, wee muſt take of Saltpeter refined ſeuen poundes, of Brimſtone one pound, of Cole made of the cleane twigges of a Filbert tree one pounde. Others for to make more better gunpowder will vs to take of Saltpeter refined eight partes, of Brimſtone one part, of Cole made of the young and cleane twigges of a Filbert tree one parte. Some for to make gunpowder more ſtronger haue willed vs to adde vnto the ſaid materials quicke ſiluer: ſome will vs to adde thereunto aqua vitae. Some woulde haue vs to adde thereunto ſalt Armoniacke. Some bid vs to put thereunto Campher: ſome will vs to make it with Coles made of the ſtalkes of Coleworts. Others would haue vs to make gunpowder with the Cole of Bulruſhes, or with linnen cloth burned. Some haue prooued to make gunpowder of diuers colours without Cole:You may learne to make gunpowder of diuers colours by the 16 chap. of mine Appendix. that is to ſay, white, redde, and gray, by putting into that mixture the powder of ſome flowers of dried hearbes for to ſerue in the place of Cole, and to make the ſayd colours. If I ſhould deſcribe theſe thinges one by one I might haue enough to ſay till to morrow in the morning: But to the intent you may ſee the difference betweene thoſe wayes for the making of gunpowder, I will deſcribe them diſtinctly heereunder one by one as I haue aboue recited them, & alſo diuers other which for breuitie ſake haue not been recited.

1 The making of Gunpowder after the moſt auncienteſt order. Saltpeter. 1 part. Brimſtone. 1 part. Cole. 1 part.

2 The making of gunpowder after a ſort not ſo auncient. Saltpeter. 3 partes. Brimſtone. 2 partes. Cole. 2 partes.

3 The making of gunpowder after a ſort not ſo auncient. Saltpeter. 10 partes. Brimſtone. 3 partes. Cole. 3 partes.

4 The making of gunpowder after a ſort not ſo auncient. Saltpeter. 12 partes. Brimſtone. 3 partes. Cole. 3 partes.

5 The making of gunpowder after a ſort not very ancient. Saltpeter. 9 partes. Brimſtone. 2 partes. Cole. 3 partes.

6 The making of gunpowder for handgunnes after a ſort lately deuiſed. Saltpeter. 4 partes. Brimſtone. 1 part. Cole. 1 part.

7 The making of gunpowder for great ordinance after a more newerſort. Saltpeter. 20 partes. Brimſtone. 3 partes. Cole. 10 partes.

8 The making of gunpowder for great ordinance after a more later deuiſe. Saltpeter. 100 partes. Brimſtone. 10 partes. Cole. 36 partes.

9 The making of groſſe gunpowder after a nwe order. Saltpeter. 100 parts. Brimſtone. 20 parts. Cole. 37 parts.

10 The making of fine gunpowder after no very old ſort. Saltpeter. 9 partes. Brimſtone. 3 partes. Flowers of Mirochea. 6 partes.

11 The making of groſſe gunpowder after a more nwer ſort. Saltpeter. 2 partes. Brimſtone. 1 parte. Cole made of willoe ſtickes 1 parte.

12 The making of gunpowder for harchibuſes after a nwer ſort. Saltpeter. 3 partes. Brimſtone. 1 part. Cole made of young willoes. 1 part.

13 The making of fine gunpowder after a nwer ſort. Saltpeter many times refined. 5 partes. Brimſtone. 1 part. Cole made of the twigges of a young Filbert tree. 1 part.Note.

14 The making of groſſe gunpowder after an other ſort. Saltpeter refined. 3 partes. Brimſtone. 1 part. Cole made of willoe ſtickes. 2 partes.

15 The making of a middle ſort of gunpowder after a nwe order.Note. Saltpeter refined. 10 partes. Brimſtone. 2 partes. Cole made of Willoes. 3 partes.

16 The making of gunpowder for harchibuſes as in theſe dayes it is vſed to be made.Note. Saltpeter many times refined. 10 partes. Brimſtone. 1 part. Cole made of a young filbert tree which hath his barke and rine theron pilled of. 1 part.

17 The making of Gunpowder for handgunnes after a nwer ſort. Saltpeter refined. 27 partes. Brimſtone. 3 partes. Cole made of young twigs of a filbert tree which hath the barke and rines thereon pilled of. 4 partes.

18 The making of a more ſtronger kinde of gunpowder for handgunnes after a nwer ſort. Saltpeter refined. 7 partes. Brimſtone. 1 part. Cole made of young twigs of a filbert tree which hath the barke and rines thereon pilled of. 1 part.

19 The making of a more finer and ſtronger ſort of gunpowder for handgunnes. Saltpeter many times refined. 6 partes. Brimſtone. 1 part. Cole made of young twigs of a filbert tree which hath the barke and rines theron pilled of. 1 part.

20 How groſſe gunpowder is now in our age made. Saltpeter. 4 partes. Brimſtone. 1 part. Cole made of a willoe tree. 1 part.

21 How groſſe gunpowder is now in our age made by an other way. Saltpeter. 20 partes. Brimſtone. 4 partes. Cole made of a willoe tree. 5 partes.

22 How gunpowder is in our age made for handgunnes. Saltpeter refined drie. 48 partes. Brimſtone cetrine. 7 partes. Cole made of Filbert or of dry hempen ſtalkes 8 partes.

23 How gunpowder is now in our age made for handgunnes. Saltpeter refined. 18 partes. Brimſtone. 2 partes. Cole made of the wood of a filbert tree. 3 partes.

Note.For to make wel any of the aforeſaid ſorts of gunpowder you muſt vnderſtand that the Saltpeter muſt be pure,

Saltpeter for Gunpowder muſt be refined, pure, cleane, without greaſe, and ſtrong.

Brimſtone for Gunpowder muſt be cleane, without durt or any other filth, and it muſt be very drie and purified, and the beſt coles for Gunpowder are made of ſoft and young wood that hath his barke and rine pilled of.

cleane, and ſtrong (the which thing is learned by practice to burne a little thereof) likewiſe the Brimſtone muſt be cleane without durt, or any other filth, & the Coles ought not to be moyſt (as they will bee by ſtanding in a dankiſh roome) nor mixed with any duſt or durt. Finally you muſt vnderſtande that ſuch gunpowder ought to be very well beaten, and that the ſaid 3 materials ought alſo to be well incorporated together: this being done, that ſort of gūpowder will alwaies do his effects according to his kind, ſo that it be alwayes kept drie, and therefore it would not be laid in any moyſt or dankiſh place. And alſo there is another reaſon why it ſhould be kept drie,Gunpowder ought to be kept drie. for moyſtnes cauſeth the Saltpeter to diſſolue into water, and it being diſſolued deſcends by little and little to the bottome of the veſſell in which it lieth, and ſo the powder in the bottome of the veſſel is more fuller of Saltpeter than the powder lying in the vppermoſt part thereof.

By this your Lordſhip may perceiue that by many and ſundrie wayes the order or proportion of quantitie for the ſaid three materials in the making of gunpowder hath been determined.

Prior.

I maruell that the order to be vſed in the making of gunpowder hath been by ſo many wayes altered, and I can not ſee by what reaſon men haue been mooued to deuiſe ſo many wayes.

Nicholas.

The firſt inuention (although ſome ſay that it was found out by chaunce) was as I thinke found out by naturall reaſon ſpeculatiuely, that is to ſay, the ſame three materialls being well beaten and mingled together would bee apt to make a ſtrong and vnextinguiſhable fire till each matter ſhould be conſumed: and there are good reaſons why it ſhould be ſo: but I thinke men were inſtructed by experience to appoint a proportion of quantitie for the ſaid materials: for in the firſt order they did worke by proportion of equalitie, taking ſo much of the one material as of the other, and although peraduenture a great quantitie of ſuch gunpowder might doe ſome good effect, yet neuertheleſſe conſidering how that effect proceeded from the Saltpeter, an other way for the making of gunpowder was deuiſed by taking a greater quantitie of Saltpeter, than any of the other two materials, whereby it was perceaued that this kinde of gunpowder was more ſtronger than the firſt ſort of gunpowder: and ſo vppon ſuch aduiſed conſiderations, men haue from time to time euen vnto theſe our dayes changed the ſaid order: But ſome of the aforeſaid orders haue been appointed without any reaſon or iudgement, and I thinke that they which appointed the ſame orders were mooued to ordaine them vppon no other reaſon, than for that they would not doe as others did, & that they might be thought to know more therein than others. Some of them haue without any reaſon appointed nwe waies for the making of gūpowder by increaſing the quantitie of Coles, and decreaſing the quantitie of Brimſtone. Others increaſe the quantitie of Brimſtone, anddecreaſe the quantitie of Coles: And others alter all the ſaide three materials by certaine ſtrange proportions to the intent that ſuch order as is ſo by them appointed may bee thought to be deuiſed by great wiſedome and skill.

Prior.

There are ſome among thoſe makers of gunpowder which can not ſay or doe more therein than others haue ſayd or done, but becauſe they are aſhamed to ſhew at any time that they haue learned of others to make gunpowder, they ſtudie to alter the way which was ſhewen vnto them.

Nicholas.

It is ſo in deede.

Prior.

You haue made a long diſcourſe vppon this matter, therfore let vs make heare an ende thereof.

The firſt Corollarie.

ALthough Tartaglia in the precedent Colloquie doth affirme out of one Authour that gunnes were deuiſed by Archimedes and not by a Duchman as Cornazano declareth yet this is to be noted that diuers men are therein of diuers mindes as it wil appeare by this which followeth. Polidor: Virgil: Munſter: and Gilbert: Cognat: Nozeren: Inuention of gunnes. haue written that gunnes were firſt deuiſed in Anno Domini 1370. by a monke whom Munſter calleth Bertholdus Sthwartz and Gilbert: Cognat: nameth Albertus Magnus. M. Iohn Dee our Countrie man in his Mathematicall preface and diſcourſe of Menadrie ſaith, that an Engliſhman was the firſt inuentor of gunnes though his ſaid inuention in an other lande and by other men was firſt executed: alſo our Engliſh Chronicles doe report that in An. Domini 1380. a monke did vnwillingly let fall a ſparke of fier vppon Brimſtone beaten to powder in a morter and couered with a tile ſtone, and that hee ſeeing how the powder of Brimſtone touched with fire did ſodainly flame, & lift vp a great height the ſaid tile ſtone,Inuention of gunpowder. did thereupon deuiſe a kinde of gunpowder, and taught the Ʋenetians to vſe the ſame in yron pypes againſt the Genuates.

The 6. Colloquie.

When you ſhall make a compariſon of ſtrength betweene two equall quantities of fine or groſe gunpowder, you may with truth ſay, that the quantitie of gunpowder which hath in it the greater part of Saltpeter is more ſtronger than the other quantitie of gunpowder which hath in it the leſſer part of Saltpeter: Alſo when you ſhall compare one ſort of cole whereof gunpowder may be made with an other ſort of Cole, you may affirme that by how much the cole is of a more lighter and ſofter ſubſtance, by ſo much it is more apt to receiue and maintaine fire with facilitie.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

Yeſterday in the euening, you declared by how many waies within this little while the order or proportion of quantitie for the three materials in making of gunpowder hath been changed, now tell me which of thoſe wayes (as well of the wayes which are moſt aūcient, as of the wayes which were lately deuiſed) is iudged to be beſt, that is to ſay, which of thoſe ſorts of gunpowder is thought to be moſt perfect & of moſt ſtrongeſt force?

Nich.

Without doubt that powder is thought to be of moſt force and ſtrength which conteineth the greateſt part of Saltpeter: I ſay the greateſt part in reſpect of all the three materials. As for example, in the firſt order before noted where is taken of euery materiall one part, the Saltpeter containes ⅓ part of the whole mixture, and the Brimſtone and Coles containes ⅔ partes of that mixture. And in the ſecond order following next after the ſame where is taken 3 partes of Saltpeter, 2 partes of Brimſtone, and 2 partes of Cole, the Saltpeter containes 3/7 parts of the whole mixture, & the Brimſtone and Cole containe ⅘ partes of the ſame mixture: and becauſe 3/7 are a more greater part than is ⅓, therefore I ſay that the gunpowder made after the ſecond order is more forceable and ſtronger than the gunpowder made after the firſt order. Likewiſe the gunpowder made after the thirde order will be more forceable and ſtronger than the gunpowder made after the ſecond order, for in the ſaid third order the Saltpeter containes 7/8 parts of the whole mixture, which 5/ are a greater part than 3/7: and in the fourth order the Saltpeter containes 2/17 partes of the whole mixture, and becauſe 12/27 are a greater parte than 5/ therefore I ſay that gunpowder made after the fourth order is more forceable than that which is made after the third order. And in the fift order the Saltpeter containes 9/14 partes of the whole mixture, and becauſe 9/14 are a leſſer part than 12/17 I ſay that gunpowder made after the fift order is weaker and worſe than the gunpowder made after the fourth order. And in the ſixt order the Saltpeter containes ⅔ partes of the whole mixture, and becauſe 2/ are a greater part than 9/14 I ſay that gunpowder made after the ſixt order is better and more forceable than gunpowder made after the fift order. And after this faſhion proceeding to examine all the other orders folowing (ſo that I be not ignorāt to work & know the brokē numbers) I will eaſily know which of thoſe aforeſaid orders is beſt or worſt: that is to ſay, which ſort of gunpowder is moſt forceable & moſt ſtrongeſt, & contrariwiſe, which of thoſe ſortes of gūpowder is of leaſt force & weakeſt. So by knowing how much Saltpeter is in one of thoſe ſorts, you may make a compariſon in goodnes or badnes between one quantitie of groſſe gunpowder for great ordinance, and an other quantitie of ſuch like gunpowder: and likewiſe betweene one quantitie of fine gunpowder for handgunnes, and an other quantitie of ſuch like gunpowder: for it would be too long for me to ſet downe an example for euery of the aforeſaid orders.

Prior.

Yet I pray you ſhew me which of all the ſaid ſortes of gunpowder is of moſt force and ſtrength.

Nicho.

The gunpowder which is made after the 16 order is of more force & ſtrength than gūpowder made after any of the other ſorts, I mean where there is taken of Saltpeter many times refined ten partes, of Brimſtone one part, of Cole made of the young twigs of a filbert tree which hath the barke and rines thereon pilled of, one part. And this ſort of gunpowder will be moſt ſtrongeſt for two cauſes: The firſt is, becauſe the Saltpeter containes ⅚ partes of that powder, which ⅚ are a greater part than is any of the partes in the other ſortes of gunpowder before noted:By how much cole of which Gunpowder is made, is of a more lighter, and ſofter ſubſtance, by ſo much it is more apt to receaue and maintaine fire with facilitie. The ſecond cauſe is, for that the Saltpeter is oftentimes refined, which cauſeth it to bee more perfect: And alſo this ſort of gunpowder is made of the moſt perfecteſt Coles, for in effect by how much the Cole is of a more lighter and ſofter ſubſtance, by ſo much it is more apt to receiue and maintaine fire with facilitie: and therefore it is by ſo much the more perfect, more apte, and more readie to do his office quickly.

Prior.

Your opinion herein doth like me wel, and becauſe it is now late I will forbeare vntill to morrowe in the euening to aske an other doubt of you.

The 7 Colloquie.

How gunpowder can not be made of Saltpeter only and how in making of gunpowder ſuch a quantitie of Brimſtone and Cole muſt of neceſsitie be added vnto Saltpeter as will be able to make each ſimple in that mixture to doe his expected office.

Interlocutors. L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

Yeſterday in the euening you concluded that the 16 ſort of powder is more finer, more ſtronger, and of more force than any of the other aforeſaid ſortes of gunpowder, becauſe that 16 ſort of gunpowder hath in it a greater quantitie of Saltpeter than any of the other ſortes hath, the which quantitie is as much as ⅚ partes of the whole mixture. Nowe I aske of you whether that gunpowder would haue been of more force and ſtrength if it had been made with a greater quantitie of Saltpeter than ⅚ partes of the whole mixture, and with a leſſer quantitie of Brimſtone and Cole than ⅙, I meane of ſuch Coles as were put into the ſayd ſixteenth ſort of Gunpowder?

Nicholas.

Without doubt it woulde be of more force and power, ſo that the ſayd ſmall quantitie of Brimſtone & Cole bee apte and able to execute their office as they ought to doe, that is to ſay to be on a fire quickly and to ſet the Saltpeter on a fire, and to maintaine fire in the ſame vntill it be wholy reſolued into fire. For if there ſhoulde be ſo ſmall a quantitie of Brimſtone and Cole, as that thereby they ſhould not be apt and able to execute their ſaide office, that compoſition woulde bee vnprofitable and almoſt to no purpoſe: And therefore it is needefullfor you to be thereof well aduiſed. For if it were poſſible to make gunpowder onely of pure and perfect Saltpeter, without doubt that powder would bee more ſtronger and of more power than any other ſort of gunpowder made with the ſame Saltpeter, Brimſtone, and Cole. But becauſe the ſaid Saltpeter of it ſelfe is not apt nor able to burne in a flame quicklie as Brimſtone wil do, nor maintaine the flaming fire till al the materials are burnt and conſumed as the Cole will doe, therefore it is neceſſary to adde Brimſtone and Cole thereunto, and ſuch a quantitie thereof as will make them apt and able to execute their ſaid office according as before it is ſaide they ſhould doe.

Prior.

I doe vnderſtand you well, and you haue ſpoken enough for this euening.

The 8. Colloquie.

How it is an vnnedfull thing to make more finer gunpowder for one kinde of gunne than for another.

Interlocutors L. Gabriel Tadino Prior of Barletta. Nicholas Tartaglia. PRior.

Yeſterday in the euening you affirmed that the ſame gunpowder which containes the greateſt quantitie of Saltpeter, and the leaſt quantitie of Brimſtone & Cole (ſo that the Brimſtone and Cole be ſufficient to execute their office is better and of more power than any other kinde of gunpowder made in the ſame ſort of Saltpeter, Brimſtone, and Cole with a leſſer quantitie of Saltpeter, and a greater quantitie of brimſtone & Cole: and although I beleeue this to be true, yet I perceiue that this rule is not generall, for all kind of Artillery, becauſe all men know that handgunnes muſt be charged with finer powder than harchibuſes, and that harchibuſes muſt be charged with finer powder than Muſkets, & Falconets, & that Faulconets muſt be charged with better powder than is put into other great Ordinance: wherefore I aske of you if it be needful to ſhew how fine the powder ought to be made for euery kinde of Peece.

Nich.

I thinke it not needfull to doe ſo, although it be an vſe to do ſo: but I am of this opinion, that this is a greater error than that which was told of the Culuerings and Cannons in the 11 Colloquie of the firſt booke.

Prior.

What would you haue to be done?

Nich.

At this preſent I will not giue an abſolute & determinate anſwere to this matter, but I wil conſider a little better therof, and I hope to make you perceiue an error in this thing which bringeth with it other things of more diſcommoditie, loſſe and coſt than the Culuering doth in reſpect of the Cannons, whereof I gaue you to vnderſtand in the ſaid 11 Colloquie of the firſt booke.

Prior.

Conſider well thereof, for theſe things being a long time vſed will importe much, and ſometimes more than a man will thinke.

The 2 Corollarie.

VAnnuccio Biringuccio in the 10 booke and 2 chapter of his Pyrotechnye declareth that groſſe gunpowder occupied in handgunnes or harchibuſes will not expel their pellets a quaites caſt from their mouthes, & that fine gunpowder being ſhot out of great ordinance will breake or marre them: but I ſuppoſe (as Taertaglia in the precedent Colloquie doth think) that we may put with good aduiſement ſo much of groſſe gunpowder into our handgunnes and harchibuſes as will cauſe their pellets to randge a long diſtance, and alſo that we may charge great Peeces of Artillerie with ſo ſmall a quantitie of fine gunpowder as wil be a iuſt charge in powder for them, and in their diſcharges neither breake or hurt them: For a Peece which doth require for his due and ordinarie charge 8 ounces of that ſort of groſſe gunpowder which is marked in the 16 chapter of mine Appendix with the number of 1 may be iuſtly charged, & without any harme to the Peece diſcharged, with 7 ounces and a halfe of that ſort of fine Gunpowder which is in the ſayde 16 Chapter of mine Appendix marked with the number of 2, or if you will with 7 ounces and 1/9 of an ounce of that ſort of more finer Gunpowder which is in the ſaid 16 Chapter of mine Appendix marked with the number 3, as you may more at large reade in Girolamo Cataneo his 5 booke Dell'arte militare.

The 9. Colloquie.

How they are deceiued which doe thinke that gunpowder is corned for to be thereby more forceable and more ſtronger. And how Arte ought to follow nature who maketh all things that are made to ſome ende.

Interlocutors Ierome Gunner. Nicholas Tartaglia. IErome

What is the cauſe as you thinke why the makers of gunpowder do corne fine powder for handguns and harchibuſes, and that they doe not corne the groſſe powder which ſerueth for great ordinance.

Nicho.

I know well that you are not ignorant of the cauſe thereof, and that you do aske this queſtion of me to trie what I can ſay thereunto.

Ierome.

I aske this queſtion of you to know the cauſe thereof, and not to trie what you can ſay thereunto, for I confeſſe that I know not the cauſe thereof, and I ſweare vnto you as I am a true Chriſtian man, I haue asked this queſtion of many which make gunpowder, I ſay of ſuch as haue ordinarie pencions of the ſeignorie to make all ſortes of gunpowder, he Arſenal 〈◊〉 Venice is a •… ore houſe for •… unition and rtillerie: and •… s William •… homas affir eth in the •… iſtorie of Ita •… , 600. worke en are daily •… aged for •… erme of their •… ues to worke 〈◊〉 the ſame •… orehouſe. and none of them could tell me any reaſon for the ſame except one which workes in the Arſenal of Venice, who anſwered me, that they corned the powder for to make it to bee more forceable, and more ſtronger, which reaſon did ſomewhat content mee, and yet not fully ſatisfied therewith, I come now vnto you to pray you for to ſhew me the reaſon therof and to heare whether or no you be of his opinion.

Nicho.

I can not beleeue this to bee as you ſay, for I thinke it to be a thing impoſsible that a worke man ſhould do any thing and not know to what end he doth it, and eſpecially ſuch a thing which hee doth continually. For Arte ought to follow Nature herein who makes all things which are made to ſome ende: and therefore I can not beleeue that he of the Arſenal who as you haue ſaid hath a penſion of the ſeignorie for to make both fine and groſſe powder knoweth not to what end gunpowder is corned for Handgunnes, & not for great ordinance, ſeeing hee doth make ſuch gunpower euery day.

Ierome.

I know it to be true that hee could not giue mee any better reaſon for that thing than that which I haue told you.

Nich.

Before I wil tell you my opinion herein you ſhall goe againe vnto him & pray him of curteſie to tell you truely why he doth corne ſuch gunpowder.

Ierome.

It is no neede that I ſhould goe againe vnto him for I am ſure he will anſwere me (as he did before) that he doth corne gunpowder for to make it more forceable and more ſtronger.

Nicho.

When he hath ſo anſwered, ſay vnto him, if you corne gunpowder to make it haue more force and ſtrength, you ſhall do well to corne alſo the groſſe gunpowder which ſerues for great ordinance for to make the ſame alſo to be of more force and ſtrength.

Ierome.

I will doe ſo, and returne againe vnto you to day, or to morrow with his anſwere.

The 10 Colloquie.

Why gunpowder which doth ſerue for Handgunnes, Harchibuſes, and other ſmall peeces of Artillery is corned: And why gunpowder which doth ſerue for great ordinance is not corned: And how many of them which doe corne gunpowder, doe therein as they haue ſeene others doe, and as they haue been taught, and care not to know vnto what end they doe ſo.

Interlocutors. Ierome Gunner. Nicholas Tartaglia. IErome.

After I parted from you yeſterday, I went directly to the Arſenal, and finding my friende there, I prayed him againe if he knew any other reaſon than the ſame which he had tolde mee, that he would not hide it from mee, and I promiſed that for the ſame I would alwayes account my ſelfe much bound vnto him: he ſwore vnto me that he knewe no other reaſon than that which he had before tolde mee: that is to ſay, they did corne gunpowder to augment the vertue, force, and power of the ſame gunpowder. I anſwered him, why ſhould it not be good to corne alſo the groſſe gunpowder which ſerues for greatordinance, that the ſame might likewiſe be made more forceable, and ſtronger than it is? He replyed, for feare that the great ordinance would breake therewith, and ſo I was reſolued.

Nicholas.

You ſhould haue anſwered him that vppon ſuch occaſiō they might charge ſuch Peeces with a leſſe quantitie of gunpowder than is their ordinarie charge and thereby ſaue much gunpowder, or that they might put into the powder a leſſe quantitie of Saltpeeter than they vſe to doe.

Ierome.

I was not ſo wel aduiſed as to make that aunſwere, but it is to be thought that all they which make gunpowder doe according as they haue ſeene others doe, or as they haue beene taught, & care not to ſearch, or to know the cauſe of the thing which they doe, that is to ſay, to what ende they doe it. And I will now ſpeake of my ſelfe, how I haue made both groſſe and fine gunpowder, and that I did corne the fine powder which I made, and knew not to what ende I did corne it, but I did ſo becauſe I had ſeen other Gunpowdermakers to do the ſame.

Nicholas.

I beleeue that it is ſo as you ſay.

Ierome.

Tell me of courteſie your opinion herein.

Nicholas.

Hauing promiſed to tell you mine opinion therin, it is reaſon that I ſhould perfourme my promiſe, therefore you ſhall vnderſtand that after you went from me yeſterday I conſidered of this matter, & in effect haue found,Why gun •… der for ha •… gunnes is •… ned, and gunpo •… 〈◊〉 great Or •… nance is corned. that onely neceſsitie or commoditie hath cauſed men to learne the meanes to corne gunpowder for handgunnes and harchibuſes & not for great ordinance, becauſe the ſame corne powder will role or runne much better than powder which is not corned, as it may be perceaued by a handfull of corne and a handfull of meale, that is to ſay, a handfull of corne and a handfull of meale being laide a parte or a ſunder vppon a plaine table declining ſomewhat on the one ſide, the handfull of corne will role downe more eaſilie vppon the ſaide table than the handfull of meale will doe. For the meale will lie flat and more vnmooueable, but if it doe role or runne by reaſon of the ſlope lying of the table, it wil runne altogether on a heape, and the corne will role there in ſeueral parts.

Ierome.

I doe well vnderſtand you, but what profite comes by that kind of roling or running?

Nicholas.

You know when you carrie a handgunne or a harchibuſe to ſerue you in your buſineſſe, that it is neceſſarie alſo to carrie with you powder for to charge your peece therewith ſo often as you will, and that ſuch powder is caried in a flaske, and for to charge with meaſure, that there is made vppon the flaske (as you know) a little pipe able to receiue ſo much powder as is conuenient for the charge of that handgunne or harchibuſe, and how there is an enguine or ſpring in that little pipe to be ſhut within it when the ſaid pipe is full of powder to keepe the powder within the ſame little pipe that it ſhall not fall out of the ſame into the flaske.

Ierome.

I knew all this before you tolde me of the ſame.

Nicholas.

Although you know all the ſame better than I doe, yet I will tell you thereof that you may the better vnderſtande the matter folowing. And therefore I conclude that if the gunpowder which is put into the ſaid flaske be not corned, it wil be a harde thing to fil the ſaide little pipe with the ſame. For by turning vp the flaske to fill the ſaide pipe with ſuch gunpowder as was in the ſame flask, the ſaid gunpowder wil fall al together in a lump vppon the firſt entring place of that pipe, and choke or locke within the ſame all the ayre which was in that emptie pipe, and thereby that ayre will not ſuffer the powder to enter therein, ſo as oftentimes the ſaide pipe will be found to be emptie or not full of powder. But this thing wil not ſo happē if the powder be corned, for ſuch corned powder wil role more a parte or ſeperately (as it hath beene ſaide of corne and meale) the which ſeperation will make a way for the ayre in the ſaide pipe to goe out of the ſame into the flaske, and to fill the place which conteyned the powder that is gone into the ſaide pipe, and by this meanes moſt commonly the ſame pipe will be ſo full of powder as is conuenient for it to be. And for this cauſe men haue beene compelled to deuiſe a meanes to corne gunpowder for handgunnes and harchibuſes, and not for great ordinance. For (as you know) the powder is put into great ordinance and into the loweſt end of the concauitie thereof with a ladle, and therefore it is no matter whether the powder will role or not role, and it will be ſuperfluous to corne powder for great ordinance, for as you know you vſe to carry a little flaske full of the fineſt powder to put into the touchholes of handgunnes and harchibuſes,Touchpowder ought to be cor •… for handgunnes, harchibuſes, & •… ſmall peeces, but not for great •… dinance. which powder if it be not made with very ſmall cornes, it neither will nor can goe into ſo little a hole by the reaſons aforeſaide. And therefore in this caſe it is neceſſarie to makethe powder with very ſmall cornes. But it is otherwiſe in great ordinance, for as I haue beene informed, you put powder into their touch holes with your hand.

Ierome.

It is euen ſo as you ſay, and your reaſons herein are very true. But I neuer thought that gunpowder had beene corned for ſuch a cauſe, and for that I doe eſteeme of this which you haue tolde me more than of 10 crownes, I doe hartely thanke you for the ſame.

The ende of the thirde Booke of Colloquies.
blazon or coat of arms IN SPE
A TREATISE NAMED LVCAR APPENDIX, COLLECTED BY CYPRIAN LVCAR GENTLEMAN, OVT OF DIVERS GOOD AVTHORS IN DIVERS LANGVAGES:

To ſhewe vnto the Reader the properties, office, and dutie of a Gunner, and to teach him to make, and refine artificiall Saltpeter: to ſublime brimſtone for gunpowder, to make coles for gunpowder, to make gunpowder of diuers ſorts & of diuers colours, to make gunmatches, touchwood, and fire ſtones, to know the waight and meaſure of any pellet, to make carriages, ladles, rammers, ſcourers, and cartredges for any great peece of artillerie, to know the proportioned length, due thickneſſe, and waight of euery great peece of artillerie, to know what number of men, horſes, or Oxen wil drawe any great peece of artillerie, to make platformes for great ordinance, to make gabbions of earth for the defence of gunners in time of ſeruice, to charge euery great peece of artillerie with his due charge in ſerpentine gunpowder, and alſo in corne gunpowder, to ſhoote well at any marke within point blanke, to ſhoote well at any marke vpon a hill, or in a valley without poynt blanke, to ſhoote well at a marke in any darke night, to mount morter peeces to ſtrike any appointed marke, to tell whether a thing ſeene farre of doth ſtand ſtill, come towards him, or goe from him, to make and vſe diuers Trunkes, and many ſortes of fire workes, to make mynes, to meaſure altitudes, longitudes, latitudes, and profundities, to draw the true plat of any place, and to do other commendable things which not onelie in time of warre, but alſo in time of peace may to a good end be practiſed.

Scientia non habet inimicum prater Ignorantem.
depiction of the firing of a piece of artillery

Anno domini. 1588

royal blazon or coat of arms HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE DROIT ET LOYAL

The names of Authors out of whoſe Bookes the greateſt parte of this Treatiſe named LƲCAR APPENDIX, hath been collected. Italian Authors. Nicholas Tartaglia. Vannuccio Biringuccio. Girolamo Ruſcelli. Girolamo Cataneo. Franceſco Ferretti. Coſimo Bartoli. Gio: Franceſco Peuerone. Abel Fullone. Luigi Collado. Latin Authors. Daniel Santbech. Sebaſtian: Munſterus. Ioan: Baptiſta Porta. Hieronymus Cardanus. Ioan: Iacobus Weckerus. Anton: Maria. Gemma Friſius, Hermannus Witekindus. Thomas Finck. Ioan: Demerlierius. Chriſtian: Vrſtiſius. Engliſh Authors. M. Robert Recorde. Doctor of Phiſike. M. William Cunningham Doctor of Phiſike. M. Leonarde Digges Gent. M. Thomas Digges Gent. M. Peter Withorne Gent.
The firſt Chapter. The properties, office, and duetie of a Gunner.

A Gunner ought to be a ſober, wakefull, luſtie, hardie, patient, prudent, and quick ſprited man, he ought alſo to haue a good eyſight, a good iudgement, and perfect knowledge to ſelect a conuenient place in the day of ſeruice, to plant his Ordinance where he may doe moſt hurt vnto the enemies, and be leaſt anoyed by them, and where his Ordinance may not be ſurpriſed by the enemie.

A Gunner ought to be skilfull in Arithmeticke, and Geometrie, to the ende he may be able by his knowledge in thoſe artes to meaſure heights, depthes, breadthes, and lengthes, and to drawe the plat of any peece of ground, and to make mines, countermines, artificiall firewoorkes, rampiars, gabbions or baskets of earth, and ſuch like things which are vſed in time of warre to be made for offenſiue and defenſiue ſeruice.

A Gunner ought alſo to procure with all his power the frendſhip and loue of euery perſon, and to be carefull for his owne ſafetie, and for the preſeruation of all thoſe that ſhal be about him.

Alſo he ought to be no ſurfeter nor a great or ſluggiſh ſleeper, but he muſt gouerne him ſelfe in al times as a wiſe, modeſt, ſober, honeſt, and skilfull man ought to doe, that through want of vnderſtanding he may neuer leeſe his credite, nor an vniuerſall victorie which oftentimes by the meanes of good Gunners well managing their peeces is gotten.

Alſo a Gunner ought at the receite of his charge to make an Inuitorie of al ſuch things as ſhall be committed to his charge as well to render an account, as to conſider the want of ſuch neceſſaries as to the Artillerie apperteineth.

And when a Gunner ſhall be appoynted to doe an exployte, he ought to want neither a fire ſtone, nor a tyndar box with a good ſteele, nor flintſtones, nor tindar, nor gunmatches, nor a flaske full of good touchpowder to kindle his gunmatch and fire, when neede ſhall require.

Alſo when a Gunner ſhall be appoynted to doe an exployte, he muſt lay his powder twenty paces from his Peeces in ſuch a place where no fire, water, or hurt may come vnto it through any perſon, or by reaſon of any winde, weather, or otherwiſe, and keeping his powder alwayes couered, he muſt not be vnmindfull of this, that it is a very dangerous thing for a Gunner to truſt many, becauſe a generall hurt and death may thereuppon followe.

Alſo a Gunner that hath a charge ought to haue alwayes in a readineſſe all neceſſarie things for his artillerie: that is to ſay, wheeles, axeltrees, ladles, rammers, ſpunges, gunpowder, pellettes, tampions, chaineſhot, croſſebarres, ſuſtian, canuas, or paper for cartredges and firewoorkes, fourmes for ladles and cartredges, needles, threed to ſowe and binde the cartredges and firewoorkes, artificiall torches, candles, lantornes, mattockes, ſhouels, crowes of yron, handaxes, leuers, enguines for the mounting and imbaſing of ordinance, ropes, little handbaskets, glwe or payſt, horſecollers, horſes or oxen to drawe his peeces, all manner of cartware, carters to guyde and keepe his horſes and oxen, and a ſufficient number of Gunners and aſsiſtants to charge, diſcharge, mount, imbaſe, wadde ramme, make cleane, ſcoure, and coole his peeces when they are ouer heated, and to haue for this purpoſe vineger and faire colde water.

Alſo a Gunner ought alwayes to haue a gunners ſtaffe, or a partiſant, or a halbert ſticking by him for a part of his defence, and he ought to put into the cocke of his Gunners ſtaffe a gunmatch, or wrappe about the lower end of his ſtaffe, partiſant and halbert a good gunmatch, which may geue fire vnto his peeces of artillerie when neede ſhall require.

Alſo a Gunner ought not to ſleepe much at any time of the day, or night, when he is appoynted to ſerue in the fielde, or in any other place, nor to eate or drinke in any other roome than where his peeces of artillerie are planted, becauſe in his abſence the ſame peeces may be choked, poyſoned, and harmed by diuers wayes; and that he may many times vppon a ſudden haue good occaſion to diſcharge all his peeces,

And it is requiſite for a Gunner to fixe vppon the tayle of the carriage of his peece a cheſt to holde his neceſſary things, and to defende him from ſmall ſhot when he ſhal ſerue in a place where no baskets of earth are ſet to defend him.

Alſo a Gunner ought to haue a ruler and a payre of compaſſes to meaſure the heigth & length of euery peece his concauitie, and the length, depth, and wideneſſe of euery ladle, whereby he may know whether his peece is laden with too much powder, or is charged with a leſſe quantitie of powder than it ought to haue.

A Gunner ought to knowe the names, length, and waight of all manner of peeces, and be able to tell readilie how much gunpowder is a due charge for euery peece, how manie times in one day euery peece may without harme be ſhot of, how many Gunners and aſſiſtants or labourers ought to attend vppon euery peece, how many horſes, or oxen will drawe euery peece, what ſorte of peeces doe commonly carry pellettes of lead, what ſorte of peeces doe ſhoote Pellettes of yron, what ſorte of peeces are vſually laden with pellettes of ſtone, and what ſorte of peeces haue chambers, and how euery kinde of peece ſhould be charged with his powder, tampion, pellet, and wadde.

Alſo a Gunner muſt be skilfull to make Saltpeeter, to refine and ſublime Saltpeeter, to make diuers ſortes of gunpowder, to make coles for gunpowder, to purifie brimſtone for Saltpeeter, to make cartredges, to amend and make good agayne euery ſorte of gunpowder which by any manner of meanes hath loſt his vertue and force, and tell how much Saltpeter ought to be put into the ſayd vnforceable gunpowder to make it ſo ſtrōg as it was before, and how many times the ſaltpeeter which ſhall be put into the ſayde gunpowder ought to be refined.

Alſo a Gunner in time of ſeruice ought to forbyd with meeke and courteous ſpeeches all manner of perſons other than his appoynted aſsiſtantes, to come neere his peeces, to the ende that none of his peeces may be choked, poyſoned, or hurt, and he ought not for any prayers or rewarde to lende any peece of his gunmatch to another perſon, becauſe it may be very hurtfull to him in time of ſeruice to lacke the ſame.

Alſo a Gunner before he goeth to doe any exployte ought to conſider of all thinges which ſhal be needeful for him to haue, & how farre the place is to which he muſt goe, & by what wayes he ſhall paſſe with his artillerie, that he may carry with him all thinges needefull for his artillerie and for him ſelfe.

Alſo a Gunner ought not at any time to beate open the heads of his gunpowder barrels with any yron, or ſtone, but with a woodden mallet which will neuer fire the gunpowder as a peece of yron and a ſtone may doe.

Alſo if a Gunner will charge his peece with Cartredges, he ought to ſet them vpright in a tubbe or ſome other woodden veſſel, which (though it ſhall ſeeme to ſtande in a place out of danger for fire) ſhould neuer be vncouered for any longer time than while the ſame cartredges are taken out one by one to charge the peece.

Alſo a Gunner ought to waſh his peece within before he doth firſt charge it, and (after he hath dryed it well againe by the helpe of 2 or 3 cleane and dry ſpunges, & made it very clean within) he ought to looke by ſuch meanes as are declared in the 43. Chapter of this Appendix whether or no any hony combes, flawes, or crackes are in the ſayd peece.

Alſo a Gunner before he doth ſhoote ought to conſider and try whether the trunnions in his peece are ſet in their due places, and finding them by the doctrine taught in the 41. Chapter of this Appendix to be wrong ſet, preuent the harme which may come thereby.

Alſo a Gunner before he doth ſhoote ought to conſider whether his peece is charged with ſtrong and dry gunpowder, or with weake and moyſt gunpowder, to the end he may alwayes lade his peece according to the qualitie of the gunpowder: For as ſtrong and drie gunpowder may driue the ſhot farther than the marke, ſo weake and moyſt gunpowder may cauſe the peece to ſhoote ſhort of the marke.

Alſo euery Gunner before he doth ſhoote muſt conſider that his peece ought to haue a due charge in gunpowder: For as when a gunner doth geue vnto a peece more than his duety, he ouerſhootes the marke, and puts the peece after it is made hot in danger of breaking, ſo when he geues vnto a peece leſſe than his duetie he ſhootes ſhorte of the marke.

Alſo euery Gunner muſt charge his peece with a fit pellet: For as the pellet which is more bigger or more higher than it ſhould be putteth the peece in danger of breaking, ſo the pellet which is loar or ſmauler than it ſhould be, wil fall ſhort of the marke, and neuer working his expected effect, ſwarue ſometimes in the deliuerance out of the peece and ſtrike wide of the marke.

Alſo euery Gunner before he ſhootes ought to remember that a long wadde of haye, ſtrawe, toe, or of vntwiſted ropes lying behinde a pellet within any peece will cauſe the pellet to ſtrike wide of the marke.

Alſo euery Gunner ought to know that a peece of artillery which doth not lye faſt vppon his carriage wil ſhoote awry from the marke.

Alſo euery Gunner ought to know that if the carriage of his peece doth not lie right, the peece will ſhoote awry from the marke.

Alſo euery Gunner ought to know that if one wheele in the carriage of a peece be more greaſed than the other wheele in the ſame carriage, the wheele which is more greaſed will turne faſter about than the other wheele, and cauſe the Peece lying vppon the ſayd carryage to ſhoote awry from the marke.

Alſo euery Gunner before he ſhootes ought to remember that if one wheele ſhall recoyle faſter than the other wheele, or if anie thing ſhall let one wheele more than the other, the Peece will ſhoote awrie from the marke.

Alſo euerie Gūner before he ſhootes muſt aduiſedly looke whether or no both wheeles of euerie carriage are of equall heigth: For when one wheele of a carriage is higher than the other wheele of the ſame carriage, the higher wheele turneth more faſter than the other wheele which is more lower, & cauſeth the Peece laid vpon ſuch a carriage to ſhoote awrie from the marke.

Alſo euerie Gunner before he ſhootes muſt aduiſedly looke whether or no both endes of the axeltree in euerie carriage are of equall bigneſſe: For when one end of the axeltree in a carriage is greater than the other ende, the Peece that lyeth vpon ſuch a carriage will ſhoote awry by reaſon the wheele which turneth vppon the leſſer end of the axeltree runneth about more eaſilie than the other wheele which turneth vppon the greater ende of the axeltree.

Alſo euery Gunner before he ſhootes muſt aduiſedly looke whether or no the rounde holes which are made in the wheeles of euery carriage for the endes of an axeltree to lie in, are of equall bigneſſe: For if the hole in the naue of one wheele of a carriage ſhall be greater or wider than the hole in the naue of the other wheele of the ſame carriage, the peece that lyeth vppon a carriage with ſuch wheeles will ſhoote awry, becauſe the wheele which hath in his naue the greater hole, runneth about vppon the end of his axeltree more eaſilie than the other wheele which hath in his naue the leſſer hole.

Alſo euery Gunner before he ſhootes muſt aduiſedlie looke whether or no the holes which are made in euery carriage for the trunnions of his peece to lie in, are fit for the ſame trunnions, and of equall bigneſſe: For when one trunnion hole vppon a carriage is wide, and the other trunnion hole vppon the ſame carriage is narrowe, then the peece that hath his trunnions layde in two ſuch vnfit and vnequall holes will ſhoote awry from the marke.

Alſo euery Gunner before he ſhootes muſt take away all the ſtones which ſhall lie vnder the tayle of any carriage: For when a ſtone ſhall happen to lie vnder the tayle of a carriage, then the peece that lyeth vppon the ſame carriage will in the deliuerance of his ſhot turne aſide, and ſhoote awry from the marke.

Alſo euery Gunner before he ſhootes muſt take away all the ſtones which ſhall lie vnder the wheeles of a carriage: For when a ſtone lyeth vnder any one wheele of a carriage, then the peece which lyeth vppon the ſame carriage wil ſhoote awry from the marke.

Alſo euery Gunner before he doth firſt charge his peece ought to trie whether or no his peece is rightly bored in the middeſt of the mettall: For a peece which is not rightly bored wil ſhoote alwayes wide from the marke, except the Gunner to remedie that fault doe vſe ſuch skill as is taught in the 10. Colloquie of Nich. Tartaglia, his firſt booke of Colloquies.

Alſo euery Gunner ought to remember before he ſhootes that if both or one of the leuelſights vppon the peece ſhall not be preciſely ſet in the midſt of the outſide of the peece, the ſayd peece will driue his pellet wide from the marke.

Alſo euery Gunner before he ſhootes muſt cōſider of the marke at which he wil ſhoote, I meane euery Gunner muſt looke aduiſedly whether the marke at which he will ſhoote be vppon a playne ground, or vppon the toppe of a hill, or downe in a valley, or farther than his peece will ſhoote, that he may plant, mount, and imbaſe his peece to ſtrike the marke lying within the reach of his peece.

Alſo euery Gunner before he ſhootes ought to conſider whether the ayre be thinne and cleere, or cloſe and thick, becauſe a pellet wil paſſe more eaſilie thorow a thinne and cleere ayre, than thorow a cloſe and thicke ayre.

Alſo euery Gunner before he ſhootes ought to trie whether or no the ground vppon which the peece doth lie in his carriage be playne and leuell: For as when the grounde is lower at the tayle of the peece than it is in the place where the wheeles ſtand, the peece recoyling vnto the lower ground will ouerſhoote the marke, becauſe in the deliuerance of the ſhot the breech goeth downewards, and the mouth vpwards, ſo when the grounde is higher at the tayle of the peece than it is before in the place where the wheeles ſtand, the peece may ſhoote ſhort of the marke, although it is not ſo apt to recoyle agaynſt a hill as it wil doe downe a hill.

Alſo euery Gunner ought to weather the marke according to the hardnes of the winde, and the diſtance vnto the marke: For as the winde being with him will cauſe a pellet to flie beyonde the marke according to the hardneſſe thereof, and the winde being againſt him will cauſe a pellet to fal ſhort of the marke according to the hardneſſe thereof, ſo a ſide winde driueth a pellet wide from the marke.

Alſo euerie Gunner before he ſhootes ought to driue the wadde and ſhot home vnto the gunpowder, for when the wadde and ſhot do lie ſhort from the gunpowder, the Peece breaketh manie times in the vacant or emptie place betweene the powder and the ſhot.

Alſo euery Gunner before he ſhootes muſt trulie diſparte his Peece, or giue allowance for the diſparte, and when he diſpartes a Peece he ought to ſet the ſaid diſpart in the midſt and vppermoſt part of mettall ouer the mouth of the Peece.

Alſo euery Gunner ought to know that as it is a wholeſome thing for him to drinke and eate a little meate before hee doth diſcharge anie Peece of artillerie, becauſe the fume of ſaltpeter and brimſtone will otherwiſe bee hurtfull to his braines, ſo it is verie vnwholeſome for him to ſhoote in anie Peece of ordinance while his ſtomake is full.

Alſo a Gunner which ſhall ſerue vppon the ſea in any Galleon, or other Ship, or in any great or ſmall Galley, ought before his going to ſea to conſider well of the number of trunkes, pykes, dartes, earthen pottes halfe baked, copper cauldrons, morters, peſtels, and ſearces that will be needefull for him in his ſea ſeruice, and alſo of the meaſure of ſeuerall oyles, and quantitie of gummes, camphire, and all other materiall and needefull things for firewoorkes.

Alſo a Gunner which ſhall ſerue vppon the ſea in any Shippe, ought before his going to ſea to wryte with good aduiſement in a paper booke for the owner or Captayne of the veſſell in which he ſhall ſerue, the number and price of trunkes, pykes, dartes, arrowes, and earthen pottes halfe baked, that will be needefull vppon the ſea for offenſiue and defenſiue ſeruice, and alſo the number and price of yron hoopes, and the length and price of yron wiers or ſtrong cordes that wil be ſufficient to binde faſt all the ſayd trunkes, pykes, dartes, arrowes, and pottes of fire.

Alſo euery Gunner which ſhall ſerue vppon the ſea in any ſhippe ought before his going to ſea to write in his memoriall or paper booke for the owner or Captayne of the veſſell in which he ſhall ſerue, the waight and price of euery ſimple and materiall thing that is requiſite to make firewoorkes, and rokettes for many ſeuerall fightes, and diuers triumphes vppon the Sea, & alſo the number and price of the cartredges which he meaneth to make for his ordinance, and the quantitie and price of fuſtian, canuas, or paper that will iuſtly ſerue without waſte to make the ſame cartredges,

Alſo euery Gunner which ſhal ſerue vppon the ſea &c. ought to write in his memorial &c. the number, ſortes, and priſes of great and ſmall needles, the quantitie and price of packthreede, and other ſmaller threede that wil be needeful to ſowe the bagges of his cartredges, and to binde faſt his fireworkes and rochets in their cotes or couers.

Alſo euery Gunner which ſhall ſerue vppon the ſea &c. ought to write in his ſayd memoriall &c. the waight and price of ſo much gunpowder, and of ſo many fit pellettes as wil be enough for to charge all the peeces in his veſſel fourty times ouer, and alſo the price of ten barrels of more gunpowder, which he ought to haue for the onely making of fireworkes.

Alſo euery Gunner which ſhall ſerue vppon the ſea &c. ought to write in his ſayde memoriall &c. the quantitie and price of ſaltpeeter, brimſtone, and cole, which will be requiſite for him to haue in ſtore to amend, and alſo to nwe make vppon the ſea gunpowder, if his prouiſion thereof ſhould happen by any meanes to decay or conſume. For the wante of any one of theſe things cannot without a marueylous chaūce be ſupplied vppon the ſea.

Alſo euery Gunner which ſhal ſerue vpon the ſea &c. muſt with diſcreation write in his memoriall &c. the number and ſortes of faultleſſe peeces that will be needefull for his veſſell and the places of the ſhippe or veſſel where they ought to lie, and appoynt in his ſayd memoriall three chambers for euery chamber peece.

Alſo a Gunner ſeruing vppon the ſea ought alwayes when he ſhall be forced by neede to nwe make or amend his gunpowder, or to make any kinde of firewoorke, to roe in a ſhipboate to lande, or otherwiſe into the ſea farre from his ſhippe, and to woorke for the ſafetie of his ſhippe vnder a couer or tent in his boate, or vppon the land in an old deſolate houſe ſtanding alone from other houſes.

The 2. Chapter. How artificiall Saltpeeter which is a mixture of many ſubſtances hath (as ſome ſuppoſe) greater vertue, and more ſtrength than mynerall ſaltpeeter: how artificiall ſaltpeeter is made of fine and ſmall earth by two ſundry wayes: how the earth which maketh artificiall ſaltpeeter is digged out of ſellers, vaultes, ſtables, oxſtalles, gote or ſheepecotes, pigen houſes, or out of the loermoſt roomes in other houſes: how blacke earth which will ſparkle in a fire, or yeelde a ſharpe, byting, and meane ſalt taſte doth make good ſaltpeeter: how for the making of artificiall ſaltpeeter you muſt prouide a ſufficient number of cauldrons, furnaces, barrelles, halfe tubbes, and a conuenient quantitie of wood, whitelime, aſhes of oke, earth, and water, and how the ſayd cauldrons, furnaces, barrels, and halfe tubbes muſt be placed.

ARtificiall ſaltpeeter is a mixture of many ſubſtances gotten with fire and water out of drie and durtie grounde, or of the flower that groweth out of walles in ſellers, or out of that ground which is found looſe within vaultes, tombes, or deſolate caues, where rayne cannot come in. And (as ſome thinke) artificiall ſaltpeeter hath greater vertue and more ſtrength than mynerall ſaltpeeter. But the beſt artificiall ſaltpeeter is made of beaſtes dung conuerted into earth in ſtables, or in dunghilles of a long time not vſed, & aboue all other of the ſame dung which comes of gotes and hogges: And it is requiſite what dung ſo euer it be, that by continuance of time it be well reſolued into earth, and all the humiditie thereof being dryed, that the ſame earth ſhould be as it were a ſubtile and fine powder. When you ſhall haue occaſion to make of this dung or earth a great quantitie of artificiall ſaltpeeter,The firſt way to make artificiall Saltpeter of earth. it will be neceſſarie for you to prouide many cauldrons, furnaces, barrelles or tubbes, and likewiſe wood, white lime, aſhes of olde oke, and a ſufficient quantitie of the ſayde earth, and a great barne or other walled houſe neere to the water, that you may haue enough thereof, and of euery other material thing. But firſt the furnaces muſt be made for the cauldrons, & they muſt be placed thereō as they are which Diers vſe: Then there muſt be prepared ioyſtes ſo long as the houſe, and ſo broade that vppon them commodiouſly aboue ground may ſtand buttes with their heads knocked out, ſquare cheſtes, barrels or tubbes to the number of 50. 60. or 100. according to the cauldrons, and the capacitie of the place, and betweene euery two of thoſe veſſels, there muſt be ſet a halfe tubbe to receaue the water that ſhall runne out: Or there would be placed a gutter or canel of wood along vnder the holes of the veſſels which are ſet aboue the ground, ſo that it may conuey all the water which commeth from them into one or two great tubbes ſufficient to holde all the water that ſhall be full of the ſubſtāce of Saltpeeter. And in the buttes which haue their heads knocked out, barrels or tubbes: I ſay in the bottome of euery of them, a hole muſt be made on the one ſide with an Augar, or els three or foure little holes may be made with a good big perſer, and vppon them you may lay a little thinne linnen cloath, or els the ſweeping ende of a broome, or ſome ſtrawe for to keepe the yerth vp, and to ſtrayne the water that ſhall be put amongſt the ſame yerth which is to be wrought when it is taſted with the mouth, ſo that it be certaine that it contayneth Saltpeeter. Then there muſt be made in the middeſt of the houſe where the ſayd Saltpeeter is to be wrought a great hil, next vnto which muſt be made another hil halfe ſo big which muſt be made with two partes of vnſlaked lime, and three partes of oke aſhes, or other aſhes which in taſte are very ſtrong and ſharpe, and then the one hill muſt be wel mingled with the other, and with the ſame compoſition the tubbes muſt be filled which are ſet aloft vppon the ioyſtes within a ſpan of the mouth, or els (minding not to mingle with the yerth the aſhes and the lime together) you may put firſt a ſpan thickneſſe of yerth in the bottome of the tubbe, and then three fingers thickneſſe of the aforeſayde lime, and aſhes, and afterwardes vppon the ſame another ſpan in thickneſſe of yerth, and on that likewiſe another three or foure fingers thickneſſe of lime and aſhes: and ſo putting into the ſayd tubbes one rew of one thing, and another rew of another thing, you ought to fill all the buttes, and tubbes, or other veſſels that you haue placed (euen as aboue I haue ſayd) within a ſpan of the mouthes of them, and the reſt which is then left empty, you muſt fill with water, the which running through all the yerth by a little and a little, muſt drop into the tubbes that ſtande vnder to receaue it, or into a gutter, or canel, or where you liſt, ſo that it be conueyed into one, two, or three ſundry tubbes, or where you thinke good: and ſo you muſt wel and diligently gather all the water which was powred vppon the yerth after it hath paſſed through the holes in the bottome of the tubbes in ſuch wiſe that it may bring with it all the ſubſtance and vertue of the ſaltpeeter which was in the ſayd earth, whereof by putting ſome of it on your tongue you may taſte, and finding it biting and very ſalte,To know good Saltpeter water. it is a token that it is good, and that you haue done wel: if not, powre it againe vppon the very ſame earth, or vppon ſome other nwe earth. But finding the firſt earth full of ſubſtance ſo much as ſufficeth, you may againe powre vppon it more water to waſh better the remnant of the earth: albeit this ſecond water would be ſaued in another veſſel, and after this the earth may likewiſe be waſhed the thirde time, to the intent that all the ſubſtance thereof may be perfectly gotten. But this ſeconde, nor the thirde, ought not to be mingled with the firſt, if it happen not to come of the very ſame taſte, the which I beleeue that it wil not: but it muſt be put by it ſelfe in other veſſels for that it is good to powre vppon the change of the next earth, and ſo you may proceede gathering a good quantitie of ſuch water, taking heede neuertheleſſe that it be full of the ſubſtance of ſaltpeeter: the which if it ſeeme vnto you not of the ſame perfection as you would haue it, you may powre it againe vppon the very ſame earth, or vppon other nwe, til ſuch time as it ſhal ſatisfie you, and that you ſhal knowe it to be ful of the ſubſtāce of ſaltpeeter. Beſides this there muſt be made a furnace with one or two cauldrons of braſſe wauled thereon, which muſt be ſo great as thoſe which the Dyers vſe, & theſe cauldrōs muſt then be filled with the ſayd ſaltpeter water: the which (as alredy I haue tolde) ought to be ſo ful of ſubſtāce as may be, ſo that it haue about the two third partes, and make it faire and ſoftly to boyle ſo much till it come to one thirde part or there aboutes, and after take it of, and put it to ſettle in a great veſſel couered, which muſt be wel bound about with hoopes of yron, and ſure, and cloſe in the ioyning thereof, to the intent it ſpill not: And thus when the ſame water is ſetled, cleere, and from the earth and groſſe matter which in it remayned diligently purged, it muſt be taken out, and boyled againe of nwe in the ſame cauldron, or in ſome other. And foraſmuch as at euery time that it boyleth if it be not taken heed of, it turneth into skumme, and ſometimes ſwelleth ſo much that by running ouer, it ſpilleth and carrieth away therwith much of the good, the which minding to remedy, you muſt take three partes of Oke aſhes, and one of Lime, and moreouer in euery hundred pounde waight of water, there muſt be diſſolued foure poundes of Roch Alume, and when the Cauldron boyleth take of the ſaid water with a pot, and power into it once or twiſe, ſpecially when you ſee the Saltpeter water riſe in skumme, and ſo doing within a little while you ſhall ſee it alay, and be both cleere, faire, an of an azure colour: and it muſt be boiled ſo long till all the thinne watrineſſe be vapoured away, and the ſubſtance of the Saltpeter thickened, ſo that it being taken out, and put in cheſtes, or tubbes, and cooled, may congeale: the which is beſt done when the water is brought to a ſmall quantitie, taking it out and putting it into a leſſe Cauldron wherein it will ſooner congeale, the which water being taſted, and ſeen to be readie to congeale, you may take it out, and put it into veſſels of wood, or of earth that are rough within, with certaine ſtickes of wood to congeale, and ſo you ſhal let it coole, and reſt three or foure dayes ſo as it may droppe, and be ſtrained through ſome little hole in the bottome of the veſſell: and all the water which is not then congealed, you muſt take out, and ſaue for to ſeeth againe: and the Saltpeter which is in any quantitie congealed, you ſhall finde to be according to the vertue that was in the water, or in the earth: but the cleereneſſe and faireneſſe thereof will come of the maſter vertue of the water which is put into it in the boyling, which hath ſtrength to purge it, and to make it come as it were refined in the firſt ſeething. Now this being taken from the ſides of the veſſel where it congealed, and in the water thereof waſhed, you muſt lay it vpon a Table to drie throughly, and the ſame ſeeming vnto you to haue neede, or neuertheleſſe minding to haue it aboue the common vſe for ſome purpoſe more refined, and purified from all maner of earthie groſſeneſſe, fatneſſe, and ſaltneſſe, (which for to make exceeding fine powder or aquam fortem, is moſt requiſite ſo to be) I counſell you to refine and purifie after one of the wayes taught in this Appendix.

Saltpeter may alſo be made of earth in this ſort folowing,The ſecond way to make artificiall Saltpeter of earth. digge ſuch earth out of floores in ſellers, vaultes, ſtables, oxeſtaules, gote or ſheepe coates, pigen houſes, or out of the loermoſt roomes in other houſes as is blacke, or that throwne into a fire will ſparkle, or that is of a ſharpe, biting, and meane ſalt taſte. But digge not for any ſuch earth more deeper than the length of 3 ynches vnder the face and vppermoſt part of the floore or ground out of which it ſhalbe taken, except you ſhall ſee in the earth vnder that depth ſuch white things or veines as the Italian mameth Fiocchi. To know whether or no any Saltpeter is in earth do this, make a woodden pin of a foote in length, and with a mallet driue it vp to the head into the ground where you meane to ſeeke for Saltpeter: Then taking the pinne out of his hole, thruſt an yron naile made redde hot with fire, and equal in length and bigneſſe to the ſaide pin, into the ſaid hole. After this couer the ſame hole quickly & ſuffer the naile to ſtād in it til it ſhalbe thorow cold: This done, pull the naile out of the ſaide hole, and note well the culler of the naile. For as when the naile ſo taken out of the hole ſhall haue a pale yelloe culler you ought to thinke that the earth in that place wil yeeld plentie of Saltpeter, ſo when the naile taken out of the hole ſhal haue the naturall culler of yron, you muſt knowe that no Saltpeter will bee made of the earth in that place. Hauing gotten a ſufficient quantitie of Saltpeter earth made fine and ſmall, and a competent number of halfe buttes, hogſheaddes, or barrels that haue one hole made with an Augar in the bottome of euery of them you muſt firſt couer euery of the ſaid holes on the inſide, with an earthen porenger, and ſtoppe the ſaide holes on the outſide of the veſſels with tappes and ſpiggets. This done, fill vp the ſaid halfe buttes, hogſheads, or barrels with the ſaid earth within a ſpanne of their brimmes, and remember that although the earth about the ſides of euery veſſell muſt be rammed downe, yet that part of earth which lyeth in the midſt of the veſſell muſt lie looſe, and vnpreſſed. After this powre a bucket or pale of cleane water by little & litte vppon the ſaide earth: When the earth hath drunke vp this water, powre one other bucket or pale of cleane water in the ſame ſort vpon that earth, and continue in ſo doing till all the earth in the ſaid veſſels is well moiſtened with water, which ought to lie in the ſaide veſſels for the ſpace of a day and a night one handbreadth in heigth aboue the earth: Then pull the ſaid tappes or ſpiggets out of the holes in the veſſels, and ſuffer all the ſaide water to droppe out into other tubbes placed directly vnder the ſaid holes: when you ſhall ſee that no more water will come or droppe into the vndermoſt tubbes, emptie the dropped water into the veſſels out of which it did droppe before, and out of the ſame let it drop againe ſo long, and ſo muchas it will into the ſaid vndermoſt tubbes. This water which hath ſo ſoked thorow the earth in the ſaid veſſells, & hath twiſe dropped out of the higher veſſels into the tubbes that are placed vnder them, is called among the Italians water of the foote, & alſo the waſhe of earth, which ought to be ſaued by it ſelfe, After you haue done all this, powre ſome other cleane water (as you did before) vppon the earth in the veſſels, and when the ſame water hath dropped out of the higher veſſels into the tubbes ſtanding vnder them, take all the ſaid earth out of the veſſels, and fill them againe as you did before with other like earth and then powre vppon this earth in the veſſels the firſt water called water of the foote, and waſh of earth, ſuffering it to droppe thorow the ſame into the vndermoſt tubbes ſo often till the ſame water taſted in your mouth will byte your tongue,Note. and that an egge put into this water will ſwim vppon the toppe of the ſame. The firſt water being brought by this meanes to this perfection, and ſtrength, powre the ſecond water vppon the ſame earth (or on other ſuch like earth if neede bee) that it may by often dropping thorow the ſame bee made alſo of a biting taſte like vnto the firſt water, and able to beare vppe an egge put into the ſame like as the firſt water called water of the foote, and waſh of earth did before. Now this ſecond water being a very ſtrong water muſt be boyled in a Cauldron and after it hath wel boiled abate the fire vnder the Cauldron, till you haue taken of from it all the ſcumme which muſt be ſaued in a pot or other veſſell. When you haue ſo done, make a good fire vnder the Cauldron to cauſe the water that is in the ſame to ſeeth or boyle quickly againe, and as the water ſhall diminiſh, or ſeethe away, put more of the ſaid firſt water vnto the ſame, and (as you were before willed to do) ſcumme the ſaid water and keepe the ſcumme. when the ſcumme ſhall be thicke,To know whē the maiſter water of Saltpeter is enough boyled. and hard, and of a French ruſſet colour, take ſome water with the ſcummer out of the Cauldron, & let it drop vppon a peece of yron, for if the water be well and enough boyled, the droppes of water will congeale vppon the ſame yron, and if the ſaid droppes doe not congeale, it is a ſigne that the water in the Cauldron is not boiled enough. When you ſhall perceiue by this ſigne that the water is well and enough boiled, take it of from the fire and preſerue it, becauſe it is the maſter water. So ſoone as you haue made an end of boyling the ſecond water, you ought to boile and ſcumme the firſt water called water of the foote,

To know whē the firſt water of Saltpeter called water of the foote, and waſh of earth is enough boyled. How water of the foote and waſh of earth when it is burned, may be made good againe.

Salt peter water muſt be ſuffered to cō geale in a dankiſh, cloſe, and darke place.

and waſh of earth, as you did the ſecond water till it ſhall caſt vp a ſcumme of a French ruſſet colour, vnto which (if it ſhal happen to cleaue vnto the ſides of the Cauldron) you muſt put of the other French ruſſet ſcumme that was made, and ſaued by you before, to boyle with it, vntill the droppes of this water falling vppon yron wil congeale. If this congealed water ſhall be very ſoft, it is a ſigne that the water in the Cauldron is not boyled enough, but if this congealed water ſhall be very hard, it is a ſigne that it is burned. To amend this fault which the very hard congealed water hath, and to make the ſame water good againe, put ſome freſhe and cleare water thereunto, and then hauing extinguiſhed all the fire vnder the Cauldron, and made the ſame Cauldron to ſtand a ſlope, ſo that the lies and dregges (which being congealed are the very ſalt whereof Saltpeter is made) may not with any water runne ouer the brimmes of the veſſell, you muſt (if you will make good Saltpeter) ſuffer the water to ſettle in the ſame veſſell, and to congeale in a dankiſh, cloſe, and darke place, and after the water which will not congeale hath for the ſpace of two or three dayes dropped out of the veſſell into ſome other tubbe, take the Saltpeter out of the ſaiſt veſſell, and preſerue the ſame water becauſe it being the maſter water may afterwardes be vſed when you ſhall haue neede of the maſter water.

The 3 Chapter. How you may make an excellent kind of artificiall Saltpeter of the flowre which groeth on walles: how Saltpeter water muſt bee boyled: howe you may knowe when Saltpeter water hath boyled enough: how Saltpeter water which is burned may bee made good againe: and how Saltpeter in his refining doth waſte.

TAke of flowre which groeth on walles foure partes, of vnſlaked Lime one parte: This one part of lime muſt bee well boyled in water ouer a fire, and after it hath boyledenough, it muſt be taken from the fire, and ſuffered to ſettle, and then it muſt be ſtrained into another veſſell. This done, put the ſame foure parts of the ſaid flowre into ſuch a halfe but, tubbe, hogſhead, or other barrell as before you haue been willed to prepare for earth whereof Saltpeter ſhalbe made, & powre vppon the ſame flowre ſo much of the ſaid ſtrained water which is named Lie, or Lime water, as will diſſolue the ſame flowre. When the flower is diſſolued, let the Lie or Lime water which hath diſſolued the flower, droppe out at the bottome of the ſayd veſſell into another tubbe ſet vnder the ſame veſſell, and boyle thoſe droppes of Lie or Lime water ouer a fire, till they being put vppon yron wil congeale, and be of a temperate hardneſſe, that is to ſay, neither too ſoft, nor too hard. It is a ſigne (as before I haue told you) that the water hath not boyled enough, when the congealed droppes are too ſoft, and it is a token that the water is burned when the congealed drops are too hard. But (as you haue learned) the water which is burned may be made good againe with a little freſh and cleare water put vnto it. After this Lie or Lime water is well and enough boyled, take it of from the fire, ſcumme it with a ſcummer, and doe vnto it all that you haue been taught in the precedent Chapter to doe vnto the Saltpeter water that firſt droppeth out of veſſels filled with earth: So this Saltpeter will bee good with the firſt boyling, and ſerue for ſome vſes without any other refining: But for to make gunpowder it ought to be refined againe though thereby it will waſte a little.

The 4 Chapter. How good Saltpeter may be knowne.

PVT a handful of Saltpeter vppon an oken boord, or vppon a drie Walnut tree boord, lay vppon the Saltpeter a quicke cole of fire, and when the Saltpeter is well kindeled, take the cole away from it, for now if the Saltpeter be good, it will burne of it ſelfe, and ray much the table. But if the Saltpeter ſhall as it doth burne giue any crackes, it is a token that the ſame Saltpeter hath in it Salt, and that it was refined, for vnrefined Saltpeter will neuer cracke, and when many dregges do remaine vppon the table after the Saltpeter is ſo burned, they ſhew that the ſame Saltpeter had much greaſe in it and that it was naught.

The 5 Chapter. How Saltpeter may be made to groe where none did groe before: and how earth which hath made Saltpeter may be made after the end of fiue or ſixe yeeres to yeelde more Saltpeter than it did yeelde at the firſt time.

DIſſolue Saltpeter in water, and wet well therewith a couered peece of ground where you will haue Saltpeter to groe, then ſuffer that peece of ground to lie ſtill for a certaine ſpace of time, and by ſo doing you ſhall ſee that the Saltpeter will groe and multiplie wonderfully in that place. Alſo it is truth if the earth which hath made Saltpeter be heaped vp in a couered place where no raine may fall vppon the ſame, that after the end of fiue or ſixe yeres, you may labour the ſame earth againe, and finde in it more Saltpeter than it did yeeld at the firſt time.

The 6 Chapter. How Saltpeter meale is made: and how Saltpeter meale without any beating will ſerue among other materiall things to make gunpowder.

HAng a kettle with a wide bottome ouer a good fire and put into that kettle a conuenient quantitie of Saltpeter: when the Saltpeter ſhall begin to bloe, frie, and ſmoke, ſtirre it about the kettle with a woodden ladle, pulling backe the Saltpeter which ſhal ſhew white, and putting forward the other Saltpeter which hath not had ſo much fire as the ſaid white Saltpeter, and ceaſe not to ſtirre and mingle all the Saltpeter well together, ſo as it may not melt, vntill it ſhall waxe drie, and be like a comfette, for by ſo doing you ſhall take away out of the Saltpeter all the greaſe and Salt that was in it. Then powring ſo much waterinto the kettle as will couer all the Saltpeter that is in it, you muſt melt the ſame Saltpeter ouer a good fire, and ſturre it well about the kettle with a bigge and rounde ſtaffe, vntill it ſhall waxe drie againe, & be like meale, which without any beating will ſerue among other materiall things to make gunpowder.

The 7 Chapter. How Saltpeter may be refined with water by two ſundrie wayes: and how Saltpeter refined with water ought to be dried.

The firſt waie to refine Saltpeter with water.TAke of the mixture made of Lime, Aſhes, and Allum diſſolued, whereof mention hath been made in the ſecond Chapter of this booke and in the firſt way to make artificiall Saltpeter of earth, and into euery barrell of water that you haue put into the Cauldron for to diſſolue the Saltpeter, powre ſixe pots full of the ſtrong water that is alſo mentioned in the ſaid firſt way to make artificiall Saltpeter, and in the ſame quantitie of water ſo prepared, put ſo much Saltpeter as you thinke may well be diſſolued: and with boyling make it to diſſolue very well. Then ſeeing it in boyling to haue caſt vp ſcumme, you ſhall take it out of the Cauldron, and put it into a tubbe, in the bottome whereof you muſt firſt put fine ſand foure fingers thickneſſe cleane waſhed, couered with a linnen cloth: and by a little hole made into the bottome of the tubbe, you ſhall ſuffer it to droppe by little and little in ſome other veſſell ſet vnder to receiue it: and ſo this water thus ſtrained, you muſt afterwards put into the very ſame, or into another Cauldron to boyle againe, and to make the greater part of the ſame water ſeethe away. Finally make it boyle ſo much vntill you ſhall ſee it readie to thicken, powring now and then into the ſame water a little of the aforeſaid ſtrong water, eſpecially when it ſwelleth, & caſteth vp ſcumme. This done, powre the ſaid water out of the Cauldron into cheſtes, or other veſſels of wood to congeale, which (though it ſhall be a great quantitie) within three or foure dayes will congeale. But if any part of that water doe not within that time congeale, then taking it out of the veſſel boile it againe, & do it vnto all that you did before to the other water that is congealed. And ſo you muſt doe from time to time as it gathereth together, and congealeth: and by this meanes you ſhall make the Saltpeter moſt white, and faire, and much better than at the firſt ſeething.

The ſecond way to refine Saltpeter with water.Saltpeter may alſo be refined with water in this manner: put Saltpeter with Lime well ſlaked into a cleane Cauldron, and powre vppon the Saltpeter and ſlaked Lime ſo much faire water or rather ſo much of the aforeſaide Lie or Lime water, as will couer and lie foure ynches in heigth aboue the ſame Saltpeter, and ſlaked Lime. Moreouer make a good fire vnder the Cauldron, that the things in the ſame may quickly boile, and bee readie as ſcumme ſhal riſe to take it away with a ſcummer. When you ſhal ſee that no more ſcumme will riſe, then take the Cauldron from the fire, and ſetting it ſomewhat aſlope, let the boiled water coole, ſettle, and cleare in the ſame: if the boiled water will not waxe cleare by this meanes, put aſhes into it, aad boyle the ſame water againe for a while. This done, take the Cauldron from the fire, & ſetting it aſlope, ſprinkle faire water vpon the boyled water, for by ſo doing you ſhall make the ſame water cleare. This water being cleare, muſt by little and little be powred into ſome other veſſell ſo as the lies, dregges, or grounds may not goe out with the ſame:Saltpeter refined with water ought to be dried againſt the Sun or with heate of fire. For of the water which lyeth aboue in the veſſell, Saltpeter is made, and in the water at the bottome of the veſſell, are the lies or dregges of Saltpeter. After you haue in this ſort powred out the ſaide water into other veſſels, and haue ſuffered the ſame for two dayes ſpace (and more if need be) to congeale in the ſame veſſels, you muſt take the ſame congealed water (which is Saltpeter) out of the veſſels, and drie the ſame againſt the Sunne, or with heate of fire.

To know whē the water in which Saltpeter is refined hath boyled enough.After you haue taken the ſaid Saltpeter out of the veſſels in which it did congeale, boyle again ouer a good fire the vncongealed water which remaineth in the ſaid veſſels, & ſo long as this water doth boile, ſcumme it if it ſhall caſt vp any ſcumme, & let this water boile vntill the ſame water dropping vppon yron, ſtone, or ſuch like things from a peece of wood put into the water will congeale: for then is that time to take it from the fire. Nowe this being done if you ſhall ſee a thinne ſkin to lie vppon the water, ſcumme the ſame away, and more doo vnto the ſame water all that you haue bin willed to doo vnto the other water which did before congeale into ſaltpeter.

Although this ſaltpeter made of the water which did lie in the bottome of the veſſels is not ſo good as the Saltpeter which came of that part of water which did lie vppermoſt in the veſſels, yet may it be made as good as the other with ſo much labour as you are willed to beſtowe vppon the other, and by putting ſo much water vnto it as you did vnto the other, for through lacke of water it will be burned.

Saltpeter being thus refined with water will make good gunpowder:How Saltpeter refined with water ought to be dried in a Cauldron ouer a fire if it ſhall afterwards paſſe thorow a boulter or ſearſe. But to drie this Saltpeter ſo as it may paſſe thorow a fine boulter or ſearſe, put it into a Cauldron ouer a fire of Coles whereby the Saltpeter will yeeld a water, fall into the flowre, and melt, and being well ſtirred in a Cauldron that all the Saltpeter may feele the heate of fire, it will be a lumpe like a comfet. When you ſhall ſee that this Saltpeter is drie, take it from the fire, for through too long ſtanding ouer the fire, it will yeeld moyſture, looſe his ſtrength and bee a gumme when it is burned.

The 8 Chapter. How Saltpeter may be refined with fire: and how Saltpeter may be better refined with water than with fire.

SAltpeter in a little quantitie is refined with fire after this maner which although it be a readie way yet ſeldome times it is vſed, and albeit it ſerueth to get out the fatneſſe of Saltpeter, yet for that it ſendeth into the bottome very much earthie droſſe, I like better the other wayes which teach you to purge it with water, than this with fire. But to refine Saltpeter with fire doe thus: Take an yron ſallet, or ſome other yron, or braſen veſſell, and fill it with Saltpeter, and couer it with a couer of yron, braſſe, or earth, ſo that it be made bigge enough, meete to be taken of, and put on when you liſt, and ſo as the veſſell being well couered, the heate within may not breath out. This veſſell muſt be ſet in the midſt of a good fire of coles, and ſo the Saltpeter will melt, which is ſoone perceiued of the expert artificer and workman. When you thinke that it is melted looke vppon it, and if it be not well melted, couer it againe, and let it melt well: Then the Saltpeter being well melted, take Brimſtone moſt finely beaten in powder, and caſt ſome thereon: and if of it ſelfe it take not fire, doe you kindle it, and being kindeled, let it burne till ſuch time as the Brimſtone bee all conſumed, ſo that nothing els be burnt but the vpper part and certaine groſſe vnctiouſneſſe of the Saltpeter, the which when it is burned, will leaue the reſt faire and cleare: and then it muſt be taken from the fire letting it coole in the veſſell where you ſhall finde it (after the ſame is colde) all in one peece like a white peece of marble. All the earthy droſſe thereof remaining in the bottome will be good Saltpeter to make gunpowder, but not verie commendable to any other vſe.

Some in ſteede of Brimſtone doe burne the groſſe vnctiouſneſſe of Saltpeter with quicke vnflaming coles of fire, but inſomuch as the refined Saltpeter being ſo burned, looſeth part of his force, as Girolamo Cataneo in his fift booke Dell'arte militare writeth) I will not counſell you to burne the groſſe vnctiouſneſſe of Saltpeter with any Brimſtone, or quicke vnflaming coles of fire.

The 9 Chapter. How you may ſublime and purifie Saltpeter by two ſundry waies.

TAke of Saltpeter refined drie one part, and of the ſcumme or off all of yron one part, ſublime both theſe materiall things as you ſhall hereafter in the tenth chapter of this booke be taught to ſublime Brimſtone, and when you mill make gunpowder, or fireworks of ſublimed Saltpeter and Brimſtone, moiſten them well with aqua vita. Alſo you may purifie Saltpeter in this maner: Take for euery pound of Saltpeter a quart of good white wine, and putting them together in a pot ouer a fire, let them ſeeth till one fourth part thereof is ſod away: then taking the pot from the fire, ſuffer the mixture which is nowe Saltpeter well purified to remaine in it till it be drie.

The 10 Chapter. How you may ſublime Brimſtone, Arſenike and ſalt Armoniake.

MElt your Brimſtone ouer a ſloe fire in a copper or cleane earthen veſſell, and with a cleane ladle take away all the ſcumme or thinne skinne which will lie vppon the toppe of the ſame melted Brimſtone. That done, ſtraine the Brimſtone remaining in the veſſell into an other cleane pot thorow a thicke peece of canuaſſe, or thorow a thicke ſtrainer, and keepe this ſtrained Brimſtone which hath been thus ſublimed and purified for to ſerue in fine gunpowder, and fireworkes.

The thinne skinne or ſcumme which ſhall bee ſo taken away from melted Brimſtone with a ladle, is the greaſe that Was in the melted Brimſtone, and that which remaineth in the canuaſſe after the Brimſtone is ſtrained, is the refuſe and earth of the Brimſtone. Arſenike and ſalt Armoniake are ſublimed and purified in the ſame maner as Brimſtone is ſublimed.

The 11 Chapter. How you may make Coles for gunpowder by foure ſundrie wayes.

TO make Coles for gunpowder, fixe vppon the grounde fiue or ſixe woodden ſtaues of foure or fiue feete in heigth in the fourme of a round pyramis or taper circle which at the great and loeſt end muſt be one foote and a half or there about in wideneſſe. Binde round about the outſides of theſe ſtaues in three or foure ſeuerall places bondes of toe, and then hauing in a readineſſe a conuenient number of ſmall, ſhorte, clouen, and drie ſtickes of young willoe bowes without any barke or rines, pyle within the ſaid ſtaues vp to their toppes the ſaid ſtickes, which muſt be ſet vpright vppon their endes, and then couer the ſaid pyle of ſtickes and the ſtaues on the outſide all ouer with wette ſtrawe, and lay moiſt earth, durt, or clay three or foure ynches thicke hard preſſed downe all ouer the ſtraw: This done, winde round about in 4 or 5 places vppon the couer of clay good bigge bonds of toe, & make a ſmall hole in the verie top & midle part of the ſaid pyle of ſtickes, & thorow that hole put fire to the ſaid pyle. After you ſhall vppon good aduiſement thinke that the fire is kindeled in the pyle, & that it hath burnt well downwards halfe the way into the pyle, ſtoppe vp the ſaid hole in the toppe, and with a round ſticke ſo bigge as a mans finger, make diuers other holes as the fire ſhall burne downewards thorow the ſaid couers of moyſt clay,Note. and wette ſtrawe, round about the aforeſaide pyle for ſmoke to paſſe out at. When you ſhal ſee that no ſmoke doth come out at any of the holes, then the coles are burned enough, and now to the end that they may not conſume to aſhes, you muſt cloſe, and ſtoppe vp all the ſaid holes, and beware to meddle any more with the ſaide pyle till all the Coles in the ſame are colde, which will be within one day or two after the Coles haue been burned enough.

The ſecond way to make Coles for gunpowder.Alſo you may make Coles for gunpowder in this maner. Builde with Stone and Lime a round furnace like a round well, and in the bottome of this furnace leaue an open place or hole thorowe the wall two ynches ſquare, and ſet fiue or ſix ſtaues of wood in the midſt of the furnace vpright vpon their endes in the fourme of a rounde pyramis or taper circle, and within thoſe ſtaues, pyle vp to their toppes ſmall, ſhort, clouen, & drie ſtickes of wood without any barke or rines, and hauing ſet the ſaid ſtickes in that pyle vpright vpon their endes, couer the toppe of the ſayd furnace all ouer with clay, or durt, leauing in the vppermoſt part thereof a hole ſo bigge as a mans great finger for ſmoke to paſſe out at: and thorowe the ſaide hole in the bottome of the furnace put fire to the ſaid ſtickes. When the fire hath well burned vpwardes to the middeſt of the pyle within the furnace, ſtoppe vp the ſaid hole in the bottome of the furnace with a fitte ſtone well luted ſo as no ſmoke may come out at that lo rmoſt hole.Note. This done, the ſaid vppermoſt hole muſt alſo be ſtopped vp when you ſhall ſee that no ſmoke commeth out of the ſame hole, for the Coles in theſaid pyle being then burned enough, if any one of the ſaide holes ſhould afterwards be left open, all the Coles in the ſaid pyle would burne to aſhes. Finallie, after the ſaid holes haue been cloſed vp in this maner for the ſpace of two dayes and two nights, you may vncouer the toppe of the ſayde Furnace, and (the heate of the fire that was in the Coles being gone) pull away the ſtone below, and at your pleaſure take all the Coles out of the Furnace.

To make a ſmall quantitie of Coles for fine gunpowder,The third way to make coles for gunpowder. take young Haſell wood of a yeere olde without any barke or rines, and hauing cut them in ſhort peeces, put the ſame peeces into a great earthen pot, or into a veſſell of yron, or braſſe: and that pot or veſſell being cloſe ſhut and couered, lay lute or clay very well about the pot or veſſell, ſo that it may not breath: then make fire rounde about the pot or veſſell, and alſo vppon it, til ſuch time as you ſhall vppon good aduiſement thinke that the heate is well entred in through all partes of the veſſell, and that the ſtickes within are well kindeled, and only through ſuch heate without firebrandes or flame burned. After this the Coles within the pot or veſſell being burned enough, take the fire from the pot or veſſell, & ſuffer the Coles within the ſaid pot or veſſell to coole before you take them out.

Alſo you may make in haſt a ſmall quantitie of Coles for gunpowder in this maner;The 4 way to make coles for gunpowder. Take ſo many drie Haſell ſtickes cut in ſhort peeces without any barke, or rynes, as will be ſufficient to ſerue your purpoſe, and laying them cloſe togeather on a heape ſet them a fire, and after you haue well burned them, ſprinkle water vppon them with a broome till you haue quenched their fire, and in ſo doing ſcatter the Coles heere and there, that they being ſo with water throughly quenched may drie well againe.

The 12 Chapter. How you may make a mixture of Brimſtone and quickeſiluer for gunpowder: and how Brimſtone which ſhall ſerue for gunpowder ought alwaies to be very drie, and without any fat.

MElt, ſcumme, and ſtraine your Brimſtone as before in the tenth Chapter of this booke you haue been taught: After this melt againe the ſame Brimſtone, and then taking it from the fire put thereunto ſo much quickſiluer as you will, ſtirring them together with a ſticke vntill they are incorporated. When you doe put quicke ſiluer into the melted Brimſtone, hold your face ſo farre as you may from it,An admonition. becauſe if any quickſiluer, or Brimſtone ſhould leape vp out of the pot, & hit your face, it would doe you much hurt. Alſo you muſt vnderſtand that the Brimſtone which ſhal ſerue for gunpowder ought alwayes to be very drie, for that the fatte of Brimſtone doth make dregges in gunpowder, and is offenſiue to the Saltpeeter that is in any ſort of gunpowder.

The 13 Chapter. How the makers of gunpowder doe mingle togeather the ſimples and materiall thinges of which they doe make gunpowder: and how gunpowder muſt be kept in drie veſſels of wood, and laide in high roomes of houſes: and how an emptie caske of wood ought to waie 12 poundes: and euery caske filled full of gunpowder ought to waie one hundred waight of Auer de poize waight: and how euery laſt of gunpowder ought to waye 24 hundred waight of the ſaid Auer de poize waight.

SOme vſe to waie euery of the ſimples and materiall things whereof gunpowder is made by it ſelfe, and afterwardes they do mingle, & beate all the ſame things togeather. Others hauing beaten and ſearſed euery ſimple wherof gunpowder is made by it ſelfe, doe mingle the ſame togeather. But the beſt & moſt readieſt way is to put all the Saltpeeter which you will occupie into a Cauldron that muſt haue ſo much water in it as will (when the ſame is made hot with fire) ſuffice to diſſolue the ſaid ſaltpeter, which being ſo diſſolued ought to be waſhed, and laid when it is waſht vppon a cleane and firme place or peece of grounde. This done, beate the quantitie of Cole (which is to bee added vnto the mixture) into very fine powder, and putting the ſame powder vnto the diſſolued Saltpeeter, ſtirre and incorporate them well togeather, and as you doe ſtirre and turne togeather with a ſtaffe the Saltpeeter and Cole, you muſt caſt vppon them a due quantitie of Brimſtone finely beaten, and well ſearſed and continue in ſtirring of them togeather till the ſayd Saltpeeter, Coles, and Brimſtone ſhall be well mingled. After this lay foorth that mixture to drie a little, and when the ſame mixture ſomewhat dried by beating the Cole till it bee ſubtile and inpalpable is made a very fine incorporate ſubſtance, ſift it well thorow a S eue, or rather a ſearſe: then caſting water and vineger vppon it, corne the gunpowder, and when you haue ſo done, drie it well againe, or after it is drie, put all the ſame gunpowder into cleane and drie veſſels of wood, which ought to be laid in high roomes of houſes where little comming is for other reaſons than that it may lie there drie. And forſomuch as in England we do vſe to put our gunpowder into woodden veſſelles called Caskes,16 ounces doe make 1 pound of Auer de poize waight and 112 poūds doe make one hūdred waight of the ſame Auer de poize waight. note well that an emptie Caske of wood ought to waie twelue poundes, and that euery ſuch Caske filled full of gunpowder ought to waie one hundred waight of auer de poize waight. Alſo note that 24 ſuch Caskes of gunpowder are named a Laſt of gunpowder, and that euery Laſt of gunpouder ought to waie 24 hundred waight of the ſaid auer de poize waight.

The 14 Chapter. How you may grinde or beate gunpowder by ſixe ſundrie waies: how gunpowder ought not to be beaten drie: and how you may know whether or no gunpowder is well beaten, or enough grounde.

MAny men doe grinde gunpowder in ſuch milles as doe ſerue to grinde crabbes to make vergys, & appels to make ſider. And ſome ſtamp the powder in a ſtone morter large in the mouth with a woodden peſtell like vnto a hammer or maule. And ſome cauſe the powder to be ſtamped in morters with a water mill or a horſe mill, which way is the beſt of all other and moſt ſureſt: for the powder is thereby more finely beaten, and with leſſe labour. Some which haue not the commoditie of water make a great wheele after ſuch ſort that the cogges thereof ſhall raiſe vppe many heauie peſtels, which in falling downe doe beate the powder lying within diuers morters of wood made in a beame of Oke: Among which there bee ſome that haue their bottomes of braſſe. Some ſtampe gunpowder with peſtels which they holde in their handes, and tie to the ende of a poole with a corde right ouer a morter of wood, or braſſe, and ſo they beate with leſſe paine. And ſome grinde gunpowder with handmilles as they vſe to grinde corne, which is a painefull and dangerous way,You ſhall kindle fire by rubbing two Bay ſtickes togeather with violence. An admonition. becauſe ſuch a compoſition ground togeather with ſtones will ſoone catch heate, and bee a fiar, euen as by rubbing together with violence a couple of Bay ſtickes, you ſhall ſtraight way kindle fire. Wherefore in grinding and beating gunpowder after this laſt way, or any other way, it behooueth all men to take heede that they doe not grinde or beate the ſame drie, but wet with water to a certaine degree of moiſtneſſe, ſo that taking it vp in one hand it may cling togeather. Some for this purpoſe doe moyſten it with vineger, and ſome with Camphored aqua vitae, and they ſay that the powder will therewith be made more ſtronger. But neither vineger, nor aqua vitae, will be better than water to make gunpowder forceable and ſtrong, becauſe they vaporing away, little of their ſubſtance can remaine.

Note.By drawing gunpowder with your finger, and in like maner by breaking or cutting with a knife a part thereof you may know whether or no it is well and enough grounde or beaten. For if in the ſaid broken part you ſhall ſee all blacke within, and no Saltpeeter, or Brimſtone in the ſame, then vndoubtedly that ſort of gunpowder is well and enough beaten. And contrariwiſe, if you ſhal perceiue any Saltpeeter or Brimſtone within that broken or cut part, then it is certaine that the ſame ſort of gunpowder is not beaten enough.

The 15 Chapter. How you may corne gunpowder.

FIrſt prepare a Seeue with a bottome of thicke parchment made full of round holes, and then moyſtening the Gunpowder which ſhall be corned with water, put the ſame, and alſo a little bowle, into that Seeue, and when you haue ſo done, ſift the powder ſo as the ſaid bowle rolling vp and downe in the Seeue, may breake the cloddes of powder, and make the ſame powder by running through the holes of the Seeue to corne.

The 16 Chapter. How you may make diuers ſorts of gunpowder: and how you may make gunpowder of diuers colours: and how you may abate the force of gunpowder: and how for want of aqua vitae and vineger to moiſten gunpowder, you may vſe the water of Saltpeeter, or if you will the vrine of a man: & how Mute gunpowder is of little force.
To make groſſe gunpowder for great Ordinance.

1 Take of Saltpeeter. 4 partes. Fine Brimſtone 1 part. Cole of Willoe, Haſell or ſome other ſoft wood. 1 part. out of euery pounde waight that is in the ſame part of Brimſtone, take away one ounce of Brimſtone, and then hauing beaten, and ſifted thorow a Searſe euery of the ſaid materials, or ſimples by it ſelfe, you ſhall moyſten them with very ſtrong white Vineger, and incorporate them togeather, for through that moyſtneſſe the powder will be made more ſtronger, and beaten more finer:An admonition. yet take heede that you doe not ſtampe this powder ſo much as you ſhall be willed to ſtampe the two ſortes of gunpowder next following for handegunnes, becauſe it may thereby be made too ſtrong, and able to breake any great Peece of Artillerie that ſhall be charged with an ordinary charge thereof.

You may know whether or no this mixture is enough beaten by breaking or cutting a part thereof, for after you haue broken or cut a little part or peece of the powder, if you ſhall perceaue that the Brimſtone is finely beaten, and that no Saltpeeter can bee ſeene within the ſame broken peece, then you may know that this mixture of gunpowder is enough beaten.

After this mixture hath been ſo beaten, ſift it thorow a Seeue or ſearſe to make it to corne, and all that part thereof which will not paſſe thorow a Seeue or ſearſe beate againe in a morter, and by ſuch meanes make it to paſſe thorow the Seeue or ſearſe that it may alſo be corne gunpowder, which being dried will (as I haue tolde you before) be beſt kept in cloſe and drie veſſelles of wood.

To make fine gunpowder for Handgunnes.

2 Take of Saltpeeter fiue partes, of Coles made of young Haſell twigges or of the wood of a young Willoe tree one part, of Brimſtone one part lacking one ounce in euery pounde waight that is in the ſame part of Brimſtone:672 partes of this ſort of gunpowder are equall in force to 720 parts of that ſort of gunpowder which is before marked with the figure of 1. beate during the ſpace of ſixe houres euery of the ſaid ſimples and materiall thinges by it ſelfe into fine powder, and ſift each of thoſe powders by it ſelfe twiſe or thriſe thorow a fine Seeue or ſearſe, and then incorporate them togeather. Moreouer hauing moyſtened the ſame mixture with ſtrong vineger, you ought to beate it well againe, and in ſo doing to remember that the mixture is beaten enough when by cutting or breaking a peece thereof you ſhall ſee it all blacke within and no Saltpeter or Brimſtone within the ſame. After the ſaid mixture hath been enough beaten, fift it againe thorow a fine Seeue, and corne it that when it is drie, the ſame may be kept in veſſels of wood for to charge Handgunes.

To make more finer gunpowder for Handgunnes.

3 Take of Saltpeeter ſixe partes, of Cole made of the twigges or bowes of a Nut tree of one yeeres groth one parte, of Brimſtone one part lacking one ounce in euery pounde waight that is in the ſame part of Brimſtone:640 partes of this ſort of gunpowder are equall in force to 672 parts of that ſort of gunpowder which is before marked with the figure of 2. beate euery of the ſaid ſimples and materiall thinges by it ſelfe into very fine powder, and ſift each of thoſe powders by it ſelfe three times at the leaſt thorow a ſearſe or fine Seeue, and remember alwaies to beate againe that powder which remaining in the ſearſe or fine Seeue, can not paſſe thorow the ſame, to this end that euery part thereof may be ſifted thorow the ſearſe or fine Seeue. When you haue in this maner ſifted all theſe powders thorow the ſearſe or fine Seeue, mingle them togeather, and ſift them againe altogeather thorow that ſearſe or Seeue. This done, moyſten the ſame mixture with ſtrong vineger, or Saltpeeter water, and beate it in a morter of braſſe vntill you may (as before hath been declared) ſee it all blacke within and no Saltpeeter, or Brimſtone in the ſame. Moreouer after this mixture hath been beaten enough, prepare a fine Seeue, and place the ſame right ouer a courſe ſearſe ſo as the part of this mixture which paſſeth thorow the Seeue and lieth vppon the ſearſe may thereby be made corne powder, and ſo as the other part which ſhall paſſe thorow the courſe ſearſe being afterwardes ſifted againe thorow a more finer ſearſe may be very fine and ſubtill powder.

If any part of this ſubtile powder which hath been ſo ſifted thorow the courſe ſearſe will not paſſe thorow the finer ſearſe, then muſt the ſame part and alſo the other powder which could not bee ſifted thorow the Seeue be beaten againe in a braſen morter, ſo as all the ſame powder may be in like maner ſifted thorow the ſaid fine ſearſe, and being corned, and well dried, may with the reſt of this ſort of gunpowder be kept in cloſe and dry veſſels of wood.

To make fine corne powder for Handgunnes of that ſort of groſſe gunpowder wihch before in the beginning of this Chapter is marked with the figure 1.

4 Take what quantitie you will of the ſame groſſe gunpowder which before in the beginning of this chapter is marked with the figure of 1. And hauing moiſtened the ſame ſort of gunpowder with Saltpeeter water, or with ſtrong vineger, or with faire water: beate it well in a morter, and ſift it thorow a fine Seeue or ſearſe. With euery pound of gunpowder mingle one ounce of Saltpeeter that hath been refined drie, well beaten, and ſifted thorow a fine ſearſe. And when you haue ſo done, beate and moyſten this mixture againe vntill you ſhal ſee by breaking or cutting it with a knife that the ſame mixture is all black within, and that there is no ſigne of Saltpeeter, or Brimſtone within the ſame mixture. Moreouer, corne the ſaid gunpowder thorow a fine Seeue as before in the precedent chapter of this booke I haue taught you to do. After you haue dried this corne gunpowder, & taken away from it the fine and ſubtile powder, you may ſhoote this corned gunpowder in harchibuſes and other handgunnes: Although in very deed it is not ſo ſtrong in effect as is that ſort of fine gunpowder which before in this chapter I haue marked with the figure of 2, by reaſon the Brimſtone and the Cole in that ſort of fine gunpowder are finely beaten, and that the Brimſtone and Cole in this ſort of gunpowder is groſly pounded.

To make an other ſort of fine corne powder.

5 Take of Saltpeeter refined drie ſixe parts, of Brimſtone mingled with a little quickſiluer that hath line in aqua vitae one part: when you haue mingled them wel together & ſifted them thorow a fine Seeue or ſearſe put thereunto of Coles made of an old Walnutte tree beatē into fine powder, & ſifted in like maner thorow a fine Seeue or ſearſe one part, & for euery nine pounds in waight of Saltpeeter put into this mixture ½ ounce of Campher, and then moyſtening the ſame things with aqua vitae or with ſtrong vineger: beate them well and corne their powder.

The Coles for this compoſition after they haue been burned, and made in a pot couered al ouer with lute or clay (as I haue taught you in the 11 chapter of this booke, & in the 3 way to make coles for gūpowder) ought to be wel wet with aqua vitae while they are warme and after they are drie againe, to be beaten as aforeſaid into fine gunpowder.

To make an other ſort of fine come gunpowder.

6 Take of Saltpeeter ſixe parts, of Brimſtone one part, of Campher ½ part, beate, ſift and incorporate all theſe things together as before you haue been taught to beat, ſift & incorporate other like materiall things, & after you haue ſo done, beate well this mixture againe, and hauing moyſtened it with aqua vitae or with ſtrong white vineger, corne the powder.

If you ſhall want at any time aqua vitae and Vineger to moiſten the powder which you will make, you may in ſteade of aqua vitae and vineger vſe the water of Saltpeeter, or if you will the vrine of a man.

To make gunpowder which will take fire and burne in a moiſt place and in wet weather.

7 Take of ſaltpeeter refined drie fiue parts, of Coles made of a Filbert or Nut tree one part, of nwe vnſlaked Lime one part, of Campher ½ part: beate and ſift thorow a fine ſeeue euerie materiall thing that is aboue rehearſed for this compoſition by it ſelfe, and that done, incorporate them together. This ſort of gunpowder ſo made and very well beaten will take fire, and burne in any moyſt place, and in wet and rainie weather.

To make gunpowder which by long keeping ſhall not decay in qualitie, nor conſume in quantitie.

8 Take what quantitie you will of gunpowder, and after it hath been well beaten, well moiſtened with aqua vitae, and well mingled, make thereof round baules or pellettes: and when you haue ſo done, dry them in the Sunne, or in a hotte place, and put them into a nealed veſſell, for (as Girolamo Cataneo writeth) they (I meane the ſaid pellets of gunpowder ſo kept) will neuer decay in qualitie, nor conſume in quantitie.

To make an other ſort of corne gunpowder.

9 Take of Saltpeeter twelue parts, of Coles made of the wood or tree called Tilia, or of Iuniper three partes, of Brimſtone two partes, and ¼ of a part: pound all theſe things well, and mingle them togeather, and then moyſtening this mixture, corne the ſame thorow a fine Seeue or ſearſe.

To make white gunpowder,

10 Take of Saltpeeter refined drie 6. parts, of Brimſtone ſublimed or purged one part, of powder of a firre tree well dried in an hot ouen one part, ſift all theſe materiall things thorow a fine Seeue, moyſten them with aqua vitae, beate them well in a morter with a cleane peſtell, and then incorporate them togeather.

To make redde gunpowder.

11 Take of ſaltpeeter refined dry ſixe parts, of Brimſtone ſublimed or purged one part, of Amber ½ part, of redde ſaunders one part: ſift all theſe thinges thorow a fine Seeue or ſearſe, moyſten them with aqua vitae beate them well in a morter with a cleane peſtell, and incorporate them togeather.

To make gunpowder of an azure colour.

12 Take of Saltpeeter refined drie ſixe parts, of Brimſtone ſublimed or purged one part, of Spike or Lauender dried in a hot ouen ½ part: beate and ſift euery materiall thing in this compoſition by it ſelfe, and incorporate them togeather as you haue been taught to incorporate the other ſortes of gunpowder.

To make a ſtrong kinde of gunpowder and to abate the ſtrength of any kinde of gunpowder.

13 Take of good gunpowder twelue partes, of quickſiluer one part, of the marchaſite ſtone one part, of the hearbe Colophonia one partpound al theſe things wel, & then mingle them togeather for to vſe. This kinde of gunpowder is of ſo great force as that it wil cauſe any peece of Artillerie full charged therewith to breake in peeces with a great noyſe, & therby put them in danger of their liues that ſhalbe then neare vnto the ſame peece. But whoſoeuer doth put into this kinde of gunpowder 24 parts of burned paper, or ſo much of hay ſeede very well pounded, and mingle well the ſame burned paper or hay ſeed with the ſaid gunpowder, ſhall ſo abate the force of that powder, as that it will not make ſo vehement a flame, nor giue ſo great a bloc as otherwiſe it would haue done. with this kinde of gunpowder the ingenious Gunner may doe wonderfull experiments.

To make an other kinde of gunpowder.

14 If you mingle three poundes of good gunpowder, and one pound of Brimſtone, and Greeke pitch togeather, you ſhall make a kinde of gunpowder which will bee a fire quickly, and burne very vehemently.

A cenſure of Mute gunpowder.

15 Mute gunpowder was firſt inuented (as Braſauolus ſaith) by a Duke of Ferrara and inſomuch as it will make no noyſe when it ſhall be ſhot out of a peece, the ſaide powder is named Mute gunpowder: and ſome men fearing it more than any other ſort of gunpowder, doe iudge the ſame powder an vnlawfull thing to bee vſed. But knowing by the reaſons alleaged in the firſt booke and 22 Colloquie of Nicholas Tartaglia his Colloquies, that it is an impoſsible thing for gunpowder of any force to make no noiſe when it ſhalbe ſhot out of a peece: Alſo conſidering that diuers Authours, namely Hieronymus Cardanus, and Ioan: Iacobus Weckerus doe affirme in their bookes that Mute powder is alwaies of ſo litle force as that it will ſhoote a pellet ſcarſe twelue paces from the mouth of his peece, I eſteeme that feare of Mute powder as a vaine conceite, and doe verily beleue vnder reformation that Mute gunpowder which (as before you haue heard) is weake in force, and not much hurtful in effects, may among all men of vnderſtanding be more tollerable then any other ſort of gunpowder.

The 17 Chapter. To renue and make good againe any ſort of gunpowder that hath loſt his ſtrength or vertue by moiſture long lying, or by any other meanes.

WHen you haue dried all the gunpowder which ſhall be renued, put ſo much thereof as you will into a canuaſſe ſachell or linnen bagge, and then tying a corde very hard about the mouth of the bagge, thruſt the ſame into a cleane Cauldron, and powre ſo much water into the Cauldron as will couer the bagge: this done, make the water to boile in the Cauldron till a droppe of it laid vppon yron or ſtone will congeale, and while the water boyleth, remember to ſcumme it as neede ſhall require. After this remoue the Cauldron from the fire, and ſetting it a ſlope let that bagge drop into the Cauldron, and when you ſhall ſee that the water in the Cauldron is cleare, poure it out by little and litle into an other veſſell, ſo as no lies, or dregges may runne out with the water into the ſame veſſell, becauſe the water muſt there congeale. After the water is congealed take the Saltpeeter out of the veſſell, and as you did before boyle and ſcumme the water which ſhall then remaine in the ſaid veſſell till a droppe of it laid vpon yron or ſtone will congeale. Alſo doe vnto it all that you did before vnto the congealed water, and let it not greeue you to worke thus ſo long as any ſaltpeter may by this meanes bee founde in the vncongealed water.

The ſaltpeeter and Brimſton which were within the ſaid bagge did diſſolue and ſoke into the boyling water, yea the diſſolued ſaltpeter turned into water, & the diſſolued brimſtone ſunke downe to the bottome of the water where you may finde it: But the coles which were mingled with the ſaid diſſolued ſaltpeter and brimſtone remaine ſtill within the bagge among the lies and dregges of the decayed gunpowder: therefore when you haue gathered together by the meanes aboue rehearſed all the ſaltpeter that was in the ſayd boyling water, and haue well dried the ſaid ſaltpeter, brimſtone, and coles, poiſe euery of them by it ſelfe, and then ſeeing how much the part of ſaltpeeter ſo gathered doth want of the quantitie which it ſhould haue for the ſayd parts of cole, and brimſtone, adde thereunto the portion of ſaltpeeter which wanteth: That done, beate, mingle, and incorporate them together as you haue bene taught to beat, mingle, and make nwe gunpowder.

The 18 Chapter. How you may by taſte, feeling, colour, and burning, know good and il gunpowder: and how among many ſortes of gunpowder, you may know the beſt ſorte of gunpowder.

GVnpowder that hath ſo mylde a taſte as that you ſhall ſcant feele it on your tongue, is of good receite and well wrought.

By how much gunpowder is in feeling more harder, by ſo much it is more better.

Gunpowder of a fayre azure or french ruſſet colour is very good, and it may be iudged to haue all his receites well wrought, and ſufficient of the maſter well refined.

Lay 3. or 4. cornes of gunpowder vppon a white peece of paper, the one three fingers diſtant from the other, and put fire to one of them: Now if the gunpowder be good and ſtrong you ſhall ſee them all at one time a fire, and that there will remayne no refuſe or groſeneſſe of brimſton, or of ſaltpeeter, nor any other thing except a white ſmokie colour in the place where they were burned, neither will the paper be burnt or defiled therewith.

If good gunpowder be layde vppon the palme of your hande, and ſet on a fire, it will not burne your hande.

Gunpowder that hath a very ſharpe taſte, hath abundance of the maſter not wel refined, and will geue againe.

If white knottes, or knottes of a french ruſſet colour, ſhall remayne after gunpowder is ſet on a fire, it is a ſigne that the ſaltpeeter in that ſorte of gunpowder was not wel refined, but lefte full of ſalte, and greaſe, eſpecially when the ſame knottes ſhall hiſſe in burning, be dankiſh, and leaue moyſture in the place where the gunpowder was burned.

If harde, dry, and white knottes, or pearles, ſhall remayne after gunpowder is ſet on a fire, it is a ſigne that this ſorte of gunpowder was not well wrought:An admonition. And it behooueth euery Gunner to beware of ſuch gunpowder, becauſe if it doe lie long dry in a peece, it will waxe ſo fine with long and dry lying, that if you take it not out of the peece, it will in his diſcharge with fire put the ſame peece in danger of breaking.

If ſmall black knottes (which will burne downwards in the place where proofe is made) ſhall remayne after gunpowder is ſet on a fire, they doe ſhewe that the ſame ſorte of gunpowder hath not enough of the maiſter, and that it is of little force or ſtrength and ſlowe in fiering.

If a little heape of gunpowder ſet in a fire doth make a noyſe, riſe vp with great ſpeede, and yeelde little ſmoke, it is a ſigne that the ſaltpeeter in that heape of gunpowder was well refined, and well wrought, and that the materials in the ſayde heape were well incorporated.

If the flame of fiered gunpowder ſhall riſe vp ſlowly, continue long, make little noyſe, & yeelde much ſmoke, it is a ſigne that the ſame gunpowder had in it much cole & brimſton, and a little quantitie of ſaltpeeter.

If gunpowder burned vppon a boorde ſhall black the ſame boorde, it is a ſigne that too much cole was in the ſame gunpowder.

When gunpowder is moyſte, or full of the earth of ſaltpeeter, it is naught for to be ſhot out of great ordinance, becauſe it putteth him in perill which ſhooteth with the ſame, & in time of neede, ſhaming the Gunner which doth occupie it, ſerueth to no effect.

If gunpowder be very black, it is a ſigne that it was made with very much cole, or that it is moyſte, and when you rubbe it vppon a peece of white paper, it will black the ſame paper more than it ſhould doe.

Among many ſortes of gunpowder to know which ſorte is beſt, make a little heape of euery ſorte of gunpowder, and then ſetting thoſe heapes one from another, marke well when you put fire vnto them which of the heapes did ſooneſt take fire: For that ſorte of gunpowder which will ſooneſt be a fire, make leaſt ſmoke, & leaue leaſt refuſe, is the beſt gunpowder.

The 19 Chapter. To make diuers ſortes of gunmatches, and other matches, which will ſerue to diſcharge great & ſmall peeces of artillerie, and geue fire to trunkes, pykes, mines, dartes, arrowes, & all other firewoorkes.

Make ſmall ropes or cordes of bumbas, or of cotton wooll, put the ſame into an earthen pot or pan which muſt haue in it ſo much ſtrong vineger or rather aqua vitae, brimſtone, and ſaltpeeter, or in ſteade of ſaltpeeter, groſſe gunpowder, mingled together, as will couer the ſame ropes, and ſeeth all thoſe things together in the ſame pot ouer a fire vntill the aqua vitae, brimſtone, and ſaltpeeter, or groſſe gunpowder ſhall waxe thicke and incorporate, and then pull the ſame ropes well ſoked in that compoſition one after another out of the pot, and hang one of them from another vppon a pole to dry in the ſunne, ſo as when they are thorow dry you may winde or role them vp for gunmatches to geue fire vnto great & ſmal peeces of artillerie, mynes, trunkes, pikes, dartes, arrowes, pottes, hollow pellettes, and all other firewoorkes.

An other way to make Gunmatches.

Take cordes made of hempe that is not very fine, or of toe which is better, although it will ſooner conſume, and let euery corde be ſo big as a mans great finger. Alſo chooſe ſuch cords for this purpoſe as are nor much wreathed, this done boyle the ſame cords in ſtrong lie, aſhes, and a little of ſaltpeeter til all the lie ſhal be conſumed.

An other way to make Gunmatches.

Take cordes made of toe, and beate them with a woodden hammer vppon a quicke ſtone. unmatches hich will •… rne in moyſt •… aces, in wa •… r, vnder ſnoe •… d yce. ou may alſo •… arne to •… ake an vn •… enchable •… nmatch by •… e lxxxviii. hapter of is appendix. atches hich will •… ne & con •… me very •… ickly, and •… rne his •… ote that ſhal •… ade vppon •… em. Alſo take of turpentine, nwe waxe, and common oyle, of each an equall parte, couer and boyle the cordes in the turpentine, waxe, and oyle, till the ſayd liquide compoſition ſhall be conſumed, and then take the cordes out of the veſſel in which they did boyle, and beate them againe a little, and when you haue ſo done, ſuffer them to dry in the ſhadowe. This ſorte of gunmatches will preſerue fire in any moyſte place, and alſo in water and vnder ſnoe and yee.

An other way to make matches, which wil ſerue to geue fire to trunkes, pottes, pikes, darts, arrows, hollow pellettes, and al other ſuch like fireworkes.

Take cordes made of three or fourethreedes of bumbas ſpinned courſely, boyle them in a nwe nealed pot filled full of ſtrong white vineger, till all the vineger ſhalbe conſumed, then take the cordes out of the pot, wring them, and dry them in the ſhadow, or at the fire if you haue haſte to vſe them. You may alſo boyle the ſame cordes in ſaltpeeter water, or in cleere lie and ſaltpeeter, and when you haue ſo done, you muſt wring the moyſture out of them: that done you muſt wet them in aqua vitae, and after wring them againe lightly, & then role them in fine gunpowder, and ſuffer them to lie in fine gunpowder till they are dry.

A match thus made doth burne and conſume very quickly, becauſe it hath beene wet in aqua vitae, wherefore you muſt not wet your match in aqua vitae if you wil not haue it to burne and conſume very quickly. Alſo one of theſe matches after it hath beene thrice boyled in ſaltpeeter water, or in cleere lie and ſaltpeeter, thrice wet in aqua vitae, and thrice roled in fine gunpowder, will burne your foote if you ſhall happen to treade vppon it.

The 20. Chapter. To make touchwood and tinder for a Gunners Tinder boxe.

TAke thoſe great things which are called olde Todeſtooles growing at the bottomes of nuttrees, beechtrees, okes, and ſuch other like trees, drye them with the ſmoke of fire, & then cut them into ſo many peeces as you will, and hauing well beaten them, boyle thē in ſtronglie with waule floure, or ſaltpeeter, till all the lie ſhal be conſumed. After this laying them in a heape vppon a boorde, drie them in an ouen which muſt not be made verie hotte, and after you haue ſo done, beate them well with a woodden mallet, and when you ſhall haue cauſe to vſe any parte of thoſe To deſtooles (now by the meanes aboue declared made touchwood) rubbe well that parte betweene your handes for to make it ſofte, and apte to take fire. But when you will make tinder for a Gunners tinder boxe, take peeces of fuſtian, or of olde and fine linnen clothe, make them to burne and flame in a fire,& ſuddenly before the flame which is in thē doth die, choke their fire, & keepe their tinder ſo made in a boxe lined within with clothe, to the ende it may not be moyſte at any time.

The 21 Chapter. To make a ſtone which being wette with water, or ſpittle, will flame and be a fire, and ſerue to light candles, and gunmatches, in ſuch places where by reaſon of rayne, or other moyſture, you can not light candles, or matches by any other meanes.

PVt a loadeſtone into a pot, or other like veſſel, then fill the ſame pot or veſſell with Colophonia and vnquenched or vnſlaked lime, ſo as the ſayde ſtone may lie buryed in the ſame Colophonia and lime. After this ſet the ſayd pot cloſe ſtopped with potters clay, or with that kinde of clay which is called Lutum ſapientiae, in a hotte furnace, vntil it be throughlie baked, and then hauing taken the ſayde pot out of the furnace, put the ſayde loadeſtone, Colophonia, and vnſlaked lime in an other pot, and ſet this pot likewiſe ſtopped with the ſayd potters clay, or with the clay named Lutum ſapientiae, in a hotte furnace, and doe this ſo many times togeather one after an other, till the ſayd ſtony mixture ſhall be made very white, and be dry burned, for then the ſayde ſtone is perfect, and being wette with water or ſpittle wil flame and be a fire: This ſtone being agayne quenched, muſt be kept in a hotte or warme place, and it is a needefull thing for many purpoſes though in this place I doe teach you to make the ſame for no other cauſe than to light your candles, and gunmatches, and to kindle fire in ſuch places where by reaſon of rayne, or other moyſture you cannot light, nor kindle ſuch things by any other meanes.

2 An other way to make a like ſtone, which being well wette with water or ſpittle, will flame and be a fire.

Take of quicke brimſton and of ſaltpeeter refined, of each a like quantitie, of camphire, double ſo much as you tooke of brimſtone or ſaltpeeter, whereunto adde nwe lime made of the ſtone before mentioned in the firſt way of this Chapter: Beate all theſe thinges togeather in a morter vnto ſo fine powder as you may poſsiblie doe. Then the ſayd powder being ſtraightly wrapped and bound harde together in a linnen clothe, muſt be put into an earthen veſſel cloſely ſtopped with potters clay, or with clay named Lutum ſapientiae, after the ſame ſhalbe well dryed with the heate of the ſunne, ſet the ſayde veſſell in a potters furnace for ſo long time as his pottes are baking and when the pottes are baked (wherein you muſt be very circumſpect) take your ſayde veſſel out of the furnace, and vſe the ſtone which you ſhall finde in the veſſell made of the ſayde powder, as you haue before beene taught to vſe the ſtone mentioned in the firſt way of this Chapter.

3 An other way to make a like ſtone, which being wette with water or ſpittle, will flame & bee a fire.

Take of the ſtone which you haue learned to make in the firſt way of this Chapter, one pound, of ſaltpeeter oftentimes refined fowre poundes, of camphire, quicke brimſtone which hath neuer beene ſet ouer a fire oyle of turpentine, and tartar, of each of theſe a like quantitie: Beate all theſe things togeather in a morter, vntil you haue made thereof a fine powder: Then ſifte the ſame powder thorow a very fine ſeeue or ſearſe. If any parte of that powder ſhall be ſo groſſe beaten, as that it wil not goe thorowe, but remayne in the ſeeue or ſearſe, you muſt put againe that remaynder into the morter, and hauing beaten it into fine powder, ſifte the ſame thorow the ſayde ſeeue or ſearſe vppon the other powder: After this put all the ſame things into a glaſſe, and powre vppon the ſame mixture ſo much burning water made of ſower wine, as will drowne and couer it: When you haue ſo done, ſtoppe the mouth of the glaſſe with potters clay, or with Lutum ſapientiae, that no ayre may come out of the glaſſe: Then bury the ſayde glaſſe in dung for 2. or 3. monethes ſpace, and at euery 10. dayes ende during that time take the glaſſe out of the dung, and hauing ſhaken well together the ſayde thinges which are in the ſayde glaſſe, bury the ſame glaſſe in freſh dung, that the mixture in the ſame dung may incorporate, waxe thicke like hony, and appeare to be a ſubſtance made of one thing. All this being done, ſet the ſayde glaſſe ouer a hotte fire, vntill all the moyſture within the ſame ſhalbe cleane dryed vp, and the mixture within the glaſſe ſhall be turned into a ſtone. After a ſtone is ſo made of that mixture, breake the ſayde glaſſe, and take the ſayde ſtone out of it, and when you will vſe this ſtone to light your candle, or gunmatch, or to kindle a fire, beate ſome of it into powderwhich being wette with ſpittle, or water, will flame and be a fire. This kinde of ſtone (as Ioan Baptiſta Porta, and Iacobus Weckerus haue written) is to be commended aboue all other ſtones, which being wette with water or ſpittle wil kindle and flame.

4 An other way to make a like ſtone, which being wette with water or ſpittle, will flame and be a fire.

Take quicke lime and ſaltpeeter refined diuers times dry, Tutia Alexandrina vnprepared calaminte ſtone as much of the one as of the other, quick brimſtone, and camphire, of each of thē 2 parts: beate all theſe things into very fine powder, & hauing ſifted this powder thorow a ſeeue or ſearſe, binde it vp hard within a nwe peece of linnen clothe, and put it (I meane the powder ſo bound) into a couple of Goldſmithes croſettes, or melting pots and ſet one of them vppon the other, mouth to mouth, bynding them faſt with wire, and couering them all ouer where neede ſhall require, with Lutum ſapientiae, ſo that it may take no manner of ayre: This done drie them in the ſunne till the powder within the ſayd croſettes ſhall be yeallowe, and then ſet the croſettes in a furnace of bricke, or lime, and leaue them there till the fire in the ſayd furnace ſhall be extinguiſhed, and then taking the ſayde croſettes out of the furnace, you ſhall finde within them a ſtone, which (when you ſhall vſe of it for to light a match, or candle, or to kindle a fire) you muſt wette with water or ſpitle, and put it to your match, or candle: And when you will quench your ſtone agayne, you ſhall blowe it out as you will blowe out a candle.

5 An other way to make a like ſtone which being wette with water or ſpittle, will flame and be a fire.

Take the Loadeſtone that hath vertue to drawe yron to him on the one ſide, and to put it away on the other ſide, put the ſame ſtone into a potte leaded, and put to it 4. poundes of pytch, and one pounde of brimſtone: then lute and lay claye well vppon the potte, & ſetting it in a furnace, geue it a ſmall fire for the ſpace of a day and a night, but augment the fire in the ſeconde day, and in the thirde day more, vntill the ſtone be a fire. After the ſtone is a fire, and hath in ſuch manner burned, you ſhall quench it, and ſuffer it to coole, and keepe it ſafe to vſe, for the ſtone is now prepared, and wetting it with water or ſpittle, you may make it flame, and be a fire, to light your candle or gunmatch.

The 22 Chapter. How you may make a ſtone which being wette with aqua vitae, wil kindle and flame: and how you may make an other ſtone, which being rubbed well with a woollen clothe, will ſuddenly burne.

TAke of drie gumme of a pyne tree, of quick brimſtone, camphere, and calaminte ſtone, of each one dramme, beate all theſe things into powder, & adde vnto that powder of Tutia Alexandrina whole, and vnprepared, two drammes. That done, thruſt all theſe things mingled together into a canuas bagge, which muſt be well and harde bound round about, then fill a potte halfe full with powder of vnſlaked lyme, and lay the bagge and the confection that is in it vppon the ſayde lyme. After you haue ſo done, powre vppon the ſayde bagge vp to the brimmes of the potte more powder of vnquenched lyme, and then ſtopping the mouth of the potte with Lutum ſapientiae, ſo as no ayre may breathe out of it, put the ſayde potte (after the Lutum ſapientiae is thorow drie) into a glaſſe furnace, and ſuffer it to lie there cloſe couered by the ſpace of two dayes and two nights. In fine take the ſayde potte out of the furnace, and breaking it in peeces, keepe the congealed ſtone which you ſhall finde in the potte, to light your gunmatch and candles when neede ſhall require: For this ſtone being wette with a droppe of aqua vitae, will flame and be a fire. But to make a ſtone which being rubbed well with a woollen clothe ſhall ſuddenly burne, take of the Calaminte ſtone, brimſtone, vnſlaked lyme, pytch, ceruſe, of each of theſe three drammes, of camphere one dramme, of aſphaltum three drammes, beate all theſe thinges into powder, and put the ſame powder into a ſtrong potte well ſtopped with lute, and after make afire vnder the potte, encreaſing the ſame by little and little vntill the powder in the potte ſhall be ſo harde as a ſtone, then if you will haue it burne to light your gunmatch or to kindle a fire, rubbe it well with a clothe, and by ſo doing you ſhall make this ſtone to burne ſuddenly. But when you will put out the fire that is in the ſtone, ſpitte vppon it and afterwardes ſet it in a moyſte place, for by ſuch meanes this burning ſtone may be quenched.

The 23. Chapter. How you may know the diameter or heigth of a pellet by the circumference of the ſame pellet: And how by the diameter and waight of one pellet you may finde the diameter of any other pellet that is of a knowen waight and of like ſubſtance: and how a hundred waight of pellettes doth containe 112. poundes: and how a tunne of pellettes doth contayne twenty hundred waight of pellettes.

MVltiplie the circumference of any pellet by 7, deuide the product by 22, and note the quotient for the diameter of the ſame pellet. As for example,In the 9. Colloquie of the ſecond booke of Nich. Tartaglia you may learn by knowing the diameter & waight of one pellet, to know the waight of any other pellet whoſe diameter is knowen. multiplie 44. the circumference of a pellet by 7, and thereof commeth 308, which deuided by 22 will yeelde in the quotient 14 for the diameter of the ſame pellet. But when you will know by the diameter and waight of one pellet, the diameter of an other pellet that is of a knowen waight and of like ſubſtance, waye any one pellet, and meaſure the heigth or diameter of the ſame, then note in ſome booke for your better remembrance the ſayd diameter and waight, for by knowing the diameter & waight of that one onely pellet, you may finde at all times the diameter of any other pellet that is of a knowē waight and of like ſubſtance. And to the ende you may learne to doe the ſame, let it be ſuppoſed that to anſwere this queſtiō, what is the diameter of that yron pellet which wayeth 125. poundes in auer de poize waight? I doe peruſe my memoriall, & finding there that a pellet of yron of fiue ynches & 299/413 of an ynche in diameter doth waye 27 pounds in auer de poyze waight,The quātities compared together are called the termes of the proportion, & in ſome writers the firſt terme namely, that which is compared is called the antecedent whether it be equall, greater, or leſſe than the other: and the ſecond terme namely that whereunto the compariſon is made, is called the conſequent. But in Arithmetike Boetius & other writers call the terme compared dux & the terme to whome the compariſon is made they call Comet. I ſay that as the cubes are in triple proportion to the ſides: ſo are the proportions of the ſides to be founde by ſeeking the cubike rootes of the two termes of the proportion. Wherefore I doe firſt ſet downe the termes of the proportion of the pellettes thus, 125/27, and I doe ſet the cubike roote of 125 which is 5, and the cubike roote of 27 which is 3 in the roome of the two others thus 5/3. Theſe two numbers doe declare the proportion betweene the diameters of the two pellettes, of which one that is the leſſer is knowen to be fiue ynches and 299/4 3 making by reduction 2364/413 therefore I multiplie that fraction 2364/413 by 5, the cubike roote of 125, whereof commeth 11820/413 and this number of 11820/413 I doe deuide by 3 the cubike roote of 27 which geueth 11820/1239 making by reduction 9 ynches and 223/413 of an ynche: Whereuppon I conclude that if 5 ynches & 299/413 of an ynche be the diameter to a pellet of 27 poundes in waight, then 9 ynches and 223/413 of an ynche ſhal be the diameter to the pellet of 125 poundes in waight, and that after this ſorte by the diameter and waight of one pellet, you may finde out the diameter of any other pellette that is of a knowen waight, and of like ſubſtance. But fearing that the vnlearned Gunners (who commonly eſteeme all that for naught woorth which they can not vnderſtand) will iudge it a combrous, paynefull, and needeleſſe labor to ſeeke for the diameters of pellettes by any of the ſayde two wayes, I doe here preſente vnto them two tables, of which one (made by a currant pellet of yron in diameter 4 ynches, and 9 poundes 3 ounces in waight) ſheweth the diameters and waightes of 40 ſundrie yron pellettes, and the other (made by a currant kentiſh ſtone pellet of 3 ynches and 12/13 of an ynche in diameter, and of 2 poundes 15 ounces, and ½ ounce in waight) expreſſeth the diameters and waights of fourty ſundry kentiſh ſtone pellettes, and haue ſet downe for thoſe which are yet vntaught this rule, that a hundred waight of pelletes doth containe 112 poundes in auer de poize waight, and that a tunne of pellettes wayeth 20 hundred waight, I meane auer de poize waight.

depiction of the measuring of the diameter of a pellet

A Table of the Diameters and waights of 40. ſundrie currant pellets of yron. The diameters or heigths of yron pellets. The waights of currant yron pellets according to the olde auer de poyze waight of England. Ynches Parts of an ynche   Hūdred waight Parts of an hundred waight. Pounds Ounces Drammes Scruples Graines Parts of a graine. 1 0   0 0 0 2 2 1 2 ½ 1 ¼   0 0 0 4 3 2 13 41/128 1 ½   0 0 0 7 6 0 0 15/16 1 ¾   0 0 0 12 2 1 8 91/128 2 0   0 0 1 2 3 0 0 0 2 ¼   0 0 1 10 1 0 18 21/128 2 ½   0 0 2 3 7 0 6 9/16 2 ¾   0 0 2 15 6 0 8 71/1 8 3 0   0 0 3 14 0 0 7 ½ 3 ¼   0 0 4 14 6 2 6 97/128 3 ½   0 0 6 2 3 2 9 11/16 3 ¾   0 0 7 9 0 2 19 81/128 4 0   0 0 9 3 0 0 0 0 4 ¼   0 0 11 0 2 1 14 13/128 4 ½   0 0 13 1 2 1 5 5/16 4 ¾   0 0 15 0 4 2 16 127/128 5 0   0 0 17 15 0 2 12 ½ 5 ¼   0 0 20 12 2 2 15 25/128 5 ½   0 0 23 14 1 0 8 7/16 5 ¾   0 0 27 4 5 0 15 75/128 6 0   0 ¼ 3 0 1 0 0 0 6 ¼   0 ¼ 7 0 6 0 5 5/128 6 ½   0 ¼ 11 6 6 0 14 1/16 6 ¾   0 ¼ 16 2 3 0 10 55/128 7 0   0 ¼ 21 3 6 1 17 ½ 7 ¼   0 ¼ 26 11 2 0 18 81/128 7 ½   0 ½ 4 8 7 2 17 3/16 7 ¾   0 ½ 10 13 1 0 16 67/128 8 0   0 ½ 17 8 0 0 0 0 8 ¼   0 ½ 24 9 5 2 10 125/128 8 ½   0 ¾ 4 2 4 1 12 13/16 8 ¾   0 ¾ 12 2 5 2 8 111/128 9 0   0 ¾ 20 10 3 1 2 ½ 9 ½   1 0 1 9 6 2 17 9/128 9 ½   1 0 11 1 2 0 15 15/10 9 ¾   1 0 21 0 7 0 2 59/128 10 0   1 ¼ 3 8 7 0 0 0 10 ¼   1 ¼ 14 9 3 2 11 117/128 10 ½   1 ¼ 26 2 7 1 1 9/10 10 ¾   1 ½ 10 5 3 0 12 39/128
A Table of the Diameters and waights of 40. ſundrie currant pellets of Kentiſh ſtone. The diameters or heigths of Kentiſh ſtone pellets. The waights of currant Kentiſh ſtone pellets according to the olde auer de poyze waight of England. Ynches Parts of an ynche   Parts of an hundred waight. Pounds Ounces Drammes Scruples Graines Partes of a grayne 1 0   0 0 0 6 0 17 82173/152651 1 ¼   0 0 1 4 0 17 95159/170808 1 ½   0 0 2 5 0 14 2288/4913 1   0 0 4 1 2 3 3414264/4244832 2 0   0 0 6 2 1 0 42 60/44217 2 ¼   0 0 8 7 2 1 6323/19652 2 ½   0 0 12 2 1 0 13450/44217 2 ¾   0 1 0 2 2 13 53921/176868 3 0   0 1 5 1 2 15 96255/132651 3 ¼   0 1 11 0 0 2 2055108/2122410 3 ½   0 2 1 5 2 10 230640/530604 3 ¾   0 2 9 3 2 13 558846/1061208 4 0   0 3 2 2 2 7 28561/44217 4 ¼   0 3 12 3 0 8 7/30 4 ½   0 4 7 5 1 10 76140/132051 4 ¾   0 5 4 2 1 10 32965/176 08 5 0   0 6 2 2 2 2 19166/44217 5 ¼   0 7 1 6 2 2 14091/19652 5 ½   0 8 2 7 0 6 19408/442 7 5 ¾   0 9 5 4 1 9 173/176868 6 0   0 10 9 7 1 5 106785/132651 6 ¼   0 12 0 0 1 12 134157/5 0804 6 ½   0 13 8 0 1 3 6599 /88434 6 ¾   0 15 1 7 1 15 729270/1061208 7 0   0 16 13 6 2 3 63327/132651 7 ¼   0 18 11 6 1 2 91739/176868 7 ½   0 20 11 7 0 8 1046/4913 7 ¾   0 22 14 1 1 15 1361000/1414944 8 0   0 25 2 6 1 1 7403/44217 8 ¼   0 27 9 5 2 19 4547/19052 8 ½   ¼ 2 3 1 0 5 5/9 8 ¾   ¼ 4 15 0 0 15 95825/176868 9 0   ¼ 7 13 4 0 4 2908/4913 9 ¼   ¼ 10 14 5 0 8 19051/176868 9 ½   ¼ 14 2 4 0 1 21713/44217 9 ¾   ¼ 17 9 1 1 0 2825/19652 10 0   ¼ 21 2 5 1 19 22677/44217 10 ¼   ¼ 24 15 1 1 14 152903/17686 10 ½   ½ 0 14 5 2 1 97659/132651 10 ¾   ½ 5 1 2 1 15 615640/1414944

The 24 Chapter. How you may meaſure the circumference of any rounde pellet, or ſphericall bodye, by three ſundry wayes.

MVltiplie the diameter of any pellet or ſphericall body by 22, deuide the product by 7, and note the quotient number for the meaſure of the circumference of the ſame pellet or ſphericall body: as for example, if you will know the circumference of a pellet of 14 ynches in diameter, multiplie 14 in 22 and thereof commeth 308, deuide this number of 308 by 7, and the quotient number will geue you 44 ynches for the meaſure of the circumference of that pellet. Likewiſe by tripling the diameter of any rounde pellet or ſphericall body, and adding thereunto 1/7 parte of the ſayde diameter, you ſhal knowe the meaſure of the circumference of the ſame pellet: as for example, triple 14 the diameter of a ſuppoſed pellet, and ſo the product thereof will be 42, adde 2 for 1/7 of 14 vnto 42 the triple of 14, and ſo you ſhall finde in the totall ſumme 44 for the meaſure of the circumference of that pellet. Alſo looke how many times 7 is in the diameter of a round pellet or ſpherical body, ſo many times 22 is in the circumference of the ſame pellet or ſphericall body: as for example, the ſuppoſed pellet is in diameter 14 ynches, and forſomuch as in 14 there is twiſe 7, therefore I conclude that twiſe 22 which maketh 44 is in the meaſure of the circumference of the ſayde pellet.

The 25 Chapter. How you may meaſure the ſuperficies of any rounde pellet or ſphericall body by three ſundrie wayes.

MVltiplie the circumference of any pellet or ſphericall body by the diameter of the ſame pellet, and note the producte for the ſuperficiall meaſure of that pellet or ſphericall body: as for example, the ſuppoſed pellet being 14 ynches in diameter, and 44 ynches in circumference, multiplie 44 by 14, and note the product, which is 616 ynches for the ſuperficiall meaſure of the ſame ſuppoſed pellet. Likewiſe if you multiplie the ſquare of the diameter of any pellet or ſphericall body, by 22/7 you may note the product for the ſuperficiall meaſure of the ſame pellet or ſphericall body: as for example, the ſuppoſed pellet being in diameter 14 ynches, multiplie 196 the ſquare of 14 by 22/7 and the product thereof will be 4312/7 making by reduction 616 ynches, which doe expreſſe the ſuperficiall meaſure of the ſame ſuppoſed pellet. Alſo by deuiding the ſquare of the circumference of any pellet or ſphericall body by 22/7 you ſhall finde in the quotient number the ſuperficiall meaſure of the ſame pellet or ſphericall body: as for example, 1936 being the ſquare of 44 which is the circumference of the ſuppoſed pellet, muſt be deuided by 22/7 and ſo the quotient number will be 13552/22 making by reduction 616, which ſheweth the ſuperficiall meaſure of the ſame ſuppoſed pellet.

The 26 Chapter. How you may meaſure the ſolide content or craſsitude of any rounde pellet or ſphericall body by three ſundry wayes.

MVltiplie the cube of the diameter of any pellet or ſphericall body by 11, deuide the product thereof by 21, and note the quotient number for the ſolide content or craſſitude of that pellet or ſphericall body: as for example, multiplie 2744 the cube number of 14 (which is the diameter of the ſuppoſed pellet) by 11, & ſo thereof will come 30184, deuide the ſayde number 30184 by 21, and the quotient number ſhal be 1437 and ⅓ which ſheweth the ſolide content of the ſuppoſed pellet. Likewiſe if you wil multiplie the ſquare of the circumference of any pellet by 49, and diuide the product thereof by 66, you ſhal haue in the quotient number the ſolide content or craſsitude of that pellet: as for example, multiplie 1936 the ſquare of 44 (which is the circumference of the ſuppoſed pellet) by 49, and the product thereof will be 94864, which diuided by 66 yeeldeth in the quotient 1437 and ⅓ for the ſolide content of the ſame ſuppoſed pellet. Alſo if you will multiplie the cube of the ſemicircumference of any rounde pellet or ſphericall body by 49, and diuide the product by 363, you ſhall haue in the quotient number the ſolide content or craſsitude of that pellet: as for example, the ſemicircumference of the ſuppoſed pellet is 22, and the cube of 22 is 10648, which multiplied by 49 produceth 521752, and this number 521752 being diuided by 363 will yeelde in the quotient number 1437 and ⅓ for the ſolide content of the ſuppoſed pellet.

The 27 Chapter. How a pellet which ſticketh ſo faſt within the concauitie of a peece of Artillerie as that it can not be driuen home vnto the powder may be ſhotte out of the peece without danger to the Gunner, or hurte to the peece: and how any ruſty pellet which for a long time hath ſtuck faſt within a peece may be ſhotte, or taken out of the peece without danger to the Gunner or hurte to the peece.

WHen a peece of Artillerie is charged with a pellet that will not be driuen home vnto the powder, then the Gunner to ſaue this peece from breaking, muſt ſo much imbaſe the mouth of the peece as that fayre and cleere water being at diuers and many times put into the touchhole, may for two or three dayes togeather ſoke through the powder which is within the peece, and droppe out at the mouth of the peece into a tubbe ſet vnder the ſame for to receaue and ſaue all the ſaltpeeter that was in the ſayde powder. And after all the Saltpeeter is by this meanes ſoked out of that powder, the Gunner pryming the touchhole with ſo much freſh powder as will ſuffice to driue out that pellet, may geue fire to the peece, and without any danger to him ſelfe, or hurte to the peece ſhoote out of it the ſayde pellet. But when a ruſty pellet hath for a long time ſtuck faſt within a peece, put ſtrong vineger into the concauitie of the peece, & with a woodden r mmer ſtrike harde vppon the pellet till it doth moue: then powre the vineger out of the peece, and hauing powred thorow the touchhole into the peece ſomuch powder as will ſuffice to dryue out that pellet, fill vp the touchhole with good gunpowder, and geue fire to the peece, ſo as the ſayde ruſty pellet may thereby be expelled out of the concauitie in which it did ſticke. But if the ſayde pellet after all this hath beene done ſhall ſtill remayne within the peece, then powre hotte ſcalding oyle thorowe the touchhole into the peece, and with a long yron rodde made at that ende which ſhall goe into the Peece like vnto a hogges nayle, rubbe away the ruſte lying betweene the pellet & the peece, and afterwardes imbaſing much the mouth of that peece, ſtrike harde thereon, I meane vppon the mouth of the peece with a great beetle, or yron hammer, and by ſo doing, you ſhall force the ſayde ruſty pellet to role out of the peece.

The 28 Chapter. To make rounde pellettes of vnrounde yron pellettes by two diuers wayes.

IN winter when it doth ſnowe and freeze, couer yron pellettes which are not rounde all ouer with frozen ſnowe, and ſo let them lie in frozen ſnowe for the ſpace of one night: This done, vncouer the pellettes, and with a ſteele hammer which muſt be well tempered, ſomewhat heauie, and like vnto a Playſterers or Tylers hammer, beate, or cut away the ſuperfluous yron from the vnround yron pellettes, & while you doe ſo woorke vpon the vnrounde pellettes, powre often times colde water vppon them. By this meanes you ſhal (as Luigi Collado wryteth) take away the ſuperfluous yron from the vnrounde pellettes,and perceaue that it will be no more harder to doe,Yron is more brickle in winter than in ſummer. The lathe of a croſſebowe is apte to breake in winter, except it be firſt well rubbed with a clothe. than to cut a ſofte ſtone: For yron is more brickle in colde weather than in a warme ſeaſon, and by that reaſon yron pellettes ſhotte in the winter againſt an harde ſtone wall, doe ſometimes breake in peeces, and the ſteele lathe of a Croſſebowe which is not made ſomewhat warme with the rubbing of a cloath, doth oftentimes in winter breake at his firſt ſhoote.

Alſo you may make rounde pellettes of vnrounde yron pellettes by this way following: Take an yron pellet which is not rounde, if it be a pellet for a Minion put the ſame pellet into the rounde moulde of a pellet for a Saker, and when you haue ſo done, fil vp the emptie places in the ſayde moulde with melted lead, and ſo you ſhall make thereof a rounde pellet for a Saker. Likewiſe if a pellet for a Saker be not rounde, you may put the ſame vnrounde pellet into the round moulde of a pellet for a Culueringe, and by filling the empty places in the moulde full of melted lead, make thereof a rounde pellet for a Culueringe. And after this manner you may make a rounde pellet of any vnrounde yron pellet whatſoeuer.

The 29 Chapter. How you may make a modell or forme for any Gunladle that ſhall appertayne vnto any Fanconet, forreine peece that is not ſo high as a Faucon, Faucon, Minion, Saker, Culueringe, Baſiliske, Cannon, or to any other like made peece: And how vppon ſuch modelles, or formes, gunladles for the ſayde peeces are faſhioned: and how a Ladle for any Cannon periero may be made: and how euery cannon periero ought to haue a Ladle.

TO the ende you may the better vnderſtande by this Chapter how a modell or forme may be made for any Ladle that ſhall appertaine vnto any Fauconet, forreine peece that is not ſo high as a Faucon, Faucon, Minion, Saker, Culueringe, Baſiliske, or Cannon, or to any other like made peece: and how the ſame Ladles are faſhioned, beholde here in a figure the patterne of a Copper plate for any ſuch Ladle,The Copper plates of la les for peeces of the ſmaller ſorte muſt be in thicknes at the leaſt ſo much as the back of a common meate knife, and for peeces of a bigger ſorte of a greater thickneſſe. & note this in it, that A B C doth repreſent that parte of the plate which ſhall holde the charge in Gunpowder for great Ordinance, and that D A C E F G doe demonſtrate that other parte of the ſame plate which muſt lie round about vppon the ſtaffe of ſuch a Ladle. This done, make a modell or forme of a long and rounde peece of wood for euery ſorte of ſuch Ladle plates like vnto the picture H I, and let the model be in his rounde compaſſe ſo much more leſſe than the circumference of a pellet that will fitte the peece for which you doe intende to make a Ladle, as the plate of the Ladle is thick: then bende rounde that parte of the plate which ſhall holde the charge of gunpowder vppon the ſayde modell, ſo as the two ſides of the plate may ſtande wide open and aſunder in a reaſonable ſpace one from an other. Moreouer, hauing in a readineſſe a ſtrong ſtaffe, which muſt be rounde and bigge at one ende like the ſayde modell, and two foote or thereabout longer than the length of the concauitie in the ſayde peece: winde DACEFG the other parte of the ſayde plate rounde about vppon the bigge ende of the ſame ſtaffe, and nayle the ſayde parte D A C E F G faſt vppon the ſame ende: When you haue done all this, the Ladle ſo made and nayled vppon his ſtaffe, will be like vnto the picture K L.

diagram of a copperplate for a gun ladle The type of a copper plate for a Gunne Ladle
depiction of a form for a gun ladle A forme for a Gunne Ladle.
depiction of a gun ladle The type of a Gunne Ladle.

There is an other ſorte of ladles which doe belong vnto ſuch peeces as are called in Italian Cannoni Perieri, the name of ſuch a Ladle in Italian is Scaffetta, and the Gunners in Venice hauing alwayes in a readineſſe at the leaſt one ſuch Ladle for euery Cannone Periero, doe vſe with the ſayde Ladles to put cartredges into their Cannoni Perieri. To make a Scaffetta for any Cannon periero, take a peece of ſofte wood which ought to be iuſtlie ſo long as the Cartredge of the peece for which it ſhall ſerue: make this long peece of wood rounde, and in his rounde circumference, equall to the concauitie of the ſayde peece. Alſo cleaue the ſayde rounde peece of wood from one ende to the other right in the middeſt, and make one peece thereof hollowe like a ruffe tyle for a houſe, and let the thickneſſe of the ſame hollowe peece of wood be neither more nor leſſe than the thickneſſe of the gumme at the mouth of the Chāber which belongeth to the peece for which the Scaffetta ſhall be made. This done, tie at one ende of it a ſtrong corde, and when you haue put a cartredge with this Scaffetta into a Cannon periero, you may by the help of the ſayd corde drawe the Scaffetta out of the ſame peece.

depiction of the type of a scaffetta The type of a Scaffetta.

Alſo you may make a Ladle for any Cannon periero of a copper plate after this manner Prepare a Copper plate, and faſhion it as before you haue beene taught to faſhion Copper plates for Ladles which ſhall ſerue to charge Fauconettes, Faucons, and other ſuch peeces, and make the breadth of euery Ladle for a Cannon periero by the circumference in his Chamber, as the generall rule in the thirtie Chapter of this Appendix doth inſtruct you to make the breadth of Ladles for other peeces by the circumference of a pellet: But in geuing length to the Ladle of a Cannon periero, you muſt remember that the ladle of a Cannon periero which requireth for his due charge in gunpowder / of the waight in his pellet, ought to be in length twiſe ſo much as the diameter in the mouth of the Chamber of that cannon periero, and that the ladle for a cannon periero which requireth for his due charge in gunpowder ½ of the waight in his pellet, ought to be in length ſo much as two of thoſe diameters and ⅔ of one ſuch diameter.

The 30 Chapter. Rules by which you may know the true breadth and length of any Ladle that will holde at twiſe an ordinarie charge in Serpentine powder for any great peece of Artillery except Cannoni Perieri, Chamber, and morter peeces.

1 A Ladle which ſhal holde at twiſe an ordinary charge in ſerpentine powder for any peece of artillery (except Chamber and Morter peeces) that hath his due length, & wayeth in mettall more than one hundred waight, and leſſe than one hundred waight and a halfe for euery pounde waight in his yron pellet ought to containe in breadth 3/5 parts of the compaſſe of one fitte pellet for his peece, and in length the heigth of 3 ſuch pellettes, or as the Gunners terme is) 3 baules.

2 A ladle which ſhall holde at twiſe an ordinary charge in ſerpentine powder for any peece of artillery (except Chamber and Morter peeces) that hath his due length, and wayeth in mettall one hundred waight and a halfe or thereabout for euery pound waight in his yron pellet, ought to contayne in breadth 3/5 partes of the compaſſe of one fitte pellette for his Peece, and in length the heigth of three ſuch pellettes, and of ½ of one pellet.

3 A ladle which ſhall holde at twiſe an ordinary charge in ſerpentine powder for any peece of artillery (except Chamber & Morter peeces) that hath his due length, and wayeth in mettall more than 100 waight and a halfe, and leſſe than two hundred waight for euery pound waight in his yron pellet, ought to contayne in breadth 3/5 partes of the compaſſe of one fitte pellet for his peece, and in length the heigth of foure ſuch pellettes.

4 A ladle which ſhall holde at twiſe an ordinary charge in ſerpentine powder for any peece of artillerie (except Chamber and Morter peeces) that hath his due length, and wayeth in mettall two hundred waight or vpwardes vnto three hundred waight for euery pounde waight in his yron pellet, ought to contayne in breadth 3/5 partes of the compaſſe of one fitte pellet for his peece, and in length the heigth of foure ſuch pellettes and of ½ of one pellet.

5 A ladle which ſhall holde at twiſe an ordinary charge in ſerpentine powder for any peece of artillery (except Chamber and Morter peeces) that hath his due length, and wayeth in mettall three hundred waight for euery pounde waight in his yron pellet, ought to contayne in breadth 3/9 partes of the compaſſe of one fitte pellet for his peece, & in length the heigth of fiue ſuch pellettes.

The 31 Chapter. Rules by which you may knowe the true breadth and length of any Ladle that will holde at twiſe an ordinary charge of that ſorte of corne gunpowder which I haue marked in the ſixteene Chapter of this Appendix with the figure of , for any Fauconet, forreyne peece that is not ſo high as a Faucon, Faucon, Minion, Saker, Culueringe, Baſiliske, Cannon, or any other like made peece.
diagram of a copperplate for a gun ladle The type of a Copperplate for a Gunladle.

1 A Ladle which ſhall holde at twiſe an ordinary charge of the ſayde corne gunpowder for any Fauconet, forreine peece that is not ſo high as the Faucon, Faucon, Minion, Saker, or Culuering which hath his proportioned length, and is fortefied with his due waight & thickneſſe in mettal, muſt be in length 5 times the heigth of a pellet that is fitte for the peece which ſhall be charged with the ſame Ladle, and more the breadth of one finger, that is to ſay,The breadth of a finger is here & in the 2 other rules next following added to the length of euery Ladle for to ſupply the wante of that parte of the plate which is cut away at the toppe of euery Ladle to make it their round like a halfe circle whereby as it is thought euery Ladle will doe his office the better. that parte of this Ladle which ſhall holde at twiſe an ordinary charge of the ſayde corne gunpowder, ought to be in length foure times the heigth of ſuch a pellet, and the breadth of one finger: and the other parte of this Ladle which muſt lie very cloſe vppon and about the great ende of a ſtaffe, and be nayled thereunto, muſt be in length once the heigth of ſuch a pellet: But if any peece named in this rule ſhall be charged with ſuch fine gunpowder as is marked in the ſixteene Chapter of this Appendix with the figure of 2 then that part of his Ladle which ſhal holde the ſame charge in fine powder, muſt be no more in length than thriſe the heigth of one of his pellettes and the breadth of one finger.

diagram of a copperplate for a gun ladle

2 A Ladle which ſhall holde at twiſe an ordinary charge of the ſayde corne gunpowder for any ordinary demy Culueringe, demy Culuering of the elder ſorte, whole Culueringe not ſo high as ordinary, whole ordinary Culueringe, or whole Culueringe of the elder ſorte, which lacketh his proportioned length, waight or due thickneſſe in mettall, muſt be in length foure times the heigth of a pellet that is fitte for the peece which ſhall be charged with the ſame Ladle, ⅔ partes of the heigth of one ſuch pellet, and the breadth of one finger: that is to ſay, that parte of this Ladle which ſhall holde at twiſe an ordinary charge of the ſayde corne gunpowder, ought to be in length three times the heigth of ſuch a pellet, ⅔ partes of the heigth of one ſuch pellet, and the breadth of one finger, and the other parte of this Ladle which muſt lie very cloſe vppon and about the greate ende of a ſtaffe, and be nayled thereunto muſt be in length once the heigth of ſuch a pellet.

3 A Ladle which ſhall holde at twiſe an ordinary charge of the ſayde corne gunpowderpowder for any demy Cānon, double Cānon, or any other like made peece that ſhooteth an yron pellet waying not aboue ½ hundred waight and twenty foure poundes of auer de poize waight, muſt be in length foure times the heigth of a pellet that is fitte for the peece which ſhall be charged with the ſame Ladle: And the breadth of one finger: that is to ſay, that parte of the Ladle which ſhall holde at twiſe an ordinarie charge of the ſayde corne gunpowder ought to be in length three times the heigth of ſuch a pellet and the breadth of one finger: And the other parte of this Ladle which muſt lie very cloſe vppon & about the great ende of a ſtaffe and be nayled thereunto, muſt be in length once the heigth of ſuch a pellet: But if you will charge any of theſe peeces with ſuch gunpowder as is marked in the 16 Chapter of this Appendix with the figure of 2, then that parte of the Ladle which ſhall holde at twiſe a due charge in ſuch fine gunpowder for the ſame peece, muſt bee in length no more than twiſe the heigth of a pellet that is fitte for the ſame peece, and ⅔ of the heigth of ſuch a pellet.

The 32. Chapter. How you may knowe the diameter of any Chamber bored Cannon: and make a Ladle for any Chamber bored Cannon.

TO make a Ladle for a Chamber bored Cannon, meaſure the heigth of his Chamber in this ſort following: Thruſt downe a ſmall rounde yron pyn with a little hooke at his lower ende thorowe the touchhole vnto the loweſt parte of the peece his concauitie, and then marke with a red ſtone or otherwiſe that parte of the ſayde yron pyn which is touched with the mettall in the vpper ende of the touchhole. After this pull vp the ſayd yron pyn, and ſuffering his hooke to ſtay in the mettall of the peece at the lower ende of the touchhole, marke againe with a red ſtone or otherwiſe that part of the ſayde yron which is touched with the mettall in the ſayde vpper ende of the touchhole: And when you haue ſo done, drawe all the yron pyn out of the touchhole, and noting well the ſpace betweene the ſayde two markes, adde thereunto the height of the ſayde hooke, and take the whole meaſure thereof for the heigth of the Chamber in that Cannon:The length of a Chamber in a chamber bored peece is commonly 4. times the diameter at the mouth of his peece: that is to ſay, 3 times the ſayde diameter for his charge in gunpowder, and once the ſayde diameter for his wadde. This done, open your compaſſe within ⅛ of an ynche to the wideneſſe of ½ of that heigth, and ſetting one foote of your compaſſe faſte vppon a peece of paper, or vppon a ſmoothe boorde, drawe thereon with the other foote a circle which will be ¼ of an ynche ſhorter in his diameter than the heigth of the ſayde Chamber, and by that circle ſearch out the breadth of a Ladle for the ſayde Chamber bored Cannon, as you haue beene taught in the 31 Chapter of this Appendix, to ſeeke for the breadthes of other Ladles by the circumference of a pellet: And when you haue ſo done, note that a Ladle of that breadth for a Chamber bored Cannon which ſhall be charged with ſuch fine gunpowder as is marked in the ſixteene Chapter of this Appendix with the figure of 2, muſt be in length twiſe ſo much as the diameter of the ſayde circle, and ⅔ partes of the ſame diameter: and that a Ladle of that breadth for a Chamber bored Cannon which ſhall be charged with ſuch groſſe gunpowder as is marked in the ſayde ſixteene Chapter of this Appendix with the figure of 1, muſt be in length thriſe ſo much as the diameter of the ſayde circle,

The 33 Chapter. How you may make a Ladle for any Bell bored Cannon.

TAke a ſtaffe ſomewhat longer than the Bell bored Cannon, and neare vnto one of his ends pearſe a hole thorow the ſides of the ſtaffe, & thruſt a bygwier into the ſame hole, & make it to ſtand faſt there like a croſſe. This wyer in his length ought to be equall to the heigth or (which is all one) to the wideneſſe of the mouth in the Bell bored Cannon. After you haue ſet the ſame wyer croſſewiſe in the ſtaffe, thruſt it into the bore of the peece ſo far as it wil goe, that is to ſay, downe to the mouth of the bel bore: which done, drawe the wyerout of the bore, & meaſure the Diameter of the bel bore vnder the touchhole, as you haue been taught in the 31 Chapter of this Appendix to meaſure the heigth of the chamber in the chamberbored Cannon, and adde the Diameter of the ſaid bel bore vnto the length of the ſaid wyer. Then opening your compaſſe to ¼ of the ſame length, ſet one foot therof faſt vpon a ſmoothe boord, or vppon paper, and with the other foote draw a circle, and make the bredth of a ladle, and the circumference of a ſpunge for a bell bored Cannon,Note. equall to the ſaid circle: and make this ladle in length if his peece ſhall be charged with ſuch fine gunpowder as is marked in the ſixteene Chapter of this Appendix with the figure of 2, thriſe the heigth or (which is all one) thriſe the Diameter of that circle: But if this ladle ſhall ſerue for a bell bored Cannon that ſhall be charged with ſuch groſſe gunpowder as is marked in the ſayde 16 chapter of this Appendix with the figure of 1, then the ſaid ladle ought to bee in length thriſe the heigth of that circle and ⅓ of that heigth: and now remember that euery of theſe two ladles doth at twiſe duely charge his bell bored Cannon: and that the length of the chamber in a bell bored peece is commonly foure times and a halfe the Diameter at the mouth of his Peece.

The 34 Chapter. How you may make Rammers for Faulconets, forreine ordinance that are not ſo high as the Faucon, Faucons, minions, Sakers, Culuerings, Baſiliſcoes, demie Cannons, and double Cannons: and how a Rammer and ladle which doe belong to ſome ſort of peeces may be ſet vppon one ſtaffe: and how a Rammer and ladle which doe belong to ſome other ſort of peeces muſt be ſet vppon ſundrie ſtaues: and how a Rammer ſerueth to thruſt home powder that ſhall lie looſe and diſpearſed within a peece, to driue a Tampion cloſe vnto powder within a peece, and to put a pellet cloſe vnto the Tampion: and how you may make rammers for thoſe peeces which in Italian are called Cannoni perieri.

TO frame a Rammer for any Fauconet, forrein peece that is not ſo high as the Faucon, Faucon, Minion, Saker, Culuering, Baſiliſco or Cannon, doe thus.

A Rammer for a Cannon and for a whole Culuering is in ſome countries made no longer than the Diameter of one of their pellets, and in ſome places a rammer is in length once & a halfe the Diameter of a pellet.

The ſubſtance and fourme of a Tampion.

Make at the ende of a ſtrong ſtaffe (which ought alwayes to be two foote or thereabout longer than the peece for which the rammer ſhall be made) a round bobbe of wood, and let that bobbe be equal in thickneſſe to the heigth of a fit pellet for that peece, and in length ſo much as once and a halfe the heigth of the ſame pellet. This bobbe of wood among Gunners is named a rammer becauſe it ſerueth to thruſt home the powder which ſhal lie looſe and diſpearſed within a peece, to driue a Tampion cloſe vnto a Cartredge, or to a charge of looſe gunpowder within a peece, & to put a pellet cloſe vnto the Tampion, which Tampion ought alwaies to be made of ſoft wood, as of willoe, popler, or ſuch like wood, and at his foremoſt ende to be ſomewhat leſſe than at his other ende. And heere by the way I muſt tell you that a Rammer and ladle which ſhall belong to any Fauconet, forrein peece that is not ſo high as the Faucon, Faucon, Minion, Saker, or demie Culuering lower than ordinarie may be ſet vppon one ſtaffe: that is to ſay, the ladle may be nailed vppon one end of the ſtaffe and the rammer may bee made at the other ende of the ſame ſtaffe as this figure following doth ſhewe, and that a rammer and ladle which ſhall appertaine vnto an ordinarie demie Culuering, demie Culuering of the eldeſt ſort, Culuering not ſo high as ordinarie, ordinarie Culuering, Culuering of the eldeſt fort, Baſiliſco or any ſort of Cannon muſt be ſet vppon ſeuerall and ſundrie ſtaues.

depiction of a rammer and ladle and a tampion A Rammer and a ladle vppon one ſtaffe. A Tampion.

There is an other kind of rammer which ſerueth to beat downe a Tampion of wood, cloſe vnto a cartredge lying within the chāber of a cānō periero, & the ſaid rāmer may be made after this maner: make (as before you haue bin taught) a bobbe of wood at the end of aſtrong ſtaffe, let this bobbe be ſomwhat leſſe in thickneſſe than the heigth of the mouth in the chamber of his Cannon periero, & within one foote & a half of the bobbe end, place a turning wheele in the ſaid ſtaffe, and make the Diameter of that wheele equall to the heigth of the concauitie in the ſaid Cannon periero. Moreouer towardes the leſſer end of the ſaid ſtaffe put two ſtrong ſticks thorow & ouerthwart, and ſo you ſhall finiſh the Rammer which then will be like to this figure.

depiction of a rammer A Rammer to beate downe a Tampion.

If two men after the Rammer is ſo made wil take the ſaid two ouerthwart ſticks in their hands, and putting the bobbe end of this Rammer into his Cannon periero charged with a cartredge and a tampion, will at one inſtant time thruſt the ſaide Rammer with a good ſtrength downe vppon the tampion, they may through the help of the ſaid turning wheele (which guideth the Rammer iuſt vppon the tampion) beate the ſame tampion cloſe vnto the ſaid Cartredge.

The 35 Chapter. How you may make ſpunges or ſcourers for any ſort of great peeces: and how ſpunges doe ſerue to make cleane ſoule peeces, and to coole hot peeces.

AS euery great peece ought to haue his ladle and rammer, ſo euery great peece ought to haue a fit ſpunge or (which is all one,) a fit ſcowrer ſeruing to make a peece cleane ſo often as neede ſhall require, and being well wet with cleane water, or vineger, or rather with one part of vineger, and two partes of water mingled togeather, to coole a peece whenſoeuer it ſhall happen through many ſhootes to be very hotte: therefore to make a ſpunge or ſcowrer, prouide a ſtaffe (as you haue been willed to doe for a Rammer) more longer by two foote or thereabout than the concauitie of the Peece for which the ſpunge ſhall be made, & frame at one end of this ſtaffe a bobbe like a rammer, and let this bobbe be ſomewhat leſſe in compaſſe than the circumference of the concauitie in the ſaid peece. This done, couer the ſaide bobbe all ouer with a peece of ſheepes skinne that hath long wooll vppon it, put the wooll ſide outwardes, and naile faſt the ſame peece of ſheepes skin vppon the ſaid bobbe, and in ſo doing remember that euery ſpunge ought when it is thruſt into his peece to ſtoppe vp very cloſely all the concauitie where it lyeth.

depiction of a sponge or scourer The Type of a ſpunge or ſcowrer for a great peece of artillery

Note.If in time of neede ſuch a ſpunge can not bee prouided, you may binde your cappe or ſome other peece of cloth full and hard ſtuffed with ſtraw or hay vppon one end of a long ſtaffe, and vſe the ſame ſtaffe ſo dreſſed for a ſpunge. Alſo in time of neede for want of a rammer, you may with a ſtaffe ſo dreſſed thruſt home gunpowder within a peece.

The 36 Chapter. How you may make Cartredges vppon a round moulde or forme of wood.

MAke vppon a long and rounde mould or fourme of wood like vnto the picture in the margent, a long and round bagge of paper, fuſtian, or canuaſſe: Let the rounde wideneſſe of this bagge bee a little leſſe than the circumference of the concauitie in the peece that ſhall ſhoote this Cartredge, and make the length of this bagge equal to the iuſt length of the ladle which belongeth to the peece that ſhall ſhoote the Cartredge. Moreouer faſhion this bagge with a round flat bottome, and then putting into the ſame bagge ſo much gunpowder, as the peece which ſhal ſhoote this bagge requireth for his due charge, ſhut vp the vpper end or mouth of the bagge, & when you wil afterwards put this bagge of gunpowder (which among Gunners is called a Cartredge) into the bore or concauity of any gunne, remember to cut cleane away (before you do put it into a gunne) that peece of the bagge which ſhall lie directly vnder and next to the touchhole of the gunne, to this end, that only by putting fire vnto the gunpowder in the touchhole, you may without any faile giue fire to all the gunpowder in the ſaid bagge or Cartredge.

depiction of a form for a cartridge A fourme for a Cartredge.

Alſo you may make Cartredges for any great peece of artillery by theſe rules folowing.

A Cartredge for a Fauconet, Faucon, Miniō, Saker, & Culuering which hath his proportioned length, iuſt waight, & due thicknes in mettall, ought to bee foure baules in length, that is to ſay foure times the diameter of one of their fit pellets, & in breadth baules lacking •… part of a baule, I meane ſuch baules as are in the length of the ſame Cartredges.

A Cartredge for euery Cannon & Baſiliske ought to be in length 2 baules & of a baule: that is to ſay, 2 times the Diameter of one of their fit pellets, & of the Diameter of one ſuch pellet, & euery ſuch cartredge ought to be in bredth 3 baules lacking part of a baule I meane ſuch baules as are in the length of the ſaid Cartrege.

A Cartredge for a Cannon periero, & for euery other peece which ſhooteth a pellet of ſtone ought to be in length twiſe the diameter of the mouth in the chāber of his peece, & in bredth 3 baules lacking part of a baule, I meane ſuch baules as are in the length of the ſaid Cartredge.

When you will make a bag for a Cartredge vppon a mould or fourme, & paſte or glue together the ſides of the ſame bagge, annoint well with tallow that part of the ſaid fourme which ſhall lie vnder the paſte or glue, & ſuffer the bagge to remaine vppon his fourme till the paſte or glue ſhalbe thorow drie, for in drawing the ſaid fourme out of the bagge, you ſhall ſee that the bagge will then cleaue to no part of the annointed fourme.

The 37 Chapter. How great peeces of artillery are named & how through the intollerable fault of careleſſe or vnskilfull Gunfounders all our great Peeces of one name are not of one length, nor of one waight, nor of one heigth in their mouthes.

OVr great peeces of artillery are knowne by theſe names: double Cannō of the biggeſt ſort, double Cānon of the ordinarie ſort, French double Cānon, demie Cannon of the biggeſt ſort, demie Cānon of the ordinary ſort, demie Cānon of an extraordinary ſort, frēch demie Cānon, Cannō with a bel bore, Cannō with a chāber bore, Baſilisk, Culuering of the biggeſt ſort, Culuering of the ordinary ſort, Culuering of an extraordinary ſort, demie Culuering of the biggeſt ſort, demie Culuering of the ordinary ſort, demie Culuering of an extraordinary ſort, Saker of the biggeſt ſort, Saker of the ordinary ſort, Saker of an extraordinarie ſort, Miniō of the biggeſt ſort, Miniō of the ordinary ſort, Moiane, Paſſauolante or Zebratana, Faucon of the ordinary ſort, Faucon of an extraordinary ſort, Fauconet, Cannon periero of the old making, Cannon periero of the nwe making, Morter peece, Baſe, Rabinet, Fowler, Sling, Portpeece, Rebadochino, Aſpidi, Smeriglio, Harchibuſacrock & musket. But through the intollerable fault of careleſſe or vnskilfull gunfounders all our great peeces of one name are not of one lēgth, nor of one waight nor of one heigth in their mouthes & therfore the gūners bookes & tables which do ſhew that al our great peeces of one name are of an equal length, & of an equal waight, & of an equall heigth in their mouthes are erronious.

The 38. Chapter. The mixture of mettals whereof great peeces of artillery ought to be made.

THe mixture of mettals which is vſed for the making of good & ſeruiceable peeces of artillery, doth conſiſt of copper, tyn, & latten: & we in Englād do cal the ſaid mixture in our mother tongue braſſe, and in Italian Bronzo. The gunfounders doe vſe to put into the ſaid mixture for euery fiueſcore poundes in waight of pure copper, tenne poundes in waight of good latten, and eight poundes in waight of cleane tynne. The tynne (as the Gunfounders doe ſay) cauſeth the ſaid mixture to be hard, the latten helpeth much to incorporate the mettals togeather and maketh the mixture to bee of a good colour, and the copper doth much ſtrengthen the ſame mixture, although among Gunners this is an approued veritie, that the peeces of artillerie which are caſt of the ſame mixture are apte to breake after they are made hot with many ſhootes.

The 39 Chapter. Rules by which you may know the proportioned length, iuſt waight, and due thickneſſe of mettall which ought to be in great peeces of artillerie.

Length.1 EVery Fauconet, and forrein peece, which ſhooteth not a bullet bigger than the bullet of a Fauconet, ought to be in length 34 times the Diameter of his mouth.

2Waight.2 Euery Fauconet and forrein Peece which ſhooteth not a bullet bigger than the bullet of a Fauconet ought to waye in mettall 242 poundes and ⅔ of a pounde of auer de poize waight for euery like pound waight of mettall in his pellet:Thickneſſe. Or the thickneſſe of mettal at the bottome of the bore in euery Fauconet & forreine Peece which ſhooteth not a bullet bigger than the bullet of a Fauconet ought to be ſo much as the Diameter in the mouth of the ſame bore, and the thickneſſe of mettall at the touchhole in euery of the ſaid Peeces ought to be / of the ſaid Diameter, and the thickneſſe of mettall at the trunnions in euery of the ſaid Peeces ought to be 63/ •… of the ſaid Diameter, and the thickneſſe of mettall at the necke of euery ſuch Peece ought to be ⅜ of the ſaid Diameter.

Length.3 Euery Faucon, Minion, Paſſauolante, Saker, Moiane and Culuering, ought to be in length 32 times the Diameter of his mouth.

Waight.4 Euery Faucon, Minion, Paſſauolante, Saker, Moiane and Culuering, ought to waie in mettall 242 pounds and ⅔ of a pound of auer de poize waight for euery like pound waight of mettall in his pellet:Thickneſſe. Or the thickneſſe of mettall at the bottome of the bore in euerie Faucon, Minion, Paſſauolante, Saker, Moiane, and Culuering, ought to be ſo much as the Diameter in the mouth of the ſame bore: and the thickneſſe of mettall at the touchhole in euery of the ſaid Peeces ought to be 9/8 of the ſaid Diameter, and the thickneſſe of mettal at the trunnions in euery of the ſame Peeces ought to be 63/64 of the ſaid Diameter, and the thickneſſe of mettall at the necke of euery ſuch Peece ought to bee 3/8 of the ſaide Diameter.

Length. The Cannons which haue a longer length than this proportioned length are called Baſterd Cannons. Waight Thickneſſe.5 The proportioned length of euery quarter Cannon is 28 times the Diameter of his mouth: the proportioned length of euery demie Cannon is betweene 21 and 25 times the Diameter of his mouth: the proportioned length of euery double Cannon is 18 times the Diameter of his mouth: and the proportioned length of euerie Baſiliske is bitweene 24 and 31 times the Diameter of his mouth.

6 Euery Cannon and Baſiliske ought to waie 161 poundes, twelue ounces, three drammes, one ſcruple, thirteene graines and 1/ of a graine in mettall of auer de poize waight for euery pound of like waight in his pellet: Or the thickneſſe of mettal at the bottome of the bore in euery Cannon ought to be ſo much as the Diameter in the mouth of the ſame bore,A cannon thus fortified with mettall (as Luigui Collado writeth) may be charged with ⅔ in fine gūpowder of his pellet waight. I mean ſuch gunpowder as is marked in the ſixteenth chapter of this Appendix with the figure of 2. and the thickneſſe of mettall at the touchhole in euery Cannon ought to bee 9/8 or at the leaſt ſo much as the ſaid Diameter: and the thickneſſe of mettall at the trunnions in euery Cannon ought to be ſo much as the ſaid Diameter, or at the leaſt ⅝ partes of the ſame Diameter: and the thickneſſe of mettall at the necke in euery Cannon ought to bee 5/ partes of the ſaid Diameter: and the thickneſſe of mettall at the bottome of the bore in euery Baſilisk ought to be a little more than the Diameter in the mouth of the ſame bore: and the thickneſſe of mettall at the touchhole in euery Baſiliske ought to be 1/22 of the ſaid Diameter: and the thickneſſe of mettall at the trunnions in euery Baſiliske ought to be 41/44 of the ſaid Diameter: and the thickneſſe of mettall at the necke in euery Baſiliske ought to be 5/ •… of the ſaid Diameter.

depiction of the ends of three gun barrells

7 There are two ſortes of ſuch peeces as are named Cannoni perieri: that is to ſay, there are Cannoni perieri of the old making, and there are Cannoni perieri of a nwe making, and the Cannoni perieri of both theſe two ſorts are alwaies chamber bored.

Length.8 The proportioned length of euery Cannon periero is betweene ſixe and eight times the Diameter of his mouth.

Chamber.9 The length of the chamber in euery Cannon periero of the olde making ought to be foure times and ½ the Diameter at the mouth of the chamber.

Chamber.10 The diameter at the mouth of the chamber in euery Cannon periero of the old making, ought to be ⅔ parts of the Diameter in the mouth of the Cannon periero.

Waight.11 Euery Cannon periero ought to waie in mettall 80 poundes, fourteene ounces, one dramme, two ſcruples, ſixe graines, and ⅔ of a graine of auer de poize waight for euery like pound waight of ſtone in his pellet: Thickneſſe.Or the thickneſſe of mettall at the bottome of the bore in euery Cannon periero ought to bee ſo much as the Diameter at the mouth of his chamber, or (which is all one) ⅔ of the Diameter at the mouth of the Cannon periero: and the thickneſſe of mettall at the touchhole in euery Cannon periero of the old making ought to be ½ of the Diameter at •… e mouth of the ſaid Cannon periero, and the thickeneſſe of mettall at the mouth of t •… chamber in euery Cannon periero of the olde making ought to be ⅙ part of the Diameter at the mouth of the cannon periero: and the thickeneſſe of mettall at the trunnions in euery cannon periero of the olde making ought to be ¼ part of the Diameter at the mouth of the cannon periero: and the thickneſſe of mettall at the necke of euery cannon periero of the old making ought to be ⅙ part of the Diameter at the mouth of the cannon periero: and the thickneſſe of mettall at the touchhole in euery cannon periero of the nwe making ought to be ſo much as the Diameter at the mouth of the chamber in the cannon periero: and the thickneſſe of mettall in the gumme of the mouth of euery cannon periero of the nwe making, ought to be ½ of the Diameter at the mouth of the chamber in the cannon periero: and the thickneſſe of mettall at the trunnions in euery cannon periero of the nwe making ought to be ½ of the diameter at the mouth of the chamber in the cannon periero, and the thickneſſe of mettall at the necke of euery cannon periero of the nwe making ought to bee ⅓ part of the Diameter at the mouth of the chamber in the cannon periero:

12 The length of the chamber in euery cānon periero of the nwe making, ought to be ſhorter than the length of a chamber in a cannon periero of the old making, becauſe the gunpowder which in this our age doth commōly charge euery cannon periero, is more ſtronger than the gunpowder which did charge in time paſt the Cannoni perieri of the old making.

Morter p •… 13 The thickneſſe of mettall at the breech of euery motter peece ought to be ſo much as the Diameter in the mouth of his chamber: the thickneſſe of mettall at the trunnions in euery morter peece, ought to be ſo much as the ſemidiameter of the mouth in the chamber: and the thickneſſe of mettall at the necke of euery morter peece ought to be part of the Diameter in the mouth of the chamber.

14 The Diameter at the mouth of the chamber in euery morter peece, ought to bee equall to the ſemidiameter in the mouth of the morter peece: & the length of euery chamber in a morter peece ought to be ſo much as once and a halfe the Diameter of the chamber.

The vſe 〈◊〉 morter p •… Note.15 Morter peeces are commonly vſed in the night time to ſhoot pellets of ſtone, baules of wildefire, caſes filled full of ſtones, pellets of lead, or ſquare peeces of yron: Note. And when an expert gunner will ſhoote in a morter peece he putteth no wadde vppon the powder in the peece, nor giueth fire to the ſame peece in any other place than at his mouth with a gunmatch.

The 40 Chapter. To meaſure the thickneſſe of mettall in any part of a peece of artillerie.

MEaſure firſt with a paire of calleper cōpaſſes, or with an ynch rule the whole thicknes of the peece. Likewiſe meaſure with a paire of other cōpaſſes, I mean ſtraight cōpaſſes, or with an ynch rule the Diameter or (which is all one) the heigth of the concauitie in the Peece: then ſubtracting the heigth of the ſaid concauitie frō the whole thickneſſe of the Peece in that part which was ſo meaſured, take half of the remainder for the thicknes of the mettal in that meaſured part of the peece: Or for lacke of a payre of calleper compaſſes put a girdle or ſtring that will not ſtretch round about the outſide of the Peece in that part which is to be meaſured, & meaſure exactly ſo much of that girdle or ſtring as went about the peece: this done, multiplie that meaſure by ſeuen, and deuide the product by 22, and ſo the quotient wil giue you the true meaſure of the whole thickneſſe of the Peece in that part which was meaſured: the reſt of this worke you muſt doe as you did when you meaſured the whole thickneſſe of the Peece with a paire of Calleper compaſſes.

The 41 Chapter. How euery great peece of Artillerie hath trunnions for three cauſes: and how Gunfounders may learne to ſet the trunnions of euery great peece in their due places.

EVery great Peece of artillerie hath trunnions for thre cauſes, of which the firſt is to hold vp the Peece vppon his carriage, the ſecond is to make a Peece when it reſteth vppon them in his carriage to moue eaſilie vp and downe, and at the will of the Gunner to lie ſometimes leuell, and ſometimes mounted: And the thirde cauſe is, that they ſet in their due places, and well laid vppon a fit carriage, wil make their Peece in his diſcharge to lie faſt and ſteadie without any mouing forwardes, or backwards, downeward, or towardes any ſide, wherein the whole inportance of the ſhoote doth reſt. When the trunnions of a Peece are ſet to high, that is to ſay, more nearer to the mouth of their Peece thā they ſhould be, then the Peece in which the trunnions are ſo ſet will be ſo heauie at his taile, as that the Gunner ſhall not without great paine and ſtrength lift it vp. And when the trunnions of a peece ſhall be ſet too loe, that is to ſay more nearer to the touchhole than they ſhould be, then the mouth of their Peece (by meanes of the vnequall and great waight which is between the ſaid mouth and the ſaid trunnions) will in his diſcharge fall downe towards the ground, wherefore I will not wrap vp here in ſilence the rules by which gunfounders may alwaies ſet the trunnions of euery great Peece in their due places.

Diuide the length of the Peece into ſeuen equall partes, and in the third part meaſured from the touchhole towards the mouth of the Peece ſet the trunnions ſo as ⅔ partes of the circumference of the Peece in that place where the trunnions ſhall be ſet, may bee ſeene aboue vppon, the Peece betweene the two trunnions. Alſo a Gunfounder skilfull in the arte of numbring, may by the helpe of the golden rule ſet the trunnions of euery great Peece in their due places after this maner: hee may multiplie the length of the Peece in which the trunnions ſhall be ſet by three, and hauing diuided the product thereof by ſeuen note the quotient number for the meaſure of the ſpace between the loeſt end of the peece his concauitie and the place where the trunnions muſt be ſet: As for example if a Gunfounder would know in what part of a peece which is 144 ynches in length the trunnions of the ſame Peece ſhould be ſet, he muſt multiplie 144 the length of the Peece by three, whereof will come 432 which diuided by ſeuen yeeldeth in the quotient 61 ynches and 5/7 of an ynch for the ſpace betweene the loeſt end of that peece his concauitie and the place where the trunnions of the ſame Peece ought to ſtand.

The 42 Chapter. How great peeces of artillerie may be caſt of lead? how the thickneſſe of a leaden peece round about the concauitie ſo farre as the due charge of gunpowder for the ſame peece will reach ought to be once & a halfe, ſo much as the height of a pellet that is fit for the ſame peece: how the thickneſſe of a leaden peece at his necke round about the concauitie, ought to be ⅔ partes of the heigth of the ſaid pellet: how any one peece of what weight ſoeuer it is, may be drawne by the ſtrength of many men from one place to another. And how olde ruſtie yron ſerueth to make gunne pellets better than nwe yron.

VVHen a citie or towne ſhall be beſieged that hath in it no yron, or braſſe peeces of artillerie for offenſiue and defenſiue ſeruice, then the inhabitants of that Cittie or Towne may in time of need cauſe great peeces of artillery to be caſt of lead, whereof there is no lacke within any Cittie or Towne of England, for ſuch peeces of lead wil beare well the ordinary charge of powder and pellet, if from the touchhole ſo farre as the due charge of gunpowder for the ſame peece will reach, the thickneſſe of the mettall round about the concauitie of the peece bee once and a halfe the heigth of his pellet, and that the thickneſſe of the mettall round about the concauitie at the necke of the peece bee ⅔ partes of the heigth of the ſaid pellet.An Admonition. But theſe peeces being made very hot with much ſhooting will quickly breake, therefore the Gunners muſt not ſhoote in them when they are very hot.

Although a peece of artillery ſo caſt of lead will be of a great waight, yet this is to be beleeued that a peece ſo caſt of lead will be eaſily drawne by the ſtrength of many men from one place to an other within a Towne. For Luigui Collado in the 71 chapter of his Pratica manuale di arteglieria ſaith, that in Barcellona a chamber belonging to a peece was of ſuch waight as twentie men might not lift it, and that poore people did vſe in Sommer to ſleepe within the ſaide peece which had a bedde or carriage more than three fadome about. And we may alſo reade in the ſecond booke and ſixteenth chapter of Englands deſcription in Hollēſheads Cronicles, that the great Turke had a gunne (caſt by one Orbane a Dane) which was drawne to the ſiege of Conſtantinople by two thouſand men and ſeuenty yokes of Oxen.This Orbane did alſo caſt for the Turke one other great Peece which did ſhoote a pellet of more waight than two talents. Here I might take occaſion by reaſon of that which hath byn written in this Chapter to ſhew how great peeces of artillery and pellets of yron are caſt, but I will paſſe ouer the ſame with ſilence, and referre thoſe which are deſirous to learne how peeces of artillerie & yron pellets are caſt, to the Pirotechnie of Ʋannuccio Biringuccio where they may read enough thereof, and ſee that old ruſtie yron is better to make gunne pellets than nwe yron.

The 43 Chapter. How you may ſee, & alſo otherwiſe know whether or no honie combes, crackes, or flawes are within the concauitie of any great peece of artillerie.

SO ſoone as you haue charged and diſcharged a peece, couer very cloſe the mouth of the ſame peece all ouer with leather, and at the ſame inſtant cauſe an other perſon to ſtoppe vp ſodainely the touchhole of the ſame peece: and ſo if any vnknowne flawes or crackes do goe thorow the mettal in any part of the peece, a viſible ſmoke wil come out of the peece thorow the ſame hidden flawes & cracks. Alſo you may when the Sunne ſhineth take a ſteele glaſſe, and with the ſame caſt the beames or ſhadow of the Sunne into the mouth or concauitie of the peece: for by this meanes a very great and cleere light will be within the concauitie of the peece, and by that cleare light you ſhall plainly ſee euery honie combe, cracke, and flaw within the ſame concauitie. But foraſmuch as the Sunne doth not alwaies ſhine and that at ſome time in a bright Sunne ſhining day a ſteele glaſſe may bee wanting, you may at ſuch times take a ſticke ſomewhat longer than the concauitie of the peece, and hauing clouen one end of the ſaid ſticke for to hold an ende of a candle, light an end of a candle, and put the ſame into the ſaid clift, and thruſt that lighted end of a candle ſticking faſt in the ſaid clift or ſlit downe to the loeſt end of the concauitie in the gunne, and looke circumſpectly by the light of the ſame candle whether or no any honie combes, flawes or crackes are in the concauitie of that gunne. Alſo if you ſtriking a peece of artillery vppon the out ſide of the mettal in diuers places with an yrō hammer ſhal at euery ſtroke heare a cleare ſound, it is a ſigne that the ſame peece is without any hony cōbes, flawes, or cracks: But if you ſo ſtriking the peece of artillery with an yron hammer ſhall heare a hoarſe ſound, then without doubt there are honie combes, flawes, or crackes in the ſame peece.

The 44 Chapter. How any great peece of artillery may be drawne ouer a ſoft marriſh ground, bog, or owes.

WHen you ſhall haue occaſion to drawe any great peece of artillerie ouer a ſoft marriſh ground, bogge, or owes, make for the ſame peece a ſtrong carriage like vnto a flat bottomed bote that is brode at one end and ſharpe at the other ende as this figure heare drawne doth ſhew.

depiction of a gun carriage

Let the ſaid carriage be tight, ſo as no water or durt may come into it, and when you haue ſo done, lay the peece of artillery vppon the ſaide carriage that it may not by any meanes role or fal of from it, and vppon one or (if you may) vppon both ſides of the ſoft grounde cauſe oxen, or horſes, or men (where no oxen or horſes may goe) to drawe all togeather the peece ſo lying in his carriage ouer the ſame ſoft grounde, which will not bee a hard worke to doe, for (as I haue read) a double Cannon will ſwimme vppon ſuch a carriage in a water of one foote in depth, and lying vppon ſuch a carriage can not ſinke the ſame carriage in any marriſh, bogge or owes aboue halfe a foote.

The 45 Chapter. How by knowing the certaine number of men, horſes, or oxen which will draw any one peece of artillerie, you may tell what number of men, horſes, or oxen will be able to drawe any other peece of artillerie: how you may know what number of men will in drawing counteruaile any number of horſes, or oxen: how you may know what number of horſes will in drawing counteruaile any number of Oxen: & how this is to bee noted that a fraction in a quotient number of men, horſes, or oxen is not to bee reckoned.

VVRite firſt in your memoriall that 80 men may drawe a Peece of artillerie waying eight thouſand poundes in waight, and that ſixe horſes may drawe a peece of 860 poundes in waight, and that ſixe oxen may drawe a peece of Artillerie waying 1058 poundes in waight, and afterwardes if you ſhall be asked what number of men will ſuffice to drawe any Peece of Artillerie, multiplie the waight of the Peece by which the queſtion is asked in 80 the number of men that will ſuffice (as you haue noted in your memoriall) to drawe a peece of eight thouſand poundes in waight, and deuide the product thereof by eight thouſand the waight of the Peece which 80 men may drawe, and ſo the quotient will ſhew the number of men that will ſuffice to drawe the peece of which the queſtion was asked. As for example it ſhall be ſuppoſed that this queſtion is asked, what number of men will ſuffice to drawe a peece waying 860 poundes in waight? To aunſwere the ſame queſtion, I multiplie 860 the waight of the Peece by which the queſtion was asked in 80 the number of men which (as I haue noted in my memoriall) will ſuffice to drawe a peece of eight thouſande poundes in waight, and thereof commeth 68800 which I deuide by the ſaid number of eight thouſand the waight of the Peece which (as my memorial doth record) may bee drawne with foureſcore men, and ſo the quotient yeeldeth eight (leauing out the fraction which remaineth) for the number of men that wilſuffice to drawe the ſame peece of 860 poundes in waight, which by reduction maketh ſeuen hundred waight, ½ hundred waight, and twentie poundes of Auer de poize waight of England. Alſo let it be ſuppoſed that I am required to to tell what number of oxen will ſuffice to drawe the ſaide peece waying 860 poundes in waight? For to aunſwere this queſtion I peruſe my memoriall and finding there that ſixe Oxen will ſuffice to drawe a peece of 1058 poundes in waight, I multiplie 860 the waight of the peece by which the queſtion was asked, in ſixe the number of oxen which will ſuffice to draw the ſaid peece of 1058 poundes in waight, and ſo the product thereof is 5160, and then diuiding the ſaid produced number videlicet 5160 by 1058 the waight of the peece which ſixe oxen will draw I finde in the quotient foure (leauing out the fraction which remaineth) for the number of oxen which will ſuffice to drawe a peece of 860 poundes in waight. Likewiſe if I ſhould be required to tell what number of horſes will ſuffice to draw a peece of 1800 poundes in waight, I would multiplie 1800 the waight of the peece by which the queſtion is asked in ſixe the number of horſes (which as I am inſtructed by my ſaid memoriall will ſuffice to draw a peece of 860 poundes in waight) and diuide the product therof by the ſaid number of 860, and take the quotient thereof which is twelue (leauing out the remaining fraction) for the number of horſes which will ſuffice to draw the ſaid peece of 1800 poundes in waight.

After this maner (leauing out alwaies the fraction which ſhall remaine, becauſe it is not to be reckoned in an anſwere to a queſtion concerning the number of men, horſes, or oxen which will ſuffice to drawe a peece of artillerie) you may tell what number of men, horſes, or oxen will ſuffice to drawe any peece of artillerie whatſoeuer, what number of men will in drawing counteruaile any number of horſes, or oxen, and what number of horſes will in drawing counteruaile any number of oxen.

Waight of Peeces. Number of men which will ſuffice to drawe the ſame peeces. 8000 80 860 8
Waight of peeces. Oxen to draw. 1058 6 860 4
Waight of peeces. Horſes to draw. 860 6 1800 12

The 46 Chapter. How all platfourmes for great Ordinance ought to be couered with woodden planks: and how it is better to plant great Ordinance vppon plaine and leuell platfourmes, than vppon ſlope platfourmes.

COuer all platformes for great Ordinance with thicke, & ſmooth, woodden planks ioined cloſe together: for if great peeces of artillerie be in time of ſeruice planted vppon a floore of earth, the wheeles of their cariages may with recoiles ſo ſinke into the ground, that the gunners ſhall not be able to manage well the ſame peeces. And though ſome platfourmes for great Ordinance are high behind the carriages of peeces, and loe where the wheeles of the ſame carriages ſhal ordinarily ſtand, to this end that the peeces lying in their carriages vppon the ſame ſlope platfourmes may after they haue recoyled bee ſpeedily brought againe into their ordinary places, yet (as many expert men in the gunners art do thinke) it is better to plant great Ordinance vppon plaine and leuell platfourmes, than vppon ſlope platfourmes, becauſe the great peeces of artillery which ſhall bee diſcharged from ſuch ſlope platfourmes will oftentimes ſhoote ſhort of their markes.

The 47 Chapter. How you may know by a gunners Quadrant, and alſo by a gunners Semicircle whether or no a platfourme for great Ordinance, or any other peece of grounde, lyeth in a perfect leuell.

TO perceiue whether or no a platfourme for great Ordinance, or any other peece of grounde lyeth in a perfect leuell, let vs ſuppoſe that L M is the platfoume or peece of grounde vppon which great Ordinance ſhall be planted, & that I am required to tell whether or no the ſaid platfourme is plaine and leuell. For this purpoſe I place my Quadrant or Semicircle vppon a ſtaffe, or ſome other vnmooueable thing, and doe mooue it vp or downe vntill the line and plummet vpon the ſame doth hang preciſely vppon the line of leuell, that is to ſay in the Quadrant vppon the line H L, and in the Semicircle vppon the line R S: and then looking through the ſightes or channell of the ſame Quadrant or Semicircle, I doe ſee N a marke which is leuell with mine eie, and fixed in a ſtaffe or ſuch a like thing perpendicularlie erected. After this I meaſure exactly the heigth of mine eye from the grounde, that is to ſay the length of the line O L, and likewiſe I meaſure the heigth of the ſaid marke N, that is to ſay the length of the line N M, and becauſe I finde by ſo doing that the ſaid line N M is equall to the line O L, and that the ſaid platforme or peece of grounde doth lie vppon the right ſide, and vppon the left ſide according as the line L M doth lie, I conclude that the ſayd grounde L M lyeth in a perfect leuel. For the line L M which lyeth along vppon that peece of ground (by the 33 propoſition of the firſt booke of Euclide) is equidiſtant to the line O N which goeth by the plane of the Horizon, and conſequently the ſaid peece of ground or platfourme vppon which the ſaid line L M goeth is equidiſtant (by the foureteenth propoſition of the eleuenth booke of Euclide) to the plane of the Horizon. But if the line N M had been longer than the line O L, I woulde haue concluded that the ſame peece of ground is more lower at M than it is at L. And contrariwiſe if the line M N had been ſhorter than the line O L, I would haue concluded that the ſame ground is more higher at M than it is at L. And after this ſort I will proceede to the right ſide, and to the left ſide, and prooue whether or no the ſaid platfourme or peece of ground doth lie rounde about according as the ſaid line L M doth lie. And ſo by this ſuppoſed worke you may learne to trie whether or no a platforme, or any other peece of ground lieth in a perfect leuell.

depiction of the use of a quadrant

The 48 Chapter. How Gabbions or Baskets of earth may be made vppon platfourmes in time of militarie ſeruice for the defence of Gunners: and how men vppon a platfourme or vppon the walles of a Cittie, Towne, or Fort, where no Gabbions or Baskets of earth are to ſhadow them in time of militarie ſeruice, may be ſhadowed with canuas, cables, ropes, wet ſtraw or hay, mattreſſes or ſhip ſailes.

PRepare a conuenient number of oſiar twigges or pliant roddes, and for euery gabbion or basket which ſhall be made 16 long ſtakes: ſet the ſtakes of euery basket vpright in the fourme of a circle and faſt in the ground neere vnto the ſides of ſuch great peeces as ſhall be vſed for defenſiue and offenſiue ſeruice. And let each peece of grounde which ſhall be ſo circularwiſe encloſed with 16 ſtakes for a gabbion or basket, bee foure foote wide within the ſtakes. This done, wreath about the ſtakes of each gabbion or basket ſo many of the ſaid Oſiar twigges or pliant roddes as will ſuffice to make euery basket extende one foote in heigth aboue the head of the tauleſt gunner. After you haue ſo done, fill vp the ſaid baskets with earth which muſt be throwne into each basket by a little and little at a time, and cauſe a man ſtanding within euery basket to treade well and ramme downe all the ſame earth as it ſhall be ſo caſt in. But when gunners ſhall ſerue vppon a platfourme where no baskets of earth are ſet to defende them, they may ſhadow themſelues with cables, or bigge ropes, with wet ſtrawe or wet hay, with dead bodies of enemies, with mattreſſes, ſhippe ſailes or canuas hanged ſtiffe vp ſo as the enemie ſhall not ſee any marke or man vppon the platfourme to ſhoote at, and with a line drawe vp the nearer or looſt end of the ſame mattreſſes, ſhip ſailes or canuas, ſo often as they ſhall haue cauſe to ſhoote at their enemies. This deuiſe as ſome men doe thinke will be alſo profitable for thoſe that ſhall in time of warre ſtand vppon the walles of a cittie, towne, or forte, becauſe they may put vp at their pleaſure the canuas, & looke vnder the ſame with more ſafety than through the loope or looke holes in the wall at which the enemis are alwayes readie to ſhoote.

If for defence in ſeruice you will make a double Gabbion which at the leaſt ought to be eight foote in wideneſſe and 25 feete and 1/7 of a foote in compaſſe, digge at the ende of euery foote in meaſure vppon that compaſſe, a whole foote & ½ foote or ſomwhat more in deepeneſſe and ſet vpright in euery of the ſaid holes a ſtaffe often foote in length and in compaſſe ſo bigge as a mans arme. This done, wreath pliant twigges of Oſiar, or of nut trees, or of oke, or of willoe about all the ſame erected ſtaues vp to their tops, & while you are ſo occupied, cauſe an other man with a woodden beetle to beate downe your worke cloſe togeather, whereby it will be more able to reſiſt the violent bloe of a pellet: Alſo in the very middeſt of the Gabbion driue a ſtrong peece of oke into the ground, & lay other peeces of tymber ioyned faſt togeather ouerthwarte the gabbion from one of his ſides to the other. After all this, fill vp the ſaid gabbion with good clay, or with blacke, ſmall, and wet earth well rammed downe, or with greene turfes digged out of meddowes, or with bagges full of earth or fine ſande, or with bagges of wooll which is the beſt thing of al for this purpoſe and take heed that you do put no ſtone into any gabbion among thoſe things which do fill it vp.

The 49 Chapter. Rules by which Rabinets, Baſes, Fauconets, forreine ordinance that are not ſo high as the Faucon, Faucons, Minions, Sakers, Culuerings, Baſiliskes, Cannons, and all peeces which do ſhoote ſtone pellets may for proofe and alſo for ſeruice be duely charged with that ſort of corne gunpowder which is marked in the 16 Chapter of this Appendix with the figure of 1, and by which you may tell what roome a due charge of ſuch corne gunpowder will fill vp in the concauitie of any great peece that ſhooteth pellets of lead, or pellets of yron.

1 YOu may prooue all ſorts of great peeces with three ſhoots in this maner following. Charge euery Rabinet, Baſe, Smeriglio, Rebadochino, Fauconet, Faucon, Minion, Paſſauolante, Moiane, Saker, & Culuering which is fortified with mettal as it ought to be, for the firſt ſhoote of proofe with the whole waight in gunpowder of his pellet, for the ſecond ſhoote of proofe with 5/4 in gunpowder of the waight in his pellet, & for the third and laſt ſhoote of proofe with 3/2 in gunpowder of the waight in his pellet. As for example, if a peece which ſhalbe prooued doth ſhoote a pellet of 12 pounds in waight, you muſt charge the ſaid peece for the firſt ſhoote of proof, with 12 poundes in gunpowder, for the ſecond ſhoote of proofe, with 15 poundes in gunpowder, and for the third ſhoote of proofe with eighteene poundes in gunpowder.

2 Charge euery Cānon & Baſilisk for the firſt ſhoot of proof with ⅔ in gūpowder of the waight in his pellet, for the ſecond ſhoot of proof with ⅚ partes in gūpowder of the waight in his pellet, and for the third and laſt ſhoote of proofe with the whole waight of his pellet in gūpowder. As for example if any Peece named in this ſecond rule ſhall be prooued with a fit pellet of 45 poundes in waight, you muſt charge the ſaid peece for the firſt ſhoote of proofe with thirtie poundes in gunpowder, and for the ſecond ſhoote of proofe with 37. poundes and ½ pound in gunpowder, and for the third and laſt ſhoote of proofe with 45 pounds in gunpowder.

3 Charge euery cannon periero of the olde making for the firſt ſhoote of proofe with ⅓ in gunpowder of the waight in his ſtone pellet, for the ſecond ſhoote of proofe with 7/18 partes in gunpowder of the waight in his ſtone pellet, and for the third and laſt ſhoote of proofe with 4/9 partes in gunpowder of the waight in his ſtone pellet. As for example, if a cannon periero of the old making ſhall be prooued with a fit ſtone pellet of 36 poundes in waight, you muſt charge the ſaid cannon periero for the firſt ſhoote of proofe with 12 poundes in gunpowder, for the ſecond ſhoote of proofe with 14 poundes in gunpowder, and for the third ſhoote of proofe with 16 poundes in gunpowder.

4 Charge euery cannon periero of the nwe making for the firſt ſhoote of proofe with ½ in gunpowder of the waight in his ſtone pellet, for the ſecond ſhoote of proofe with 5/ parts in gunpowder of the waight in his ſtone pellet, & for the third and laſt ſhoote with ¾ parts in gunpowder of the waight in his ſtone pellet. As for example, if a cannon periero of the nwe making ſhall be prooued with a fit ſtone pellet of 36 poundes in waight, you muſt charge the ſaid cannon periero for the firſt ſhoote of proofe with 18 poundes in gunpowder, for the ſecond ſhoote of proofe with 22 poundes and ½ pounde in gunpowder, and for the third and laſt ſhoote of proofe with 27 poundes in gunpowder.

5 Alſo you may prooue any great peece of artillerie by theſe rules following: charge and diſcharge thriſe togeather, for proofe euery Smeriglio, Rebadochino, Baſe, Rabinet, Fauconet, Faucon, Minion, Saker, Paſſauolante, and demie Culuering loer than ordinarie with the whole waight in corne gunpowder of his leaden pellet.

6 Charge & diſcharge thriſe togeather for proofe, euery ordinary demie Culuering, demie Culuering of the biggeſt ſort, whole Culuering not ſo high as ordinary, whole ordinarie demie Culuering, and whole Culuering of the biggeſt ſort which is not ſo well fortified with mettall as it ſhould be, with the whole waight in corne gunpowder of his yron pellet.

7 For proofe charge & diſcharge thriſe togeather euery Cannon, & Baſiliske, which ſhooteth an yron pellet of leſſe waight than ½ hundred waight, and 24 poundes of auer de poize waight in Englande, with the whole poiſe in corne gunpowder of the waight in his pellet.

8 For proofe charge and diſcharge thriſe togeather euery cannon periero and euery other peece which ſhooteth a ſtone pellet of leſſe waight than ½ hundred waight, tenne pounds and three ounces of auer de poize waight in England, with ⅓ part in corne gunpowder of the poyſe in his ſtone pellet.

9 For ſeruice charge euery Rabinet, Baſe, Smeriglio, Rebadochino, Fauconet, Faucon, Minion, Paſſauolante, Saker, Moiane, and Culuering which is duely fortified with mettall, with the whole waight in corne gunpowder of his yron pellet: And note that ſuch a charge in gunpowder filleth vp within the concauitie of euery Peece named in this rule, ſo much roome as will containe foure fit pellets and the breadth of one finger ioyned to them.

10 For ſeruice charge euery ordinary demie Culuering, demie Culuering of the biggeſt ſort, whole Culuering not ſo high as ordinarie, whole ordinary Culuering and whole Culuering of the biggeſt ſort which is not duely fortified with mettall, with ⅘ partes in corne gunpowder of the waight in his yron pellet: and note that ſuch a charge in gunpowder filleth vp within the concauitie of euery peece named in this tenth rule, ſo much roome as will containe three fit pellets, ⅔ partes of one fit pellet, and the bredth of one finger ioined to them.

11 For ſeruice charge euery Cannon and Baſiliske which ſhooteth an yron pellet of leſſe waight than ½ hundred waight and 24 pounds of auer de poize waight in England with / partes in corne gunpowder of the poiſe in his yron pellet: And note that ſuch a charge in gunpowder filleth vppe within the concauitie of euerie peece named in this 11 ruleſo much roome as will containe three fitte pellettes, and the breadth of one finger ioyned to them.

12 When you ſhalbe forced in time of ſeruice to ſhoote out of a Cannon or Baſiliske a ſtone Pellet for want of yron pellettes, you ſhall then duely charge the ſayde peece with ½ in ſuch fine gunpowder as is marked in the 16 Chapter of this Appendix with the figure of 2, or with /3 in ſuch gunpowder as is marked in the ſayde 16 Chapter with the figure of 1, of the waight in the ſayde ſtone pellet.

13 When any great peece of artillery ſhall be charged with ſuch fine gunpowder as is marked in the ſayde 16 Chapter of this Appendix with the figure of 3, you muſt abate 1/ out of his ordinary charge.

14 For ſeruice charge euery Cannon Periero of the olde making with ⅓ in corne gunpowder of the waight in his ſtone pellet.

15 For ſeruice charge euery Cannon Periero of the nwe making with ½ in corne gunpowder of the waight in his ſtone pellet.

16 Euery peece which ſhalbe prooued, ought to lie mounted in the times of his diſcharge for proofe, at 30 degrees or thereabouts.

17 The gunpowder which hath beene named in this Chapter without this addition fine, is of that ſorte of gunpowder which is marked in the ſixteene Chapter of this Appendix with the figure of 1.

The 50 Chapter. Rules by which carriages for great peeces of artillery ought to be made.

1 THe plankes in the carriage of euery Smeriglio, Rebadochino, Fauconet, Faucon, Minion, Paſſauolante, Saker, Moiane, and Culueringe,Length. ought to be in length once and a halfe ſo much as the Canon of their peece. As for example, if the Canon of a peece be in length thirty two times the diameter at his mouth, then the plankes in the carriage (I meane euery planke in the carriage) ought to be in length fourty eyght times that diameter.

2 The plankes in the carriage of euery Smeriglio, Rebadochino, Fauconet, Faucon, Minion, Paſſauolante, Saker, Moiane, and Culueringe,Breadth. ought to be in breadth at their foreendes foure times and ½ the diameter in the mouth of their peece.

3 The plankes in the carriage of euery Smeriglio, Rebadochino, Fauconet, Faucon, Minion, Paſſauolante, Saker, Moiane, and Culueringe,Breadth. ought to be in breadth about their middeſt, I meane in thoſe places which are touched with the two endes of the flat trāſome in the carriage, 4 times the diameter in the mouth of their peece.

4 The plankes in the carriage of euery Smeriglio, Rebadochino, Fauconet, Faucon, Minion, Paſſauolante, Saker, Moiane, and Culueringe,Breadth. ought to be in breadth in their endes which ſhall lie vppon the grounde, twiſe and a halfe the diameter in the mouth of their peece.

5 The plankes in the carriage of euery Smeriglio, Rebadochino, Fauconet, and ſuch other ſmall peeces,Thickneſſe. ought to be in thickneſſe once and a halfe the diameter in the mouth of their peece, to the ende they may beare a proportion to their wheeles.

6 The plankes in the carriage of euery Faucon, Minion, Paſſauolante, Saker, Moiane, and Culueringe,Thickneſſe. ought to be in thickneſſe once ſo much as the diameter in the mouth of their peece.

7 If a Gunner ſhall deſire to haue light carriages for his peeces, he may cauſe a Carpenter to cut away from the thickneſſe of the plankes in euery carriage, that is to ſay,Thickneſſe. from their inſides betweene the flat tranſome and the tayle tranſome ſo much as ⅛ parte of the diameter in the mouth of the peece which ſhall lie vppon the carriage.

8 Foure tranſomes, that is to ſay, the fore tranſome, the flat tranſome, the vpright tranſome, and the tayle tranſome, are put into the carriage of euery Smeriglio, Rebadochino,Tranſome. Fauconet, Faucon, Minion, Paſſauolante, Saker, Moiane, Culueringe, Cannon, & Baſiliske, to holde faſte togeather the plankes or ſides of their carriage. Alſo the fore tranſome, the flatte tranſome, and the vpright tranſome doe ſerue in their carriage for other vſes declared in the 3 rules next following.

•… re Tran •… e.9 The fore tranſome of a carriage ought to be ſtrengthened with two yron boltes put thorowe it, to holde vp the mouth of his peece that it may not in his diſcharge fall downe towardes the ground.

10 The flatte tranſome of a carriage ought to be ſtrengthened (eſpecially if it ſhall lye vnder a Cannon or Baſiliske) with two boltes of yron put thorow it, •… t Tran •… e. that it may be able to beare the waight in the tayle of his peece when it is charged: And this flat tranſome muſt lie in the ſides of his carriage ſo loe as may bee, becauſe the loer that this flatte tranſome doth lie in his carriage, the more higher will his peece be mounted.

•… right Tran •… e.11 The vpright tranſome (which more properly may be called the ſlope tranſome, conſidering it doth lie aſlope in his carriage) ought to be ſtrengthened with two yron boltes put thorow it, or very neere vnto it, frō one ſide of the carriage vnto the other, that it may holde vp the tayle of his peece when it ſhalbe mounted or imbaſed with wedges.

12 Betweene the vpright tranſome and the tayle tranſome, that is to ſay, a little aboue the tayle tranſome, a ſtrong bolte of yron muſt lie faſt from one ſide of euery carriage to the other, •… mbers. and from one limber in euery carriage to the other: which limbers ought to be ſet vppon the endes of that bolte in the outſides of their carriages, and ſtayed from moouing vp or downe when a horſe ſhall drawe betweene them, with two moueable ſhuttles of yron thruſt into them thorow their ſides, •… uttles. and thorow the ſides of the carriage a litle aboue the tayle tranſome.

•… e centers of •… les for trun •… ons.13 The centers of the holes in the ſides of a carriage where the trunnions of a Smeriglio, Rebadochino, Fauconet, Faucon, Minion, Paſſauolante, Moiane, Saker, Culueringe, Cannon, or Baſiliske ſhall lie, ought to be diſtant from the fore endes in the ſides of their carriage, 3 times & a halfe the diameter in the mouth of their peece. And the ſayd holes ought to be in depth ⅔ partes of the thickneſſe in their trunnions, for ⅓ parte of the thickneſſe in the trunnions muſt alwayes lie aboue the vppermoſt parte of the ſayd holes.

heeles for •… rriages hich ſhall •… ue in the •… elde.14 The wheeles in the carriage of euery Smeriglio, Rebadochino, Fauconet, Faucon, Minion, Paſſauolante, Moiane, Saker, and Culueringe, when they ſhalbe vſed in the fielde, ought to be in heigth 14 times the diameter in the mouth of their peece beſides the thickneſſe of the yron which lyeth about their ringes to ſaue them from wearing: that is to ſay the yron about the ringes of the wheeles may be in thickneſſe 1/12 or if you will 1/10 parte of the ſayde diameter. The heigth of the ringe in euery of the ſayd wheeles ought to be equal to the ſayd diameter. The ſpokes betweene the naue and the ringe of euery ſuch wheele ought to be in length 4 times ſo much as the ſayd diameter. The naue of euery ſuch wheele ought to be in thickneſſe 4 times ſo much as the ſayd diameter, and the naue of euery ſuch wheele ought to be in length 4 times and a halfe the ſayde diameter.

Wheeles for arriages hich ſhall rue vppon alles of ownes, ſortes, nd caſtles. Palme is in eaſure ¼ art of a foote.15 The wheeles in the carriage of euery Smeriglio, Rebadochino, Fauconet, Faucon, Minion, Paſſauolante, Moiane, Saker, and Culueringe, when they ſhalbe vſed vppon the wall of a forte, caſtle, or towne, ought to be in heigth double to the heigth of the parapet of that wall, which parapet (as Carlo Tetti wryteth in the 1 Chapter of his ſecond booke delle fortificationi) is alwayes in his due height 10 palmes.

ength.16 The plankes in the carriage of euery Cānon and Baſiliske ought to be in length once and ⅓ parte of the length of the canon of their peece, except the places where they ſhall lie be ſo narrow as that they cannot lie there.

readth.17 The plankes in the carriage of euery Cannon and Baſiliske ought to be in breadth at their fore endes 3 times the diameter in the mouth of their peece.

Breadth.18 The plankes in the carriage of euery Cannon and Baſiliske, ought to be in breadth about their middeſt twiſe and a halfe the diameter in the mouth of their peece.

Breadth.19 The plankes in the carriage of euery Cannon and Baſiliske, ought to be in breadth at their lower endes twiſe ſo much as the diameter in the mouth of their peece.

Thickneſſe.20 The plankes in the carriage of euery Cannon and Baſiliske ought to be in thickneſſe once ſo much as the diameter in the mouth of their peece. But if a Gunner will deſire to haue the ſame planks more thinner to the end they may be more lighter, then he may cauſe a Carpenter to cut away in the inſide of euery of theſe planks ¼ part of their ſayd thicknes.

21 The wheeles in the carriage of euery Cannon and Baſiliske when they ſhalbe vſed in the fielde ought to be in heigth nine times the diameter in the mouth of their Peece,Wheeles beſides the thickneſſe of yron which lyeth about their ringes to ſaue them from wearing: that is to ſay, the yron about the ringes of the wheeles may be in thickneſſe 1/12 or if you will 1/10 parte of the ſayde diameter. The heigth of the ringe in euery of theſe wheles ought to be equall to the ſayde diameter. The ſpokes betweene the naue and ringe of euery ſuch wheele ought to be in length two times ſo much as the ſayde diameter. The naue of euery ſuch wheele ought to be in thickneſſe three times the heigth of the ſayd diameter.Faſhion. And the naue of euery ſuch wheele ought to be in length 3 times and a halfe the ſaid diameter.

22 Alſo note that the carriages for all peeces named in this Chapter are made like in faſhion: and that the tranſomes in all the ſaide carriages are ſet after one like māner.

The 51 Chapter. How with a Ladle you may geue vnto any Fauconet, Faucon, Minion, Saker, Culueringe, Baſiliske, Cannon, or any other like made Peece his due charge in gunpowder: how you may in time of ſeruice charge any of the ſayde peeces with cartredges: and how you may ſafely diſcharge any of the ſayd peeces.

VVHen you will charge any Fauconet, Faucon, Minion, Saker, Culueringe, Baſiliske,When you will fill a gunladle with gunpowder that is ſomewhat moyſte, you muſt fil it heape full, and not ſtrike away the powder that ſhall lie aboue the ſides of the ladle, & beware to charge any peece with very wet gunpowder. After you haue charged a Cannon, you ought to rāme downe his charge in gunpowder with foure thruſtes. Cannon, or any other like made peece, put firſt your hande into the gunpowder which you haue prepared to charge the ſayde peece, and perceauing thereby that the ſame gunpowder is drie, fill the Ladle belonging to the peece that ſhalbe charged, full of the ſame gunpowder ſo many times as is requiſite, and euermore with your hand or ſome other thinge ſtrike away all the drie gunpowder that ſhall lie aboue the brimme or ſides of the ſame ladle. Then mounting the peece to ſixe or ſeuen degrees, and ſtanding vppon one ſide of the peece (becauſe it is a perillous thing to place your whole bodie right againſt the mouth of a peece which charged with gunpowder may through many occaſions goe of ſuddenly) put the ſayd ladle ſo filled with drie gunpowder into the loweſt end of the ſayde concauitie, and when you haue ſo done, turne within the peece the vpſide of the ladle downe, ſo as the gunpowder may fall into the peece, and after the ladle is pulled out, remayne in the loweſt ende of the ſame peece. After you haue in this ſorte laded the peece with his due charge in gunpowder, thruſte harde with a rammer twiſe togeather & no more (except you doe charge a Cannon) all the ſayd gunpowder home vnto the loweſt ende of the peece, that it may not lie diſperſed or looſe, nor be too harde rammed downe in that place. Alſo thruſte a bigge wad of toe, hay, ſtrawe, or of vntwiſted ropes into the peece home vnto the charge in gunpowder for to ſweepe and keepe togeather all the ſayd charge in gunpowder, and to cauſe the pellet that ſhalbe ſhotte out of the ſame peece to range farre. Then putting a fitte pellet into the concauitie of the peece (which fitte pellet as our Engliſh Gunners doe ſay ought alwayes for diuers reaſons to be ¼ of an ynch leſſe or ſhorter in his diameter than the heigth of the ſayde concauitie) driue with a rammer the pellet home vnto that wadde, and if the peece ſhall ſhoote downewardes at a marke,A fitte pellet (as our engliſh Gunners doe ſay) is ¼ of an ynche leſſe or ſhorter in his diameter than the heigth of the concauitie in his peece: But among the Gunners in high Germany this is a general rule that the diameter of a fitte pellet ought to be neither more nor leſſe than 20/21 of the diameter in the mouth of his peece. As for example, a fitte pellet for a peece of ſeuen ynches in diameter, muſt be 6 ynches & ⅔ of an ynche in diameter. thruſte an other bigge wadde of toe, hay, ſtrawe, or of vntwiſted ropes into the peece home vnto the ſaid pellet, for to keep the pellet within the peece, & to ſtay the pellet there, that it may not role out before the peece ſhalbe diſcharged: moreouer, put good & dry gunpowder into the touchhole, and about the touchhole of the peece like a trayne, and be not ignorant that after all this is done the peece is charged, and that you ſtanding vppon one ſide of a peece ſo charged, and touching the trayne of gunpowder by the touchhole of the peece with a lintſtocke or with a fiered Gun-match (which ſome Gunners doe tie to the ende of a ſticke of three or foure foote in length, and ſome Gunners doe ſet faſt in the cockes of their ſtaues, and ſome Gunners doe winde about the ſtaffe ende of an halbert or partiſant) may ſafely diſcharge the ſame peece.

Alſo if you will in time of ſeruice charge any of the ſayd peeces of Artillerie with cartredges doe thus: Put firſt a cartredge into the mouth of the Peece, and then with a rammer thruſte it into the loweſt end of the Peece his concauitie, and next driue a woodden tampion with a rammer into the ſame concauitie home to the cartredge, then ioyne a good bigge wadde of hay, ſtrawe, toe, or of vntwiſted ropes vnto the ſayd tampion, and put a fitte pellet into the Peece cloſe vnto the ſayd wadde: and when a Peece ſo charged ſhall ſhoote downewardes at a marke, thruſte an other like bigge wadde into his concauitie harde vppon the pellet: This done, put a long pricker into the touchhole of the Peece ſo charged, and with the ſame pricker pearce diuers holes thorow the cartredge lying within the Peece, or (which in mine opinion is a better deuiſe) cut cleane away before you doe put the cartredge into the hollow Cylinder a peece of the outſide of the cartredge, in that parte which ſhall lie directly vnder and next vnto the touchhole. Finally, fill the touchhole of this Peece with good and dry corne gunpowder, and make about the touchhole a little trayne of powder, and conſidering that the tampion within the ſayd Peece (if the powder lying behinde the ſame tampion ſhould happen to be moyſte) muſt be drawen out with a long yron worme,An admonition. or cutte in peeces with a long yron cheeſell which will be a perillous worke to doe, I counſel you to diſcharge the ſayd Peece within a conuenient time after it ſhalbe ſo charged with a tampion.

The 52 Chapter. How without a Ladle you may lade any Fauconet, Faucon, Minion, Saker, Culueringe, Cannon, or other like made Peece with his due charge in looſe gunpowder.

PVt a long, ſtraight, and ſmoothe ſtaffe into the bottome of euery Fauconet, Faucon, Minion, Saker, Culueringe, Cannon, and euery other like made Peece that ſhall be charged, and hauing thruſte the ſtaffe downe cloſe by the mettall into the concauitie of his Peece ſo farre as it may goe, marke with a knife or with ſome other conuenient thing that parte of the ſtaffe which is touched with the lippe or outmoſt edge of the Peece his mouth. Then drawing the ſayd ſtaffe out of his Peece, meaſure along vppon the ſame ſtaffe with a compaſſe (beginning at the ſayd marke, and proceeding downewardes in a ſtraight line towardes that end of the ſtaffe which was at the bottome of the ſayd concauitie) the iuſt length of the roome which a due charge in gunpowder will fill vp in the ſayd concauitie,You may ſee in the 49 Chapter of this Appendix what roome a due charge in gunpowder will fill vp in any Fauconet, Faucon, Minion, Saker, Culuering, Cānon or any other like made Peece. and make an other viſible marke vppon the ſtaffe at the end of the ſame length, and for a diſtinction call it the lowermoſt marke. After this throe Gunpowder into the Peece with your handes, vntill by eſtimation the Peece hath receaued thereof a due charge, and with a rammer (as you haue beene taught in the precedent Chapter) thruſte the ſame gunpowder downe into the bottome of the Peece, and to the ende you may be guyded by the ſayd ſtaffe to throwe no more gunpowder into the Peece than is requiſite, and to take out the exceſſe when you haue throne too much gunpowder into the Peece, put the ſayd ſtaffe agayne into the Peece home vnto the gunpowder, and looke where the lowermoſt marke vppon the ſame ſtaffe is: For as the Peece lacketh a parte of his due charge in gunpowder if the ſayd lowermoſt marke ſhall now be within his mouth, and hath more than his due charge in nwe gunpowder, if the ſayde lowermoſt marke ſhall be without his mouth, So if you haue throwen into the Peece his due charge in gunpowder, the ſayd lowermoſt marke will now neither be within the mouth of the Peece, nor without the mouth of the Peece, but touch exactly the outmoſt edge or lippe of the Peece his mouth.

The 53 Chapter. How you may duely charge any Chamber peece of Artillery, and how you may charge any Cannon Periero.

PVt into euery chamber ſo much powder as his peece requireth for a due charge, and with a rammer beate a tampion of ſofte wood downe vppon the gunpowder. Moreouer, put a bigge wadde into the peece at that ende where the mouth of the chamber muſt goe in, and after the wadde thruſte into the peece at the ſayde ende a fitte pellet, & when you haue done all this, put the chamber into the loweſt ende of the peece, lock them faſt togeather, and cauſe the ſayde tampion to lie harde vppon the powder in the ſayde chamber, and the pellet to touch the tampion, and the wadde to lie cloſe by the pellet.

Euery chamber peece ought to haue three chambers, and when a Gunner will geue fire to a chamber peece, he ought not to ſtande vppō that ſide of the peece where a wedge of yron is put to locke the chamber in the peece, becauſe the ſayde wedge may through the diſcharge of that peece flie out, and kill the Gunner. But you ſhall charge euery Cannon Periero with all theſe things following in ſuch order as I doe here ſet them downe.

Firſt with a cartredge which muſt be put into the peece with a Ladle called in Italian Scaffetta, or with an other fitte Ladle whereof I haue made mention in the 29 Chapter of this Appendix.

Secondly with a tampion of ſofte wood which muſt be rammed downe vppon the cartredge.

Thirdly with a wadde which muſt be thruſte into the peece home vnto the ſayd tampion.

Fourthly with a fitte pellet of ſtone which muſt be thruſte into the peece home vnto the ſayde wadde.

If a peece of Artillerie which wanteth a couer of mettall for his touchhole ſhall lie a long time charged, couer the touchhole of the ſame peece with toe imbrued in tallow, and the powder of cole mingled togeather, and lay vppon the ſame couer a ſhel, or a parte of a ruffe tyle, that no rayne may enter into the ſame touchhole while his peece is ſo charged.

The 54 Chapter. How you may cauſe any great peece of Artillerie to make in his diſcharge an exceeding great noyſe, and a marueylous rore.

WHen you will haue a great peece of Artillerie to make in his diſcharge an exceeding great noyſe, charge the peece with great and harde cornes of gunpowder. For as Felix Platerus wryteth, by how much the cornes of gunpowder are more greater, and more harder, by ſo much a peece charged with them will in his diſcharge make a more greater noyſe. Alſo you may by laying a peece of thinne lead, or a peece of ſhooe leather betweene the gunpowder and the wadde within the hollowe Cylinder, and by putting a little quickſiluer thorow the touchhole into the ſayde gunpowder, cauſe the ſame hollowe Cylinder or gunne in his diſcharge to make a marueylous rore.

The 55 Chapter. This Chapter following ſheweth that ſome great peeces of Artillerie doe ſerue to batter, and that ſome great peeces of Artillery doe ſerue to lie vppon walles of Cities, Townes, Caſtles and Fortes, and that ſome great peeces of Artillerie doe ſerue for the fielde. Alſo this Chapter following ſheweth how many times in one day certayne great peeces of Artillerie may be ſafely charged and diſcharged, and how many Gunners and Aſsiſtantes or Labourers certayne great peeces of Artillerie ought to haue.

AN ordinarie double Cannon duely fortefied with mettall, will ſerue to batter, & may ſafely for offenſiue and defenſiue ſeruice be thirtie times charged and diſcharged in one day.

A french double Cannon duely fortefied with mettall, wil ſerue to batter & may ſafely for offenſiue and defenſiue ſeruice be thirtie three times charged and diſcharged in one day.

A demy Cannon of the eldeſt and biggeſt ſorte duely fortefied with mettall, will ſerue to batter, and may ſafely for offenſiue and defenſiue ſeruice be 80 times charged and diſcharged in one day.

An ordinarie demy Cannon duely fortefied with mettall, will ſerue to batter, and may ſafely for offenſiue and defenſiue ſeruice be 108 times charged and diſcharged within the ſpace of 5 houres in one day, and it ought to haue three Gunners and fifteene Aſsiſtantes or Labourers.

A french demy Cannon duely fortefied with mettall, will ſerue to batter, and may ſafely for offenſiue and defenſiue ſeruice be ſixty times charged and diſcharged in one day.

A quarter Cannon duely fortefied with mettall, will ſerue to lie vppon the wall of a City, Towne, Caſtle, or Forte, and may ſafely for offenſiue and defenſiue ſeruice be 110 times charged and diſcharged in one day.

A whole Culueringe of the eldeſt and biggeſt ſorte duely fortefied with mettall, wil ſerue to lie vppon the wall of a Citie, Towne, Caſtle, or Forte, and may ſafely for offenſiue and defenſiue ſeruice be 60 times charged and diſcharged in one day.

A whole ordinary Culueringe duely fortefied with mettall, will ſerue to lie vppon the wall of a Citie, Towne, Caſtle, or Forte, and may ſafely for offenſiue and defenſiue ſeruice be 60 times charged and diſcharged in one day.

A demy Culuering of the eldeſt ſorte duely fortefied with mettall, will ſerue to lie vppon the wall of a Citie, Towne, Caſtle, or Forte, and may ſafely for offenſiue and defenſiue ſeruice be 70 times charged and diſcharged in one day, and it ought to haue two Gunners and tenne aſsiſtants or labourers.

A demy Culueringe lower than ordinarie, duely fortefied with mettall, will ſerue for a fielde peece, and may ſafelie for offenſiue and defenſiue ſeruice be 75 times charged and diſcharged in one day, and it ought to haue two Gunners and tenne Aſsiſtantes or Labourers.

A Saker of the eldeſt and biggeſt ſorte duely fortefied with mettall, wil ſerue for a fielde peece, and may ſafely for offenſiue and defenſiue ſeruice be 80 times charged & diſcharged in one day, and it ought to haue one Gunner and 5 aſsiſtants or labourers.

A Faucon duely fortefied with mettall, will ſerue for a fielde peece, and may ſafely for offenſiue and defenſiue ſeruice be an hundred and twenty times charged and diſcharged in one day.

A Fauconet duely fortefied with mettall, will ſerue for a fielde peece, and may ſafely for offenſiue and defenſiue ſeruice be a hundred and fourty times charged and diſcharged in one day.

The 56 Chapter. How a peece of Artillery ought not to be prooued vppon his carriage: how a peece of Artillery that ſhalbe prooued ought to be made cleane: how a peece of Artillery that ſhalbe prooued ought to be without hony combes, flawes, & crackes: and how he which hath charged a peece for proofe, ought when he doth diſcharge the ſame peece to ſtande behinde a banke of earth, or wall, vntill by a trayne of gunpowder he hath diſcharged the ſayde peece.

WHen a great peece of Artillery ſhalbe prooued whether or no it is duely fortefied with mettall, and may in time of ſeruice be vſed without feare of breaking, take the ſame peece from his bed or carriage and mount it at 30 degrees, becauſe a great peece which lieth vppon his carriage when it is prooued, cannot be enough eleuated to ſuffer in time of his proofe a ſufficient violence, nor without harme to his carriage be diſcharged. Alſo put the ſtaffe of a ſpunge or the ſtaffe of a gunladle downe •… to the concauitie of the ſame peece ſo farre as it will goe, and thruſte downe thorow the touchhole of the peece a round ſharpe poynted pricker of yron or ſteele that may touch and pricke the end of the ſayde ſtaffe, which (if no ſtone, ſcale, or other lette be within the ſayde concauitie) will lie vnder the touchhole. Then taking out all the ſtones, ſcales, and filthe, which are within the ſayd hollow Cylinder, make cleane the ſame with a ſcourer, or (which is all one) with a ſpunge, for ſuch thinges lying within a hollow Cylinder charged with gunpowder, may cauſe the ſame hollow Cylinder in his diſcharge to breake, or cauſe a moyſture in the ſame hollow Cylinder which will weaken the gunpowder that is there, and make it vnable to expell a pellet with ſo great force as it ſhould doe. After this lay the tayle of the peece vppon the grounde againſt a woodden planke backed with a wall or banke of earth, and perceauing (by ſuch meanes as before in the 43 Chapter of this Appendix haue beene declared) that no hony combes, flawes, or crackes are in the ſayd hollow Cylinder, put blocks vnder the mouth of the ſayde hollow Cylinder or gunne, to mount and eleuate the ſame mouth as before I haue tolde you vnto 30 degrees. This done, charge and diſcharge the ſayde peece thriſe togeather for his proofe with a fitte pellet and a due charge in gunpowder, according as you haue beene taught in the 40 Chapter of this Appendix. I ſay thriſe togeather, becauſe a faultie gunne that taketh no hurte by the firſt ſhoote, may receaue a little harme by the ſeconde ſhoote, and breake in peeces at the thirde ſhoote. Laſt of all, make a trayne of gunpowder from a place behinde an high banke of earth or wall, vnto the touchhole of the peece, and ſtanding alwayes when you doe prooue any great peece at the ende of the ſayde trayne behinde the banke or wall, geue fire vnto the ſayde trayne,An admonition. and beware that you doe not remooue from the ſayde ſtanding place till by putting fire to the trayne you haue diſcharged the peece.

The 57 Chapter. How you may by fiue ſundry wayes diſparte any Fauconet, Faucon, Minion, Saker, Culuering, Cannon, or any other like made peece: how you may finde out the middle and vppermoſt parte of mettal ouer the tayle of any peece: how you may finde out the middle and vppermoſt parte of mettall ouer the mouth of any peece: and how you ought to ſet the diſparte of euery peece vppon the middle and vppermoſt parte of mettall ouer the mouth of the peece.

1 MEaſure with a calaper cōpaſſe the greateſt heigth of mettall in the taile of the peece, & alſo the greateſt heigth of mettall at the mouth of the peece, ſubtract the leſſer heigth out of the greater heigth, and take halfe of the remaynder for the diſparte of the peece.

2 Adde the diameter of the greateſt circūference of mettall at the mouth of the peece, to the diameter of the greateſt circumference of mettall at the tayle of the peece, and diuide the whole length of both thoſe diameters into two equall partes. This done, opening your compaſſe to the meaſure of one of thoſe equall partes, ſet one foote of your compaſſe faſt in the vndermoſt parte of the concauitie at the mouth of the Peece, and extende the other foote of your compaſſe right ouer the vppermoſt parte of mettall in the greateſt circumference about the mouth of the peece, and take that heigth which is betweene the ſayd vppermoſt parte of mettall, and the ſayd vppermoſt ende or poynt of your compaſſe for the true length of the diſparte of the ſayde peece.

3 Meaſure with a girdle or ſtringe that will not ſtretch, the greateſt circumference of mettall in the tayle of the peece, multiplie the meaſure of the ſayde circumference by 7, diuide the product thereof by 22, and note in your memoriall the quotient number for the diameter of that circumference. Likewiſe meaſure with a girdle or ſtringe that will not ſtretch, the greateſt circumference of mettall about the mouth of the peece, multiplie the meaſure of the circumference laſt named by 7, diuide the product thereof by 22, and note in your memoriall the quotient number for the diameter of the circumference laſt named. This done, ſubtract the ſhorteſt diameter out of the longeſt diameter, and take ½ parte •… the remaynder for the diſparte of the ſayde peece.

4 Prepare a long ruler marked with ynches, halfe ynches, quarters of ynches, and with other leſſe equall partes: Lay that ruler ouerthwarte and equidiſtant to the Horizon vppon the greateſt circumference of mettall in the tayle of the peece, let a line and plummet hang right downe from the ſayde ruler firſt cloſe without any bending by one ſide of the ſame circumference, and after cloſe without any bending by the other ſide of the ſame circumference, note exactly the partes of the ruler which were at both times touched with the line, and in like manner note exactly the poynte of mettall in the ſayd circumference which lyeth directly in the middeſt betweene the ſayde two noted parts. This done, take the ſpace betweene the ſayde two noted partes for the diameter of the ſayde circumference, and marke with a file or ſome other thing the ſayde poynte of mettall for the middle and vppermoſt parte of mettall in the ſayde circumference. Likewiſe laye your ruler cloſe to the mouth of the ſayde Peece, and let a line and plummet hang right downe from the ſayde ruler firſt cloſe without any bending by one ſide of the greateſt circumference in the mettall at the mouth of the peece, and after cloſe without any bending by the other ſide of the circumference laſt named: then noting well (as you did before) the partes of the ruler touched at both times with the ſayde line, and alſo the poynte of mettall lying in the circumference laſt named directly ouer the middle parte of the ſpace which is betweene thoſe noted partes, take the ſame ſpace for the diameter of the ſayde circumference at the mouth of the peece, and marke the ſame poynte with a file or ſome other thing for the middle and vppermoſt parte of the laſt named circumference. After all this, ſubtract the ſhorter diameter from the longer diameter, and taking ⅓ parte of the remaynder for the diſparte of the Peece, ſet a ſtrawe or a peece of a ſmall waxe Candle of equall length to the ſayde diſparte vpright vppon the ſayde marke in the middle and vppermoſt parte of the circumference laſt named, and call that ſtrawe or peece of a waxe Candle, the diſpart of the peece.

5 Thruſte a pryming yron thorowe the touchhole of the Peece downe to the bottom of his concauitie, and then marke with a redde ſtone that parte of the yron which is equall in heigth with the vppermoſt parte of mettall in the greateſt circumference at the tayle of the peece. This done, pull vp the ſayde yron out of the touchhole, ſet that ende of the yron which went thorowe the touchhole, vppon the vndermoſt parte of the concauitie in the mouth of the peece, and holding the marked parte of the ſayd yron right ouer the middle parte of mettall in the greateſt circumference aboue the mouth of the peece, take the ſpace betweene the ſayde marke vppon the yron, and the ſayde middle parte of mettall ouer the mouth of the peece, for the deſired diſparte which (if it be ſet in his due place) will alwayes direct you to lay the concauity of his peece leuell, and right againſt any appoynted marke.

The 58 Chapter. How with a Fauconet, Faucon, Minion, Saker, Culueringe, or Cannon, you may alwayes ſtrike any appoynted marke within poynt blanke.

AFter you haue charged a Fauconet, Faucon, Minion, Saker, Culueringe, Cannon, or any other like made peece with his duetie in powder, waddes, and pellet, according to the precepts expreſſed in the 49 Chapter of this Appendix, diſparte the peece, and ſet his diſparte vpright with a little waxe vppon the middle and vppermoſt parte of mettall in the greateſt circumference ouer the mouth of the peece, and lifte your peece vp or downe vntill by laying your eye vnto the middle and vppermoſt parte of mettall in the greateſt circumference at the tayle of the peece, you may perceaue that the marke at which you will ſhoote, the toppe of the diſparte, and the vppermoſt parte of mettall at the tayle of the peece doe lie in a perfect right line and in an equall heigth. Then doing your duety as you haue beene taught in the firſt Chapter of this Appendix, diſcharge your peece and you ſhall ſee that the pellet ſhotte out of the ſame peece will ſtrike the appoynted marke which lyeth within poynte blanke.

When you ſhall haue occaſion to ſhoote at a light ſeene in the night time, diſparte your peece with a lighted & vnflaming waxe candle, or with a lighted gunmatch, or ſet a lighted gūmatch vpright by the diſparte, that you may ſee by the light of the fire in the ſame gunmatch, to lay the middle and vppermoſt parte of mettall at the tayle of the peece, and the toppe of the diſparte in a ſtraight line with the marke, and to place the concauity of the peece right againſt the marke, as before in this Chapter I haue taught you to doe.

The 59 Chapter. How you may know what number of feete, yardes, paſes, or ſcores, any peece of Artillerie will ſhoote in an vnſenſible crooked line, or (as the Gunners terme is) at poynt blanke.

CHarge the peece for whoſe poynte blanke you ſeeke with his duetie in good corne gunpowder, and with a fitte pellet, turne the mouth of that peece towardes a wall, butte, or banke of earth ſcituated in a conuenient diſtance from the peece: and lay the peece leuell by the helpe of a Gunners ſemicircle, or quadrante, as you haue beene taught in the firſt Colloquie of the firſt booke of Nicholas Tartaglia his Colloquies: Then ſetting the true diſparte of the peece vppon his mouth according to the doctrine written in the tenth Colloquie of the ſayde firſt booke of Colloquies, and in the 57 and 58 Chapters of this Appendix, diſcharge the peece at a ſmall viſible marke fixed in a poynte of the ſayde wall, butte, or banke of earth that is leuell with the toppe of the ſayde diſparte, and with the higheſt parte of the mettall at the tayle of the peece. This done, note diligently where the pellet doth hit, and euermore when the pellet ſo ſhotte doth ſtrike aboue the marke,When the pellet ſhotte in this maner ſtriketh aboue the marke, then the extreame & fartheſt ende of the poynte blanke which you ſeeke, is beyonde the ſayde marke. When the pellet ſhotte in this maner ſtriketh vnder the marke, then the extreame and fartheſt end of the poynt blanke which you ſeeke, lyeth betweene your peece & the ſaid mark. remooue the peece backwardes to an other place more farther from the ſayde marke, and out of the more remote place ſhoote at the marke agayne as you did before with one ſorte of gunpowder and with a like pellet, till the pellet ſo ſhotte ſhal ſtrike in the middeſt of the marke. For when the pellet ſo ſhotte doth ſtrike preciſely in the middeſt of the marke, then by the reaſons alleaged in the nynth Colloquie of the ſaide firſt booke of Colloquies, the number of ſcores, paſes, yardes, and feete, betweene your ſayde peece, and the ſayde marke, is ſo much grounde as your ſayde peece can ſhoote in an vnſenſible crooked line, or (as the Gunners terme is) at poynte blanke. But if the pellet ſo ſhotte ſhall ſtrike vnder the marke, drawe the peece forwardes towardes the marke, and from a more nearer place ſhoote againe as you did before with one ſorte of powder, and with a like pellet, till the pellet ſo ſhotte ſtriking in the middeſt of the marke ſhall ſhewe vnto you by the reaſons alleaged in the ſayde 9 Colloquie, that the diſtance betweene your peece and the marke is ſo much ground as your ſayd Peece can ſhoote in an vnſenſible crooked line, or (as the Gunners terme is) at poynt blanke.

The 60 Chapter. How the poynt blanke and vtmoſt ranges are proportionall in all peeces of Artillerie: How by the rule of proportion you may knowe what number of yardes any peece will reach at his vtmoſt randon: And how by the ſayd rule you may know what number of yardes any peece will reach at his poynte blanke.

THe poynt blanke and vtmoſt ranges (as ſome authors haue written) are proportionall in all peeces of Artillerie, wherefore knowing the poynt blanke and vtmoſt range of any one peece, and the poynt blanke of an other peece, you may tell the vtmoſt range of any that other peece. In like manner knowing the poynt blanke and vtmoſt range of any one peece, and the vtmoſt range of an other peece, you may tell the poynt blanke of that other peece: As for example let vs ſuppoſe that this queſtion is asked: If a Faucon carrying poynt blanke 320 yardes will at his vtmoſt randon range 1280 yardes: how farre will a Saker reach at his vtmoſt randon that at poynt blanke or leuel rangeth 360 yardes? I ſay, that the rule of proportion ſerueth preciſely to anſwere the ſame and all ſuch like queſtions, And that multiplying 360 in 1280, and diuiding 460800 the product thereof by 320, the quotient will yeelde 1440 for the number of yardes which the ſayd Saker ſhall reach at his vtmoſt randon. Againe, let vs ſuppoſe that I am required to anſwere this demaunde. If a Faucon which rangeth at his vtmoſt randon 1280 yardes will carrie poynt blanke 320 yardes, how farre will a Saker reach at poynte blanke that at his vtmoſt randon rangeth 1440 yardes? To doe that which is required I multiplie 320 in 1440, and hauing diuided 460800 the product by 1280. I finde in the quotient 360 to be the number of yards which the Saker will ſhoote leuel: or (as the Gunners terme is) poynt blanke. And thereuppon I conclude that after this manner by obſeruations vſed in any one peece of artillery, and by the arte of proportion I may diſcouer vnto you the force of all other peeces of artillerie.

  Poynt blanke. Vtmoſt randon.   Vtmoſt randon. Poynt blanke. Faucon. 320 Yards. 1280 Yards. Faucon. 1280 Yards. 320 Yards. Saker, 360 Yards. 1440 Yards. Saker. 1440 Yards. 360 Yards.

The 61 Chapter. How you muſt mount your peece when you will ſhoote vnto the fartheſt end of the vtmoſt randone.

NIcholas Tartaglia in his Epiſtle ſet at the beginning of his booke named La noua ſcientia declareth that euery great Peece of Artillery ought to be mounted at 45 degrees when it ſhall ſhoote vnto the fartheſt ende of his vtmoſt randon. But William Bourne in his Treatiſe of ſhooting in great Ordinance wryteth that it is needefull for vs to conſider well of the winde before we doe mount any peece to ſhoote vnto the fartheſt ende of his vtmoſt randon, becauſe (as he ſayth) when we will ſhoote with the winde vnto the fartheſt ende of the vtmoſt randon, we muſt mount our peece at 45 degrees, and in a windie day againſt the winde ſometimes at 36 degrees, ſometimes at 37 degrees, ſometimes at 38 degrees, ſometimes at 39 degrees, ſometimes at 40 degrees, according as the winde is in bigneſſe, and in a fayre calme day at 42 degrees.

The 62 Chapter. How you may mounte any great peece of Artillerie with a ruler, as well as with a quadrant or ſemicircle vnto the number of tenne degrees, and how ſuch a ruler ought to be made: and how ſuch a ruler ought to be vſed when a peece of Artillerie is by it mounted, or imbaſed.

THe meaſure of the length of the peece that ſhal be mounted by a ruler being doubled, reduce into ynches: after this, multiplie the ſayd number of ynches by 22,and diuide the product by 7, and diuide againe the quotient number of that diuiſion by 360, then take the laſt quotient for the number of ynches and partes of an ynch, that wil make a degree vppon a ruler for that peece which was ſo meaſured. As for example, I wil mounte a peece of 6 foote long at one degree with my ruler, therefore 6 foote the length of that peece being doubled maketh 12 foote, which reduced into ynches make 144 ynches. This number of 144 multiplied by 22 produceth 3168, which diuided by 7 yeeldeth in the quotient 452 and 4/7: then doe I diuide that quotient of 452 and 4/7 by 360, and ſo the quotient of this laſt diuiſion which is 1 and /3 /5 ſheweth that this peece of 6 foote in length, being mounted by my ruler 1 ynche and /3 9/5 of an ynche, lyeth iuſtly of the ſame heigth that it would doe if it ſhould be mounted at one degree of a quadrant or ſemicircle. Now to know how much the ſayde peece muſt be mounted for 2 degrees of a quadrant or ſemicircle, I multiplie 1 and /3 9/5 by 2, and thereof commeth 2 and ⅓ /5, wherefore I ſay, if the ſayde peece be eleuated by the ruler 2 ynches and ⅓ /5 of an ynche that it lieth mounted at two degrees. Likewiſe by multiplying the ſayd number of 1 and /3 9/5 by 3, the product therof (which is 3 and ⅔ 7/5 expreſſeth that the ſayd peece muſt be mounted 3 ynches and ⅔ 7/5 of an ynch for 3 degrees. And after this order I may knowe how to mount the ſayde peece with a ruler vnto any other degree to which the peece wil be mounted with a ruler, for you ought not to be ignorāt of this, that a peece of artillerie cannot be mounted with a ruler aboue 10 degrees, becauſe the degrees are taken out of a circumferēce and not out of a ſtraight line.

depiction of a ruler, a quadrant and a semicircle

The ruler with which peeces of artillerie may be mounted is made in faſhion like vnto the picture drawē in the margent, & marked as common rulers are, with ynches, halfe ynches, quarters of ynches, halfe quarters of ynches, and with more leſſer partes of an ynch. Alſo in the middeſt of this ruler (almoſt from one end to the other) there is a ſlitte or open place, within which a plate of braſſe or lattin hauing in it a little hole pearced thorow is ſo placed, that the ſaid hole may as need ſhall require be mooued vp and downe in that ſlitte, and be ſet right againſt any ynch, or parte of an ynche marked vppon the ſame ruler. And although (as it ſeemeth to me) a peece may be more eaſilie, and more iuſtly mounted vnto any degree by a quadrant, and alſo by a ſemicircle, than by a ruler, yet wil I not let paſſe to ſhewe in this place how you muſt vſe the ruler to mounte a peece by it. Wherefore when you wil mount a peece by a ruler to ſhoote at any marke, put firſt the true diſparte of the peece to be mounted, vpponthe peece his mouth, as you haue beene taught in the 57 Chapter of this Appendix, then knowing at what degree the peece muſt be mounted to reach the marke, ſet the hole which is in the mouable plate of the ruler right againſt the number of ynches, and partes of an ynche that will make iuſtly the ſame degree: and hauing ſo done, ſet the ende of the ruler vppon the tayle of the peece, ſo as the ruler may ſtande vppon the peece ſquirewiſe, vntill you haue done your woorke. After this (the mouth of the ſayde peece being layde right vppon the marke) koyne the breeche of the peece vp and downe vntil you may ſee thorow the ſayd hole in the plate the top of the diſparte, and the marke, and when you haue ſo done, geue fire to the peece that you may ſtrike the ſayde marke.

The 63 Chapter. How you may by the helpe of wedges lay the concauitie of any great peece of Artillerie right againſt a marke: how by the helpe of wedges you may make a perfect ſhoote at a marke lying vnder the mouth of your Peece: and how by the helpe of wedges you may cauſe your Peece to ſtrike in the marke, after it hath at one ſhoote ſhotte vnder the marke, and at an other ſhoote ſhotte aboue the marke.

PRepare of yron or of ſtrong and harde wood two ſortes of wedges for euery great peece of Artillery, that is to ſay, three wedges of one ſorte, and three wedges of an other ſorte: Make euery wedge of the one ſort iuſt ſo thicke as ⅓ parte of the heigth in the diſparte of his peece: and let euery wedge of the other ſorte be no thicker than ⅙ parte of the ſayde heigth. This done, lay the vppermoſt parte of mettall at the tayle of the peece, and the vppermoſt parte of mettall ouer the mouth of the peece, in an equall heigth and in a right line with the marke: and then put vnder the tayle of the peece one of his ſayde wedges of the thicker ſorte, which (as Luigi Collado affirmeth) will cauſe the concauitie of that Peece without any more woork, to lie right againſt the ſayd marke. But when you purpoſing to ſhoote at a marke lying vnder the mouth of your Peece within poynte blanke, doe looke vppon that marke by the ſayde two vppermoſt partes of mettall, put vnder the tayle of your peece two of the ſayde wedges of the thicker ſorte, and by ſo dooing you ſhall make a perfect ſhoote at the ſayde marke. Alſo (as the ſayde Luigi Collado writeth) if your peece lying leuell dooth ſhoote vnder the marke, and afterwardes (the vppermoſt parte of mettall ouer his mouth being layde in an equall heigth with the vppermoſt parte of mettall at his tayle) doth ſhoote ſomuch aboue the marke as before it did ſhoote vnder, you may at the thirde and next ſhoote cauſe your ſayde peece to ſtrike in the ſayd marke, if you will for this thirde ſhoote lay againe the vppermoſt parte of mettall ouer his mouth in an equall heigth with the vppermoſt parte of mettall at his tayle, and put afterwardes one of his ſayde wedges of the thinner ſorte vnder his tayle.

The 64 Chapter. How to make a perfect ſhoote at any companie of horſemen, or footemen paſsing by the place where Ordinance doth lie vppon a leuell grounde: and alſo how to make a perfect ſhoote at any ſhippe ſayling in a riuer by the place where Ordinaunce doth lie vppon a leuell grounde: and alſo how to make a perfect ſhoote at any moouing thing paſſing by a place where Ordinance doth lie vppon an vneuen ground.

WHen any horſemen or footemen ſhall paſſe by a place where a great peece of Artillerie doth lie, the Gunner muſt charge that peece duely with good gunpowder, and with a fit pellet, to this ende that the ſame peece may goe off ſo ſoone as fire is put vnto it.

Alſo the Gunner in this caſe muſt lay his peece truely diſparted vppon a leuell grounde right againſt ſome marke in their way: as for example againſt ſome tree, buſhe, hillocke, cloude, or if it may bee vppon ſome turning way, becauſe in ſuch a place they can not depart verie quicklie from the marke, and in fine when the ſaid horſemen or footemen ſhall come neare vnto that marke, or be in that turning way, the Gunner muſt diſcharge his ſaide peece at them. Likewiſe when a Gunner will ſhoote at a ſhip ſayling in a Riuer, hee ought to plant his peece againſt ſome cloude or other marke lying from him on the farther ſide of the water, and giue fire vnto his peece when the forepart of the ſhippe ſhall beginne to be betweene the mouth of the peece and the marke. But when the peece which ſhall be diſcharged at a mouing thing doth lie in his carriage vppon an vneuen ground, the Gunner muſt meaſure by the helpe of a Quadrant, or Semicircle, how many ynches the ground vnder one wheele of the peece his carriage is more higher, than the ground vnder the other wheele of the ſame carriage, or for want of a Quadrant and Semicircle, he muſt goe to that wheele of the Peece his carriage which ſtandeth vppon the loer grounde, and hanging a line and plummet downe to the grounde from the middle and higheſt parte of that wheele, meaſure exactly the ſpace betweene the ſaid plummet, and the middeſt of the loermoſt part of the ſame wheele: for this meaſure ſheweth in like maner how much the ground is more higher vnder one wheele, than vnder the other wheele. And when hee hath ſo done he muſt lay his ſaid peece according to that meaſure wide from the marke towardes the more higher ſide of ground: I meane if it bee found by the firſt or ſecond way to meaſure the ſaid difference of heigthes, that the grounde vnder the wheele on the North ſide of the peece his carriage doth lie ſixteene ynches aboue the ground that is vnder the wheele vppon the Southſide of the ſame carriage, the Gunner to make a perfect ſhoote at the moouing thing ought to lay the mouth of his ſaide peece ſixeteene ynches wide towardes the North from the vnmooueable marke that muſt guide him to ſhoote at the moouing thing.

The 65 Chapter. How much a peece muſt bee eleuated for to ſhoote vpwardes at a marke vppon a hill without point blanke: and by what meanes the mouth of a peece may be laid right vppon any marke.

VVHen you will ſhoote vpwards at a marke which is ſcituated vppon a hill without poynt blanke you muſt firſt meaſure with your Quadrant or Semicircle the ſpace which is betweene your peece and the marke, & afterwardes mount that peece at ſo many degrees as will cauſe it to ſhoote ſo much ground as is in the ſaide ſpace: then place your Quadrant or Semicircle cloſe by the mouth of your peece, and mooue it vp or downe till you ſhall eſpie through the ſightes or channell of the Quadrant or Semicircle the ſaid marke. That done, note the degree which was touched in this laſt action with the line and plummet of the Quadrant or Semicircle, and mount the peece againe more higher by ſo many degrees than it was before, I meane if you did mount the peece at foure degrees to ſhoote ſo much grounde as is betweene the peece and the marke, and did note three degrees for the degrees which were touched with the line and plummet of the Quadrant or Semicircle, then muſt you mount the peece againe at three degrees more, and ſo the ſaid peece will lie mounted in the whole ſumme at ſeuen degrees for to ſhoote vpwardes to the marke vppon the hill. And by ſo doing if the peece be layd right vppon the marke, you ſhall vndoubtedly ſtrike the ſame. But if your peece doe not lie right vppon the marke when it is diſcharged, it will ſtrike wide of the marke ſo many times the meaſure of the wideneſſe that it lyeth at when it is diſcharged, as the length of the peece is contained in the diſtance betweene the peece and the marke. As for example, if a peece of eight foote long be planted one ynch wide from the marke lying eight hundred foote diſtant from the peece, I conclude that the ſaid peece planted one ynch wyde from the marke, will ſtrike at the end of that diſtance one hundred ynches wide from the ſaid marke.

To lay your peece right vppon the marke doe thus: hang a line and plummet right ouer the taile of the peece in the middle part thereof, and winde the peece vntill you ſtanding behinde the ſame peece ſhall ſee that the middle part of the mouth of the peece doth lie directly betweene the marke and the line hanging at the taile of the peece: For when the middle part of the mouth of the peece doth lie directlie betweene the marke and the ſaid line, then doth the peece lie right vppon the marke.

The 66 Chapter. How much a peece ought to bee imbaſed for to ſhoote at a marke lying in a valley without point blanke.

TO ſhoote downewardes at a marke lying in a valley without point blanke, meaſure firſt with your Quadrant or Semicirle the ſpace which is betweene your peece and the marke, and afterwardes mount that peece at ſo many degrees as will cauſe it to ſhoote ſo much ground as is in the ſaid ſpace. Then hauing placed your Quadrant or Semicircle by the mouth of your peece, mooue it vp or downe till you ſhall eſpie through the ſights or channell of the Quadrant or Semicircle the ſaid marke, and note what degree is touched with the line and plummet of the Quadrant or Semicircle: that done, put downe the mouth of the peece more loer by ſo many degrees than it was before, I meane if you did mounte the peece foure degrees to ſhoote ſo much grounde as is betweene the peece and the marke, and did note three degrees for the degrees touched with the ſaid line & plummet of the Quadrant or Semicircle, then the mouth of the peece muſt be put downe or (as ſome terme it) imbaſed three degrees, and ſo will the peece being laid right vppon the marke and mounted but at one degree, ſtrike the marke in the valley although in the precedent chapter the ſaid peece was mounted at ſeuen degrees to ſhoote a like diſtance at a marke vppon a hill, and at foure degrees to ſhoote a like diſtance vppon a plaine ground.

Heere this is to be noted that a pellet ſhot from an heigth into a loe place can doe no more harme than kill one perſon, or make one hole in the place where it falles, becauſe (as Luigui Collado hath written) the pellet ſo ſhot doth more offend through his owne naturall waight, than by the expulſiue power of the gunpowder which did expell it out of his peece.

The 67 Chapter. How you may certainely know by the Gunners Semicircle whether a ſhip vppon the Sea, or an Armie vppon the land, or any other thing ſeene a farre of, doth come towardes you, ſtande ſtill, or goe from you: and how you ought to diſcharge your great ordinance of diuers ſortes againſt a ſhip, or an Armie comming towardes you.

A Long diſtance being betweene you and a ſhip vpon the Sea, or an armie of men moouing a farre of, may oftentimes through the weakneſſe of your ſight deceiue you, and make you not to diſcerne well whether that ſhip, or armie doth ſtand ſtill, goe frō you, or come towardes you: therefore it will be very profitable (as I thinke) for you to learne how you may be alwaies certaine thereof, for to follow your enemies when they ſhall flie from you, and make preparation of defence when you ſhall ſee them come to aſſault you. For this purpoſe you ſhall aſcende into ſome high place from whence you may behold the ſhip or armie a farre of: and hauing put a Semicircle to your eye, mooue it vp or downe till you ſhall ſee through the ſights, or through a channell made in the ſaid Semicircle, that part of the ſhip or armie which is neareſt vnto you. Then your Semicircle remaining vnmooueable, note diligently the part of the Semicircle touched with the hanging line and plummet of that Semicircle, and after a while making the ſaid line to hang againe directlie vppon the ſaide part which was touched with it when you did eſpie thorow the ſaide ſightes or channell the ſhip or armie, looke againe whether you can eſpie thorow the ſame ſights or channell the part of the ſhip or armie which was firſt eſpied: for if at your ſecond looking you ſhall behold againe through the ſaid ſights or channell the very ſame part of the ſhip or armie which you did firſt eſpie you may boldly affirme that the ſaid ſhip or armie mooued not betweene the time of the firſt and ſecond looking. And if your viſuall line paſsing through the ſaid ſights or channell ſhall not at your ſecond looking extend to the ſaid part, then it is certaine that the ſaid ſhip or armie doth goe from you. But if your ſaide viſuall line paſsing through the ſaid ſights or channell ſhall at your ſeconde looking extende ouer the ſaid part of that ſhip or armie, then you may boldly ſay that the ſaid ſhip or armie commeth towards you.

diagram of a visual line

After all this you muſt meaſure by the helpe of your Semicircle how farre the ſaid ſhip or armie is from you, and finding by your meaſure that the ſaid ſhip or armie is within the reach of your peeces, you ought to ſhoote out of Culuerings, Sakers, Minions, Faucons, and Fauconets, whole yron ſhot at the ſame ſhip or armie, and when the armie ſhall come very neere vnto you chaine ſhot, cliue ſhot, dice ſhot, baules of wild fire and ſuch other like ſpoiling ſhot.

The 65 Chapter. How you may make a perfect ſhoote in a darke night at any marke that may be ſeene in the day time: and how a lighted candle may be carried in the night time ſo as no light ſhall be ſeene but at your will and pleaſure.

IN the day time mount your peece to reach the appointed marke, and at that very time place the mouth or concauitie of the peece right vppon the ſaide marke, and then hauing put the longeſt legge of your Semicircle into the mouth of the ſaide peece, note exactlie what degree vppon the Semicircle is touched with the line & plummet hanging vppon the ſaid Semicircle, for that degree being written in your memoriall will ſhew you alwaies how much the ſaid peece lying in that place muſt be mounted to reach the ſaid marke. After this, let fall a line and plummet downe vnto the grounde from the middle part of the mouth of the peece, and thruſt a pin of wood or yron into that point of ground which was touched with the plummet laſt mentioned. Likewiſe from the middle part of the breeche or taile of the peece, let that line and plummet hang downe againe vnto the grounde, and thruſt an other pyn of wood or yron into the ſame very point of grounde which was laſt touched with the ſaid plummet. Finally, draw a ſtraight line vppon the ground right ouer both thoſe pinnes, and make each end of this line to reach two yardes at the leaſt beyonde the pyn next vnto it. This line lyeth directly vnder the middle parte of the mouth of the peece, and alſo vnder the middle part of the taile of the peece, and right vppon the marke, and is named therefore the line of direction. Now when you will ſhoote in a darke night with that peece at the ſaide marke, charge the peece with his duetie in powder, and with a fit pellet, and plumme the middle of the mouth of the ſaid peece, and the middle of the taile of the ſaid peece, right vppon the ſaid pynnes ſet in the ſaid line of direction, that you may by ſo doing lay the mouth of the peece right vppon the appointed marke. Then the longeſt legge of your ſaide Semicircle being put into the mouth of the peece koyne the peece vp and downe till the line and plummet hanging vppon the Semicircle ſhall fall exactlie vppon the ſame degree that it touched before when it was mounted in the day time to ſtrike the ſaid marke. Al this being done, you ought to conſider of other things that are expreſſed in the firſt chapter of this Appendix, and obſerue the ſame before you do ſhoote, for by ſo doing there is no doubt but that the pellet ſhot out of the ſaide peece will ſtrike the appointed marke in any night how darke ſo euer it is. Alſo if this doctrine be obſerued at euery time when you will ſhoote at a marke, you may without faile ſtrike the ſaide marke ſo often as you will with diuers peeces from ſundrie places in any darke night. But to the end you may ſee at all times before you ſhoote whether or no the line and plummet hanging vppon the Semicircle falleth vppon the degree noted in your memoriall, & wheather or no the middle part of the mouth of the peece doth lie right ouer the line of direction, I counſell you to prepare a cloſe boxe of boordes like a lantorne to carrie a lighted candle, and to haue a dore in the ſide of the boxe to open when you will ſee with your candle, and to ſhut when you will haue no light ſeene.

diagram of a visual line

Example.

A peece of artillery beeing planted in the day time at B and mounted by a Semicircle 3 degrees, did ſtrike D a marke in the wall of a forte, and when the ſaid peece was diſcharged at the ſame marke, the middle part of the mouth of the peece, and the middle part of the taile of the peece did lie directly ouer B C the woodden or yron pinnes which ſtande in the line of direction, therefore when you will ſhoote in the night time from B to D, you muſt mount this peece three degrees, and plumme the middle part of the mouth of the peece, and the middle part of the taile of the peece right ouer B C the wodden or yron pinnes in the line of direction, and ſo doing you can not faile in your purpoſe.

The 69 Chapter. How you may carrie in the night time a lighted Gunmatch ſo as it ſhall not bee ſeene nor bee wet with raine.

HAng at your girdle as you doe the ſheath of your knife a hollow cane of eight or tenne ynches in length, and let the Cane be open at both endes, then put the lighted ende of the gunmatch into the Cane, and as the gunmatch within the Cane ſhall burne and conſume, ſo put the lighted end of the ſame gunmatch more farther or loer into the Cane, and by this meanes the lighted end of the gunmatch being within the Cane can not bee ſeene in the night, nor be wet with raine.

The 70 Chapter. In what diſtance peeces of Artillerie ought to be planted for batterie: In what order peeces of artillery ought to be mounted for batterie: In what ſort peeces of artillery ought to bee diſcharged for batterie: and in what meaſure a breach with battery ought to be: and in what maner a peece made hot with many ſhootes ought to be cooled.

TO batter a wall of a Towne or fort, lay your Cannons if you can at the diſtance of 80 paces from the wall which ſhall be beaten downe, and in no wiſe (without conſtraint) more farther from that wal than 150 paces: for when Cannons doe lie 300 or 200 paces of from the wall which ſhal be battred, they are planted (as Luigui Collado writeth) in an inconuenient diſtance & vnmeete place to batter. Alſo lay the mouthes of your Cannons ſo as they may ſtrike a foot one aboue an other in the wal vnto ¼ of the heigth in the ſaid wal, & diſcharging them altogether at one inſtant, continue the batterie, till you haue made a breach ſo bigge as at the leaſt nine men in a rancke may enter into it.

After a peece with manie ſhootes is made very hot, it changeth his colour, & ſhooteth weaklie, and then to ſaue it from breaking, you ought to coole it within with a ſpunge wet in cold water, or in two parts of cold water, & one part of vineger, or in lie mingled with a little water: and lay all ouer the peece, or at the leaſt from the touchhole to the mouth, ſheepes skinnes with long wooll on thē dipped in the ſaid cold water, or in 2 parts of cold water, & 1 part of vineger, or in lie and a little water, which lie ſtoppeth the powres of the mettall in the peece, and cauſeth it to reſiſt heate.

The 71 Chapter. How a Gunner may outſhoote other Gunners in one and the ſame peece at one and the ſame eleuation with pellets of one waight, & of one kinde, & with an equall waight of one & the ſame kind of gunpowder.

WRappe the pellet in linnen or woollen cloth, ſo as it may goe very ſtiffe and cloſe vnto the gunpowder in the peece, and by ſo doing you ſhall make the ſayde pellets to randge more grounde than a like pellet which is not ſo wrapped in cloth will doe. Likewiſe when a Gunner ſhall ſhoote with an other Gunner in one and the ſame peece, at one and the ſame eleuation with pellettes of one waight and of one kinde, with an equall waight of one and the ſame kind of gunpowder, and in all pointes with like aduantage, hee that ſhooteth laſt ſhall out ſhoote him which did firſt ſhoote inthe ſaide peece by the reaſons alleaged in the 4 Colloquie of the firſt booke of N: Tartaglia his Colloquies, and in the ſeuenth Colloquie of the ſecond booke of N: Tartaglia his Colloquies. Alſo if a gunner after he hath laded a peece with his due charge in gunpowder will make a hole with a ſtaffe of a conuenient length and bigneſſe thorow the very middeſt of the ſame gunpowder, and likewiſe after he hath duely charged his ſaide peece with 2 waddes of hay, ſtrawe, toe, or of vntwiſted ropes, and a fit pellet, wil fill the touchhole of the ſame peece with good gunpowder, and make an other hole with his proyning yron thorow the ſame touch gunpowder downe vnto the hole which was firſt made in the ſaide due charge of gunpowder within the peece, doubtleſſe he ſhall by ſo doing ſhoote more ground than an other Gunner ignorant of this skil can doe in the ſame peece at one and the ſame eleuation with a like pellet, and an equall charge of one and the ſame ſort of gunpowder.

The ſtaffe which ſhall make a hole in the middeſt of the peece his charge in gunpowder ought for euery Fauconet, Faucon, Minion, Saker, Culuering, French demie Cannon, demie Cannon lower than ordinarie, and demie Cannon, to bee in compaſſe three or foure ynches or there aboutes, and the ſtaffe which ſhall make a hole in the middeſt of the peece his charge in gunpowder for euery ordinarie demie Cannon demie Cannon of the eldeſt ſort, French double Cannon, ordinarie double Cannon, and double Cannon of the eldeſt and biggeſt ſort ought to be in compaſſe fiue ynches or thereabout.

The 72 Chapter. How you may amend high, loe, and wide ſhootes.

To amend an high ſhoote.VVHen a pellet ſhot at a marke within point blanke hath ſtrooke ſomwhat aboue that marke, lay your peece for the ſecond ſhoote againſt the ſaid marke in euery reſpect as it did lie at the firſt ſhoote, and afterwards raiſe vp the diſpart vppon the mouth of your peece, till you ſhall ſee by the vppermoſt part of mettall in the taile of the peece, and the toppe of that diſpart, the place where the pellet ſtrooke at the firſt ſhoote. This done, imbaſe the mouth of that peece, till the ſaid vppermoſt part of mettall, and the toppe of the ſame diſpart, doe lie in a right line with the marke, and then giuing fire to the peece, you ſhall ſee that by this meanes the peece will ſhoote into the marke.

To amend a loe ſhoote.Alſo when a pellet ſhot at a marke within point blanke doth ſtrike ſomewhat vnder his marke, you may amend the ſaid loe ſhoote in this maner. Recharge your peece, and after you haue for the ſecond ſhoote laid it againſt the marke in euery reſpect as you did lay it for the firſt ſhoote, ſet vpright vppon the vppermoſt part of mettall in the taile of the peece a waxe candle of ſuch a length as that you may ſee by the toppe of the ſaide candle, and the toppe of the diſpart vppon the mouth of the peece, the loe place where the pellet before did hit. Then hauing mounted the mouth of your peece till the toppe of the ſaide waxe candle, and the toppe of the diſpart vppon the mouth of your peece, doe lie in a right line with the ſaide marke, giue fire to the peece, and ſo you ſhall ſhoote into the marke.

To amende a ſhoote wide vppon your right hand.But when a pellet ſhot at a marke within point blanke ſhall ſtrike wide vppon your right hand, then to amend that wide ſhoote, recharge the peece which ſhot that pellet, and laying it for the ſecond ſhoote againſt the marke as it did lie at the firſt ſhoote, remoue the leuell ſight vppon the taile of your peece ſomewhat towards your left hand, ſo as the top of your nwe leuell ſight, and the toppe of your peece his diſpart, may be perceaued to lie in a right line with the place where the pellet before did ſtrike. This done, mooue your peece to and fro till you ſhall ſee that the top of your nwe leuell ſight, and the toppe of your peece his diſpart do lie in a right line with the marke, & for an end of this worke giue fire to your peece which now without faile will ſhoote his pellet into the marke.

To amende a ſhoote wide vppon your left hand.You may amend a ſhoote wide vppon your left hand as you haue been taught to amend a ſhoote wide vppon your right hand, ſauing for the amendment of a ſhoote wide vpon your left hand, you muſt alwaies remoue the leuel ſight vppon the taile of your peece ſomwhat towards your right hand.

The 73 Chapter. To make an engine which will make a great ſpoile and a merueilous ſlaughter.

PLace a great peece of Artillerie within a brode yron hoope, and lay a great number of Caliuers or Muskets in the ſaid hoope rounde about the ſaid peece according to the figure next folowing, and when need ſhall require charge and diſcharge all the ſame peeces togeather. This engine diſcharged out of a ſhip at men in a Gallie, Foyſt, or any other like veſſell (as Girolamo Ruſcelli writeth) will make a great ſpoile and a merueilous ſlaughter.

depiction of an explosive engine

The 74 Chapter. Inſtructions for all thoſe that are vnskilfull to handle and vſe an Harchibuſe, Caliuer, or Musket.

1 EVery perſon vnskilfull to handle and vſe an Harchibuſe, Caliuer, or Musket ought firſt to learne to handle and carry ſoldier like the ſaide peece, and the Flaske, and touch boxe belonging to it.

diagram of the bore of a caliver the alowed bore of a caliuer in Ao. Dnī 1588
diagram of the bore of a musket the alowed bore of a muſket in Ao Dnī 1588.

4 Alſo he ought to learne how he ſhall in a commendable maner charge his peece, and how he ſhall afterwardes (when need ſhall require) lay it to his cheeke.

5 Hauing learned to charge, he ought alſo to know how hee ſhould ſhoote in the ſaide peece at randon, and likewiſe how he ſhould ſhoote in that peece at a marke within the leuell of the ſame peece, and how vppon a ſmall ſtay in march or skirmiſh hee ſhould charge and diſcharge ſpeedily his peece.

6 Alſo he ought to prooue before hee hath vrgent cauſe to vſe his peece, whether it bee good and meete for his purpoſe or like to breake.

7 And in a skirmiſh made only for practiſe or ſport, let him take heed that hee doe not charge his peece with any bullet whereby any perſon may be maymed or put in hazard of his life or limmes.

8 Alſo for diuers reaſons which are not meete to be expreſſed in this booke, let no perſon at any time vſe to ſhoote out of his peece any pellet of lead after hee hath chawed it in his mouth and bitten it with his teeth.

The 75 Chapter. How to mount a morter peece for to ſhoote out of the ſame fireworks or great ſtones ouer walles or other high places into cities, townes, or camps, to burne and beate downe houſes, tents, and lodgings within the ſame places.

IT behooueth him which will ſhoote out of a morter peece any fireworke or great ſtone for to haue it fall right downe vppon the appointed place to know theſe 3 things. The waight of the ſhot, how much ground his peece wil ſhoote at the beſt of the randon, & how far the place which he would burne or beate downe is from him. The ſaid three things being knowne, he may eaſily by this example following learne to doe as he intended.

depiction of the firing of a piece of artillery

Example.

The peece will ſhoote the fireworke, or the great ſtone at the beſt of the randon 800 paces, and the place to be burned or beaten downe is diſtant from that peece 600 paces, therefore that peece muſt be mounted for to doe this exploit at 48 degrees and ½ degree. But if the fireworke or the great ſtone will flie at the beſt of the randon 900 paces, and the place to bee burned or beaten downe bee diſtant from the peece ſixe hundred paces, then the ſaide peece muſt bee mounted at fortie one degrees and almoſt ½ of a degree.And when the fireworke or ſtone will flie at the beſt of the raudon 1000 paces, and the ſpace betweene the peece and the ſaid place doth containe 600 paces, the ſaid peece muſt be mounted at ſixe & thirtie degrees and ½ part of a degree, but for the better vnderſtanding hereof marke well this figure following.

diagram of the use of a quadrant

fort to be burned or beaten downe.

The •… etus or perpendiculer line.

A morter peece ſet vpright.

In the ſaid figure there is a Quadrant, and vppon the ſame with a moueable Hipothenuaſa or Index a right angled triangle is faſhioned. The baſe of that triangle repreſenting the ſpace betweene the peece & the marke ought to bee diuided into ſo many equal partes as the ſaid diſtance betweene the peece and the marke doth containe paces. Likewiſe the ſaid Hipothenuſa or Index repreſenting the way of the ſhot would be marked with ſo many of ſuch like equall partes as may ſhew the number of paces which the peece wil ſhoote at the beſt of the randon to be numbred from the center downewardes. Now when a fireworke or a great ſtone is to be ſhot out of a morter peece vnto an appointed place, the gunner hauing in a readineſſe ſuch a Quadrant, and knowing how much ground his ſaid peece wil ſhoote at the beſt of the randon, & alſo what diſtance is betweene the peece & the place to be Burned or beaten downe, muſt mooue vpwardes or downewardes the ſaid Hipothenuſa or Index vntill that part of the Hipothenuſa which is equall to the number of paces which the peece will ſhoote at the beſt randon doth touch the Cathetus or perpendiculer line of the ſaid triangle: And thē he muſt note the degree vpon the Quadrāt which is touched with the fiduciall line of the ſayde Hipothenuſa or Index, and mount the ſayd morter peece to that degree for to ſhoote the fireworke or the great ſtone to the appoynted place.

The 76 Chapter. How you may make an yron dart which being ſhot out of any great peece of artillerie, or out of the inguine called Baliſta, or throne out of your handes againſt any woodden obiect, will burne and conſume the ſame obiect if it ſhall ſtrike and ſticke in the ſame obiect.

MAke an yron dart of two foote in length (more or leſſe at your pleaſure) with yron winges placed a little below the vpper end like the feathers of an arrow or Butſhaft, and aboue or vnder the ſaid winges pearce a hole thorow the ſtem of the dart.

depiction of an iron dart

Alſo make a round pype of yron plate about foure ynches in length, and in compaſſe a little leſſe than the compaſſe of the concauitie in the peece which ſhall ſhoote the ſame dart, and hauing pearced a little hole thorow both ſides of this pype put the pype filled full of the mixture following vppon the dart aboue the ſaid winges, or if you wil below the ſaid wings, ſo as his hole may lie directly vppon the other hole which was firſt made in the ſtemme of the dart, becauſe you muſt driue a naile thorow both theſe holes from one ſide of the ſaide pype vnto the other ſide of the ſame pype to faſten it and the dart togeather, that when the dart ſhalbe ſhot out of a peece of artillerie, the ſaide yron pype may not flie from it. Likewiſe I would haue you to pearce one hole at the vpper end f this pype, and diuers other holes thorow the ſides of this pype, and to put into the ſide holes ſhort yron pypes like vnto the Canons of pocket dagges, and to ſet faſt theſe ſhort pypes within the ſaid great pype ſo as their mouthes may lie a little without the ſaid holes according to the picture next following, and that their other endes may reſt vppon a part of the dart. For theſe ſhort pypes charged with powder and pellet (as dagges ought to be) will ſhoote out their pellets when the mixture in the ſaid great pype ſhall burne about them, and aſtoniſh all thoſe that ſhall then be neare vnto them, eſpecially if the dart bee ſhotte from an high place downewardes. Moreouer, put vppon the dart neare vnto his point a bagge wide in the middeſt and narrow towards both his endes according to the picture next following, & with a mixture made of 12 parts of Saltpeeter, eight partes of Brimſtone bruſed groſſelie like pepper cornes, and foure partes of groſſe gunpowder mingled togeather, fill that bagge, and alſo the ſaid great pype of yron as full as you can, binding well togeather both the endes of the ſaid bagge ſo filled, and nailing the full bagge vnto the dart with a naile driuen thorow a hole which for that purpoſe ought to be in the dart according to the picture next following, to the ende that the ſaid bagge may not mooue from his place when the dart ſhall be ſhot out of a peece of great Ordinance, or throne with your hande. Alſo you ſhall dippe hempe in the mixture which you learned to make in the nineteenth Chapter of this Appendix for gunmatches, and binde the ſame with pack threede when it is drie rounde about the dart from the ſaid yron wings vnto the ſaid bagge, laying the looſe ends of the hempe towardes the great pype of yron, or in ſteede of hempe binde a gunmatche rounde about the dart betweene the ſaid yron wings and the ſaid bagge, that the mixture in the ſaid great pype of yron being a fire may giue fire to the ſaide hempe or gunmatche which will carrie fire vnto the mixture in the bagge.

depiction of an incendiary dart

And foraſmuch as theſe dartes touched with mens handes or wet with raine will waxe worſe and marre, therefore cote them with canuas and winde packthreede very hard vppon the ſame canuas, and then couer the ſaid canuas all ouer with paſte made of meale ſod in water: and when the ſaid couer of paſte is thorow drie, make a cloſe and hard binding net of wiar round about vppon the ſaide couer of paſte according to picture next folloing

depiction of a cover for an incendiary dart

When you will ſhoote this dart put into the ſaid hole at the vpper end of the ſaide great pype a peece of a gunmatch, and charge not the peece out of which this dart ſhall be ſhot with ſo much gunpowder as is his ordinarie charge nor with any tampion or wadde.

The 77 Chapter. To make balles or pellets of fire which being ſhot out of great ordinance, or throne out of mens hands will ſticke faſt and burne the obiect in which they ſhall ſtrike.

PRepare three ſharpe pointed barres of yron a little leſſe in their lengths than the heigth of the peece his concauitie in which they ſhal lie. This done, lay 2 of thoſe barres croſſewiſe in their middle parts one vppon an other, binding the contingent partes of the ſame croſſe faſt about with an yron wier. Alſo lay the middle part of the 3 barre ouerthwart and croſſewiſe vpon the middle and contingent parts of the other 2 croſſe barres, tying them in like maner faſt togeather with an yron wier, ſo as one point at the leaſt of the ſame double and ouertwart croſſe may ſticke faſt in euery obiect that ſhalbe ſtrooken with the ſame. Moreouer winde a gunmatch round about the contingent partes of the the ſaid croſſe till you haue made vppon the ſame a round bottome as bigge as an Orrange, & then weauing the reſt of the gunmatch in and out vppon the ſaid croſſe barres, you ſhall make certaine void and emptie roomes like vnto birdes neaſtes, which muſt be filled with a mixture that ought to be made after this maner. Take of Saltpeeter 12 parts, of Brimſtone groſly bruiſed like pepper cornes 8 partes, of groſſe gunpowder 4 parts, & with all theſe things mingled togeather fill the ſaid emptie roomes ſo as your worke may bee a rounde body like a pellet. Furthermore winde round about ouer the ſaid mixture more of the gunmatch, & vppon this gunmatch winde very hard a handfull of packthreed in ſuch ſort as ſome men vſe to winde threed vppon a bottome, and when you haue ſo done, make an other mixture after this maner. Take of Brimſtone one part, of Orpiment, one part, of Colophonia pitch or Colophonia gum 2 parts, of Ship pitch one part, of Turpentine one part, of the wood of a yew tree one part, of Frankenſence ½ of a part, of Oyle of lynſeed ½ of a part, of Oyle of ſtone ⅓ of a part, of vitriall groſly beaten one part: and in theſe things mingled togeather, and boiled a little while in a copper veſſel, dip toe or bumbaſe much or ſcarſely according as you will haue this pellet to burne furiouſly or ſlowly, which toe or bumbaſe muſt afterwardes be wrapped round about the pellet, & well couered ouer with pitch, remembring that the ſharpe points of the ſaid yron barres muſt ſtand two ynces at the leaſt without the ſaid couer of pytch, and that a hole muſt be made thorow the midſt of the pellet from one ſide to the other to containe a gunmatch, which lying along in the ſaide hole ſhall when neede requireth make the ſaide ball or pellet to burne.

depiction of incendiary pellets

The 78 Chapter. How you may make holloe baules of mettall which being ſhot out of great Ordinance or morter peeces, or throne with ſlings out of mens hands among ſoldiers ſtanding or marching in battaile ray, will ſodainely breake in many peeces and doe great hurt.

EVery holloe ball of mettall that ſhal be ſhot out of any great peece of Artillerie or morter peece, or that ſhal be throne with mens handes among ſoldiers in battaile ray, ought to be made of brickle mettall, as of Copper, Lattin, Tynne, or caſt yron and haue a little hole in it, through which the concauitie of that baule may bee filled with fine corne gunpowder, and in which after the ſaid concauitie is filled with gunpowder, a ſhort end of a gunmatch may be put that ſhall fire the ſayd gunpowder incontinently after the baule commes among them at whom it was ſhot, to the ende that the ſayd baule being vnable to abide the violent blaſt of the gunpowder that is within his concauitie, may thereby breake in many peeces, and kill or greeuouſly hurt more men than one whole pellet will doe.

You may alſo fill holloe baules of mettall with that kinde of gunpowder which I haue taught you to make in the thirteenth way and ſixteenth chapter of this Appendix, for the ſaid gunpowder is of ſo great force, as that vndoubtedly it wil breake any holloe baule of brickle mettall filled with the ſame.

Some make theſe holloe baules with three partes of braſſe, and one of tynne, in thickeneſſe ¼ of an ynche, and they doe melt the braſſe before they put the Tynne vnto it, and when ſuch baules ſhall be vſed they fill them halfe full of good corne gunpowder, and to fill vp the reſt of the holloneſſe in this baule, they put in three partes of ſerpentine powder mingled with one part of roſen beaten into powder, & then hauing put into the mouthes of the holes that are in the baules a little fine corne gunpowder for to make the reſidue of the ſtuffe to fire the ſooner, they ſhoote them out of great Ordinance, or throe them with ſlings out of their hands among men in battaile ray, or ouer walles into townes, fortreſſes, and camps, to terrifie, hurt, and kill all thoſe that at the time of their breaking ſhall bee neare vnto them.

Moreouer you may for that purpoſe make a holloe pellet of one pounde of tynne, and three poundes of copper: and this pellet being made halfe a finger thicke, you muſt pearce two holes ſo bigge as a man may thruſt into them his little finger in both ſides of the pellet, one directly againſt the other. This done, fill the holloe pellet full of fine gunpowder preſſed downe very hard and put into this pellet thoroe the ſaide holes a holloe pype of yron which muſt reach from one of thoſe holes vnto the other, and be faſt riueted in the pellet. But before you doe put the pype ſo into the pellet, remember to pearce about the middle part of the pype two or three holes thoroe the ſides of it, and after the pype is riueted faſt in the pellet to make this next mixture folloing.

Take of groſſe gunpowder ſixtie partes, of Saltpeeter ſtamped twelue partes, of verniſh in graines ſixe partes of Spaniſh pitch ſixe partes, incorporate all theſe thinges togeather, and after both the endes of that yron pype are faſt riueted in the pellet, fill the ſaide pype almoſt full of that mixture, I ſay almoſtful becauſe you muſt put fine gunpowder into both endes of the ſaid yron pype. Moreouer, after you haue ſo done you ſhall firſt annoint the outſide of this pellet all ouer with Turpentine, and then hauing roled the pellet in fine gunpowder to make it apte to take fire quickly, you ſhall ſhoote the ſame out of a great peece of Artillerie with a traine of gunpowder, which lying along in the peece from the mouth of it vnto the gunpowder behinde the ſaid pellet, muſt firſt bee ſet on a fire at the mouth of the peece. Alſo you may if you will put into the ſaide holloe baule or pellet certaine ſquare or rounde peeces of lead, or diuers ſhorte pypes of yron like vnto pocket dagges full charged with gunpowder and pellettes, and fill vp the reſt of the concauitie in that baule or pellet with fine gunpowder, and hauing annointed it with Turpentine, androled it in fine gunpowder, ſhoote it out of a peece of Artillery with a trayne as aboue you haue beene taught to doe.

depiction of explosive pellets
The 79 Chapter. How you may make diuers ſortes of baules of wildefire which may be ſhotte out of Morter peeces, and alſo out of other great peeces of Ordinance: And how you may make diuers ſortes of baules of wildefire and other firewoorkes which may be throen out of mens hands with ſlinges, cordes, or other ſuch like thinges, into a Towne, Forte, Trenche, or Campe, or among men ſet in battelray.

TAke brimſtone, oyle of brimſtone, ſtone oyle, Iuniper oyle, Saltpeeter very well refined, and for euery parte of theſe thinges take fiue partes of Aſpalto: Moreouer, take Gooſe greaſe, or Duckes greaſe, pure Greeke pitch, verniſh, Pigens dunge dried and beaten into fine powder, and ſo much Aqua vitae as will couer all the ſame thinges. After you haue put all theſe thinges together into a glaſſe or into an earthen pot (which muſt bee glaſed or nealed) ſtoppe cloſe the mouth of that glaſſe or potte with waxe, or with the clay which we call Lutum ſapientiae in Latin, and in Engliſh Lute of wiſdome, and burie the ſayde glaſſe or potte in hotte dung for 25 or 30 dayes togeather. Then (to the ende all that mixture may be the better incorporated) ſet the ſayde glaſſe or potte vppon a ſofte fire, and hauing ſo done, dippe toe or linnen clothe in the ſayd mixture, and make a round baule fitte for your Morter peece, or for an other peece of Ordinance of the ſame toe or linnen clothe wel dipped and imbrued in the ſayd mixture.

2 You may alſo if you will take a ſmall pellet of yron or ſtone, and winde about the ſame ſo much of that toe or linnen clothe well dipped and imbrued in the ſayd mixture, as will ſuffice to make the ſame a fitte ſhotte for your great peece of Ordinance, or Morter peece. But when you will throe the ſayd ball of toe or linnen clothe with your handes, you ſhall hang a ringe about the ſame, and tie vnto that ringe a cord ¾ of a yarde in length, which corde you ſhall take in one of your hands, and with the ſame toſſe the ball after it is ſet on a fire rounde about you, till you ſhall perceaue by caſting it about that it is readie to departe from you, and then with all your ſtrength throe it into the appoynted place.

Alſo Canes, holloe ſtaues, and pottes may bee filled with this mixture, or you may fill bagges therewith, and after you haue ſet them on a fire, throe them with ſlinges, or ſuch like inſtruments whether you will.

3 An other kinde of firewoorke which may be throne out of mens handes among enemies ſet in battell ray, and which may be ſhotte out of great Ordinance and Morter peeces into Townes, Caſtles, Campes and Shippes.

TAke of the verniſh which is occupied to guilde leather an hundred twenty partes, of quick brimſtone forty eyght parts, of the oyle of rozen or gumme twenty foure parts, of Saltpeeter eyghteene parts, of the oyle called Oleum Olibani twelue parts, of Camphire ſixe parts, of very good Aqua vitae fourteene parts: Mingle all theſe thinges togeather in a pot, or ſome other veſſell ſet ouer a ſofte fire, then dip or imbrue toe or linnen clothe in that mixture, and keepe the ſame imbrued toe and linnen clothe in pottes, to throe after it is kindled with a gunpowder match among enemies, ſtanding or marching in battel ray: or make of the ſame imbrued toe and linnen clothe fitte pellets for to be ſhot out of great Ordinance, and Morter peeces into Townes, Caſtles, Campes and Shippes: For this kinde of firewoorke being well kindled, can not be quenched whereſoeuer it falles.

4 An other firewoorke which may be ſhotte out of great Ordinance and Morter peeces, or throne out of mens handes.

TAke of the verniſh which is occupied to guilde leather 120 parts, of the oyle of rozen or gumme 12 parts, of the oyle of waxe 12 parts, of the oyle of turpentine 8 parts, of quick brimſtone 24 parts, of ſaltpeeter 48 parts, of camphire 12 parts, of very good Aqua vitae 24 parts, of greeke pitch beaten into fine powder 36 parts: Mingle all theſe things togeather in a pot or ſome other veſſel ſet ouer a ſofte fire, then dip and imbrue toe or linnen clothe in that mixture, and keepe the ſame imbrued toe in pottes, to be throne with ſlinges after it is kindled, into any place that you will burne: or make of the imbrued toe and linnen clothe rounde balles which may be ſhotte out of great Ordinance and Morter peeces into Townes, Fortes, Campes, and Shippes, for this firewoorke being kindled, can not be quenched.

5 An other firewoorke which will burne in water, and may be ſhotte out of great Ordinance and Morter peeces in holloe balles of mettall, & throne with ſlinges out of mens hands.

TAke of good gunpowder 72 parts, of colophonia 24 parts, of common oyle of Oliues 18 parts, of brimſtone 12 parts, of Naphra or ſtone oyle 12 parts: Theſe things being well mingled togeather will burne all drie things, and as by adding vnto the ſame mixture a greater quantitie of gunpowder you may increaſe the ſtrength of this firewoorke, ſo by putting vnto that mixture ſomewhat more of Colophonia and brimſtone, you may abate the ſtrength of the ſame firewoorke.

After you haue made a mixture of the ſaid things, wrap the ſame in little bags of linnen as well and as ſtraight bound about as may be, then hauing tied a corde vnto euery of the ſaid bags, holde faſt the endes of the cordes in your handes, that by the ſame you may dip and imbrue the ſaid bags in hote pitch, which done, let the ſaid bags imbrued with pitch drie: When they are drie wrap them in linnen clothe as before you did the ſaid mixture, & afterwards dip and imbrue the ſaid wrappers in hote pitch as before you did the bagges, through which they ſhall not onely be defended from the moyſture of water, but alſo from breaking aſunder with the force of fire. After this, drie the ſaid wrappers in the ſunne, & hauing ſo done, pearce a little hole quite thoroe the ſaid imbrued wrappers & bags & into that hole put fire: After the fire is kindled, and hath burned a while in the ſaid hole, throe the aforeſaid compoſition into water, and by ſo doing you ſhall ſee the ſaid firewoorke to go downe to the bottome of the water, and to riſe vp againe to the top of the water, and to flame and burne both on the toppe of the water, & alſo in the bottome of the water, and neuer to be quenched with water.

Some vſe to ſhoote this kinde of firewoorke in holloe balles of mettall out of great Ordinance, and Morter peeces, and for that purpoſe they put a quantitie of gunpowder in toe, and after they haue imbrued the ſaid toe in the aforeſaide mixture of Gunpowder,Colophonia oyle of Oliues, oyle of brimſtone, oyle of ſtone or naphra, they fill therewith hollow balles of mettall, which being alſo couered on the outſide with the ſayde mixture, and ſhotte out of great Ordinance, or Morter peeces with other gunpowder, will for a while flie burning in the ayre, and at the length breake in many peeces to the ſpoyle and deſtruction of all thoſe that ſhall be ſtrooken with any peece of the ſame ball.

That this firewoorke may burne the longer and be more ſtronger, ſome put vnto the ſayd mixture Swines greaſe, Gooſe greaſe, brimſtone that hath neuer beene on any fire, oyle of brimſtone, oyle of naphra, oyle of lintſeede, Saltpeeter oftentimes refined, Aqua vitae or burning water, oyle of turpentine, Iuniper oyle, liquide pitch or verniſh, oyle of the yolke of egges: and for to thicken and incorporate thoſe liquide thinges, ſawe duſte of a Bay tree: And after they haue well mingled all theſe thinges togeather, and haue put the ſame in a glaſſe well ſtopped with waxe that no ayre may breathe out, they bury the ſayde glaſſe in a doonghill for two or three moneths ſpace, and at euery tenne dayes ende within that time they take that glaſſe out of the dunghill, and hauing ſhaken well togeather the mixture in the ſame, they bury it againe in freſh dung. After the ſayd mixture hath beene ſo buried in dung by the ſayd ſpace of two or three monethes, it may be vſed for a firewoorke, which being a fire with gunpowder, or with a gunpowder match, will burne and not be quenched with water till all his ſubſtance ſhalbe conſumed, and yet with drie durte, drie earth, drie ſande, and with ſuch other drie thinges may be choaked and cleane put out.

If this kinde of firewoorke ſhall happen to fall vppon a mans helmet, corſlet, target, ſworde, or other weapon, it will make the ſame redde hote, and force the man armed with the ſame to throe his ſayde armour and weapon away for to ſaue him ſelfe from burning.

6 An other vnquenchable firewoorke which may be ſhotte out of great Ordinance and Morter peeces, and may be throne in pottes out of mens handes with ſlinges.

TAke of Turpentine twelue poundes, of liquide pitch twelue poundes, of pitch verniſh twelue poundes, of Frankenſence twelue poundes, of Camphire twelue poundes, of quick brimſtone ſixe poundes, of Saltpeeter refined twenty foure poundes, of burning water thirtie ſixe poundes, of the oyle of naphra thirtie ſixe poundes, of coles made of willoe beaten into fine powder three poundes and ½ pound. Mingle all theſe thinges togeather, and make thereof with toe or linnen clothe imbrued in the ſame round balles, which may be ſhotte out of great Ordinance and Morter peeces, or if you will, you may throe certayne pottes filled with the ſayd mixture among enemies, for this kinde of firewoorke is vnquenchable.

7 An other firewoorke which may be ſhotte out of great Ordinance, or out of Trombes or Trunkes, or throne in pottes, and which will ſerue for Pykes, Dartes, Arrowes, or any other kinde of firewoorke, and may be kept good for a very long time.

TAke of fine gunpowder well beaten one parte, of Saltpeeter refined, dry, and well beaten one parte, of brimſtone well beaten fiue partes, of ſofte coles well beaten ten parts, of verniſh in grayne well beaten two partes, of Spaniſh pitch well beaten two partes, of Orpiment well beaten two partes, of Camphire well beaten ſixe partes: Alſo take of oyle of Lynſeede one parte, of oyle of bayes three parts, of liquide verniſh two partes, of turpentine three partes: Melte the gumme, waxe, and oyles ouer a ſloe fire, and when they are melted put all the other thinges into them, and ſturre them well together till all the oyle is dryed vp. With this mixture you may fill Trombes or Trunkes, and Pottes, and make thereof pellettes which may be ſhotte out of great Ordinance, and alſo out of Morter peeces. Alſo you may tie this mixture vnto the endes of Pykes, Dartes; and Arrowes, and if you will ſprinkle it with Aqua vitae, and put it into a nealed potte well and cloſe ſtopped, you may keepe it good ſo long as you will for ſuch purpoſes.

depiction of types of fireworks

8 An other kinde of firewoorke which may be ſhotte out of great Ordinance.

TAke of Saltpeeter refined with water thirtie ſixe parts, of brimſtone fiue parts, of cole ſixe parts, of Camphire three parts, beate euery materiall thing by it ſelfe, moyſten them with Aqua vitae, incorporate them togeather, and make pellets of the ſame mixture and ſhoote the ſame pellets out of great Ordinance.

9 An other kinde of firewoorke which may be ſhotte out of great Ordinance.

FIrſt take of groſſe gunpowder ſixe partes, of Saltpeeter refined two parts, of brimſtone one parte, of ſhip pitch two parts, of gumme of a Pine tree ½ parte. Beate well all theſe things and incorporate them togeather. That done, take of turpentine two parts, of nwe waxe ½ parte, of ſtone oyle one parte, of common oyle foure parts: Melte the Turpentine, Gumme, and waxe, and oyles ouer a ſloe fire, and then putting into this liquide mixture the compoſition which was firſt made, make thereof an other mixture. Then hauing in a readineſſe certain round bags of canuas, fill euery of thoſe round bags with the ſaid compoſition, and binde euery of thoſe bags or pellets ſo filled rounde about with yron wier. That done, cote them (as the Gunners terme is) twiſe all ouer with a mixture of brimſtone and gumme and winde yron wier harde vppon euery cote. After this make foure holes in euery pellet from one ſide to the other, let euery hole be ſo big as a mans finger, and putting into euery hole an ende of a gunmatch well roled in gunpowder, fill vp the vacant roome of euery hole with good and fine gunpowder.

When you will charge a peece of Artillerie with one of theſe pellets, put firſt into the ſame peece ⅔ partes of his ordinarie charge in gunpowder: Secondly, make a hole with a ſtaffe thoroe the middeſt of the ſame charge in gunpowder: Thirdly, of purpoſe refrayning to thruſte a wadde into the peece next after the powder, and put the pellet into the peece & cloſe vnto the gunpowder, and ſo as his ſaid holes may lie directly againſt the Gunpowder, and then geuing fire to the Gunpowder in the touchhole of the Peece, you ſhall ſee that the pellette will burne, and be a fearefull fire.

10 An other kinde of firewoorke which may be ſhotte out of great Ordinance, or throne with mens hands, and will burne in water, armour, ſtones and euery other thing vppon which it ſhall fal,

TAke of Saltpeeter, of cole made of willoe, of Aqua vitae, of brimſtone of Greeke pitch or Spaniſh pitch, gumme of a Pine tree, Shippe pitch, camphire, ſtone oyle, liquide verniſh and Turpentine, of each one parte. Mingle all theſe thinges togeather, and boyling this mixture in a Kettle ouer a ſloe fire, make thereof a paiſte which muſt not bee made too harde, nor too ſofte. Then hauing in a readineſſe rounde bagges of linnen clothe full ſtuffed with pure groſe gunpowder, and well bounde, couer euery bagge or pellette all ouer with the ſaide paiſte, and winde toe vppon euery couer of paiſte to keepe faſte the paiſte vppon the ſaide pellettes. This done, couer againe the ſaide bags or pellettes all ouer with the ſaid payſte, and winde toe as you did before vppon euery of thoſe couers, and binde the toe faſt vppon the pellettes with good packthreede, then make a hole u •… ery of thoſe pellettes, euen to the gunpowder which is within them, and put into euery of thoſe holes an ende of a gunmatch well roled in fine gunpowder. Now if you will ſhoote any of theſe pellettes out of a peece of Ordinance, you muſt charge the Peece with no more Gunpowder than with halfe of the gunpowder which is requiſite for the ſame Peece when it ſhooteth a pellette of yron, and you muſt thruſt the hole which is in euery of theſe Pellettes right againſt the middeſt of the peece his charge in gunpowder.

You may alſo without hurte to your ſelfe throe with your handes any of theſe pellettes among your enemies, if you will hurle the pellette away from you ſo ſoone as you haue kindled the Gunmatch lying within it, for after the Gunpowder within the pellet is a fire with the ſaide Gunmatch, the pellette doth open, and bring an vnquenchable fire to the ſaide paiſte, which will burne Armour, Stones, and euery other thing vpon which it ſhall fall though the thing be in water.

An other kinde of Firewoorke which may be ſhotte out of great Peeces of Artillerie or throne out of mens handes.

MAke a rounde purſe of canuaſſe, fill it full of groſe gunpowder, and binde well the mouth of the purſe according to the picture in the margent. And then make with a greate bodkin two or three holes or a more number of holes in that purſe, and put into euery of the ſame holes a woodden pinne. After this role the purſe oftentimes in the mixture following, till you haue well couered the ſame with that mixture, as before you haue beene taught to couer pellettes with an other mixture.

To make the mixture in which the purſe muſt be ſo roled, take fiue partes of groſe gunpowder, three parts of Saltpeeter refined, one parte of brimſtone, one parte and ½ parte of the gumme of a Pine tree, ½ parte of camphire, ½ parte of Turpentine, ½ parte of Vitriall not too ſmall beaten, ½ parte of common ſalte, ½ parte of oyle of ſtone, and of oyle of Linſeede, and one parte of Aqua vitae: Mingle all theſe thinges well togeather, and hauing roled the purſe in this mixture according as you haue beene taught before to role pellettes in an other mixture, take away out of the purſe ſo ſoone as the mixture which is vppon it is drie, all the ſaide pinnes of wood, becauſe they were put into the ſaide holes for no other purpoſe than to keepe the ſaide mixture out of them, and fill vp all thoſe holes with fine gunpowder, which touched with fire will cauſe the purſe to burne, and be a fire that can not be quenched with any other thing than with aſhes, duſte, or drie ſande.

depiction of a type of firework
The 80 Chapter. How you may make diuers ſortes of Firewoorkes, which being ſhotte in a darke night out of a Morterpeece, or out of any other peece of Artillerie, or throne out of mens hands into an appointed place, will geue ſo great a light as that you may diſcerne by the ſame light whether or noany enemies are in or neare vnto that place.

1 MAke certaine round bagges or balles of double folded canuaſſe, which being filled with the 2 mixtures following may be fitte pellets for morter peeces, and alſo for other peeces of Artillerie. Likewiſe make ſome ſuch rounde balles of double folded canuaſſe ſixe ynches in widenes or thereaboutes, for to be throne out of mens handes. When you doe paiſte or glue togeather the ſides of thoſe bagges, leaue a hole open in euery great ball, ſo bygge as the toppe of your Thombe, and in euery ball of the leſſer ſorte no wyder than that you may put into it the toppe of one of your fingers: This done, take of Saltpeeter not much refined ſixty partes, of Brimſtone forty partes, of groſe gunpowder two partes: bruſe the ſaid brimſtone groſſely like cornes of pepper, and pound the ſaid groſe gunpowder (if it be corned) into fine powder, and incorporate all thoſe things togeather. Moreouer, make an other mixture thus. Take of brimſtone 48 partes, melte the ſame brimſtone in an yron potte ouer a quick fire of coles, and put to that quantitie of melted brimſtone 12 partes of drie & harde gumme of a Pine tree, and 6 parts of Colophonia or Greeke Pitch, or Spaniſh pitch, which muſt in like manner be melted by a little and a little with the ſaid brimſtone. Then put to the ſaide liquide mixture by a little and a little, 18 partes of Saltpeeter groſely beaten, ſtill ſturring the ſame in the ſaide mixture with a ſtaffe or ſticke. After this remoue the ſaid potte from the fire, and then mingle well with the ſaid mixture 12 partes of groſe gunpowder. When you haue ſo done, put into that mixture by a little and a little ſo much ſawe duſt of a drie Pine tree as will (after it hath been therein wel ſturred with a ſticke) ſoke and drinke vp al the ſaide liquide mixture. Then laying this confection while it is warme vppon a rough & rugged boorde, breake the ſame confection into diuers peeces, ſo bigge as walnuttes or cheſtnuttes, and that done let them lie till they are colde, then mingle a conuenient number of thoſe peeces with the mixture which you did learne in this Chapter to make firſt, and after you haue ſo done, fill the ſaide round bagges with that confection preſſed downe harde, and leaue a hole open in euery bagge of the greater ſorte that ſhalbe filled in ſuch manner with the ſaide mixture ſo bigge as that you may put the toppe of your little finger into it. After all this, thruſte a long woodden pyn thoro euery ſuch hole a finger deepe into the ſaide mixture, and couer euery ſuch ball all ouer with a double folded paper paiſted togeather on the ſides. Againe, vppon euery ſuch couer of paper you muſt put an other couer of browne paper double folded and paiſted togeather on the ſides, and when you ſhall ſee that all the ſaide couers are drie, make ouer the laſt couer vppon euery of the ſaide ba les a ſtrong nette of yron wire to keepe the confection in euery ball faſt togeather, and then pulling the ſaide woodden pinnes out of the holes in the ſaide pellettes, thruſte one ende of a match of fiue fingers in length or thereabouts, well roled in good, groſe, or fine gunpowder, into euery of the ſaide holes a finger deepe, and let the other ende of that gunmatch hang out a little vppon the outſide of the pellettes laſt couer vnder the nette. Now when you will ſhoote theſe pellets ſo made, out of a Morter peece, or out of any other peece of artillery, take a quantitie of toe, ſtuffe the ſame toe made like vnto a little pilloe or cusſhin with the peece his dutie in gunpowder rammed downe ſoftly, and lay one of thoſe pellets next vpon the ſame cusſhin, and then making a traine of gunpowder from the ſaide cusſhin vnto the mouth of the peece mounted to ſhoote into the appointed place, geue fire to the ende of the traine at the mouth of the peece, and ſhoote diuers of thoſe pellettes into diuers places of that fielde or plaine where the thing is which you deſire to ſee.

The pellets which for the ſame purpoſe may be throne with ſlinges in mens handes are ſtuffed in euery reſpect with the ſaide mixtures as you haue beene taught to fill the other pellettes for peeces, but you muſt couer the canuaſſe of theſe pellettes all ouer with two ſundrie ſmoothe couers of thriſe folded paper paiſted togeather on the ſides, and well bounde croſſewiſe rounde about with good pack threede, to this ende that after they are drie you may with a ſling or corde of two foote and ½ in length tyed faſte at one ende to the pellet, throe any of the ſame pellettes into the appoynted places.

An other kinde of Firewoorke which being ſhotte in a darke night out of a Morter peece, or out of any other peece of Artillerie, or throne out of mens hands into an appoynted place, will geue ſo great a light as that you may diſcerne by the ſame light whether or no any enemies are in or neare vnto that place.

2 TAke of Saltpeeter refined 1 part, of Brimſtone 3 partes, of gumme of a Pine tree one parte, of that which in Italian is called Antimonio 4 partes, and of coles made of ſoft wood 1 part. Beate well all theſe things and incorporate them togeather with Linſeed oyle ſo as the mixture may be like a ſofte paiſte. Then make of toe and of the ſaide mixture pellets, and ſhoote them out of Morter peeces, or out of other great Peeces, as before you haue beene taught to ſhoote other like pellettes: for this kinde of pellet wil alſo geue a very great light, and diſcouer all things that are neere vnto the place where it doth burne.

An other kinde of firewoorke which being ſhot out of great peeces will geue a great light.

3 TAke of turpentine 4 pounds, of ſaltpeeter 1 pound, and of coles made of ſofte wood 4 pounds: ſtampe all theſe things togeather, incorporate them with flaxe, and make thereof pellets or round balles. For theſe pellets ſhot out of Morter peeces or out of other great peeces of artillery, or throne with mens hands into a darke place after they are a fire wil geue ſo great a light as that you may ſee by it whether or no any enemy or other perſon is there.

An other kinde of firewoorke which being ſhot out of great peeces will geue a great light and ſerue to burne the enemies munition.

4 TAke a pellet of yron in diameter 2 fingers ſhorter than the heigth of the concauitie in the peece which ſhall ſhoote this ball or pellet that is now to bee made, & paiſte paper all ouer vppon this yron pellet, and when the paiſte is drie, cut a ſlaſh in the paper, & pull away out of the paper thorow that ſlaſh the ſaid yron pellet. This done, fill the ſaide round and empty ball of paper with this mixture. Take of groſſe gunpowder 48 parts, of ſaltpeeter 12 parts, of greeke pitch 12 parts, of coles 6 parts, of oyle of Linſeede 12 parts. Incorporate al theſe things wel togeather, and hauing filled the ſaid rounde & empty ball of paper with the ſame mixture, couer the ball all ouer with canuaſſe paiſted vppon it, and well bounde rounde about with packthreede, to the ende it may not fall of when the ball ſhalbe ſhot out of a peece. After this, thruſte long woodden pinnes or pricks round about the ball into the middle parte thereof, and then take of groſſe gunpowder ſifted thorow a ercer 24 parts, of turpentine 18 parts, of brimſtone 6 parts, of ſaltpeeter 6 parts. Moyſten wel al theſe things with oyle, ſeeth them and incorporate them togeather in a liquide mixture, & imbrue well the ſaid ball in that liquide mixture. Moreouer, when you will ſhoote this ball out ofa peece, let the mixture vppon the ball be drie, and pulling the ſayd woodden pinnes or prickes out of the ball, fill vp all their holes with fine gunpowder. After this, lade the appointed Peece with a due charge in gunpowder, & with the ſaide ball thruſt home vnto the powder. But in this action put no wadde into the peece after the ball, becauſe you muſt make a trayne of gunpowder within the peece from the ball vnto the mouth of the peece, and hauing layde the mouth of the peece directly againſt the place at which you will ſhoote, diſcharge the peece geuing fire to the ende of the ſaid trayne at the mouth of the Peece.

An other kinde of firewoorke which being ſhotte in a darke night out of Morter peeces, or out of other great peeces of Artillerie, or throne out of mens hands into any place, will geue ſo great a light as that you may ſee by the ſame light whether or no any enemies are in, or neare vnto that place, and will burne ſackes of bumbaſe, ſackes of wooll, and ſuch other things which are ſometimes hanged before a wall to defend the ſame from the force of battering peeces.

5 TAke 2 ounces of Saltpeeter, 1 ounce of brimſtone, 2 ounces of camphire, and a little of mans greaſe or fatte. Mingle all theſe thinges togeather, and moyſten them wel in a kettle ouer a fire with aqua vitae, then hauing in a readineſſe diuers pellets of wood, ſtone, or yron, you ſhall role euery of thoſe pellettes well in the ſame liquide mixture,and when they are drie you ſhall role them well againe in that mixture: Likewiſe after the pellettes are drie againe, you ſhall role well euery of them the thirde time in that liquide mixture. Moreouer, if theſe pellettes ſhall happen to be drie when you will ſhoote them out of any peece of Artillery, or when you will throe them from you with your hands to ſee who is in a darke place, you muſt moyſten them againe with Aqua vitae.

Or you may if you will prepare certaine holloe pellets of Copper plate, white plate, or yron plate, and hauing made rounde about euery of them foure or ſixe or a more number of holes, fil the ſame empty pellets with the aforeſaid mixture, and with ſhippe pitch, leane or drie gumme, and quickſiluer mingled with the ſaide mixture, and role them well at 3 ſundry times in this mixture, as you haue beene taught before to role the other pellets in the other mixture, remembring that with theſe pellets ſhotte out of Morter peeces, or out of other great peeces of Artillerie, or throne out of mens hands vppon ſackes of bumbaſſe or ſackes of wooll, or vppon any other thing hanged before a wall to defende the ſame from the force of battering peeces, you may burne and conſume the ſame ſackes and other things of defence.

The 81 Chapter. To make and vſe halfe baked pottes, and fiue ſundrie ſortes of firewoorkes which may be put into the ſame pottes, and be throne out of mens hands for offenſiue and defenſiue ſeruice.
depiction of half-baked pots

1 The firſt mixture with which the ſaid pottes may be charged. Take of Groſſe gunpowder ſifted thorow a ſercer 24 partes. Saltpeeter ſifted thorow a ſercer 2 partes. Brimſtone ſifted thorow a ſercer 2 partes. Verniſh in graine 2 partes. Cole made of a willoe tree ſifted 1 parte. Moyſten all theſe things with Aqua vitae, and incorporate them togeather.

2 The ſecond mixture which is an excellent mixture to be throne in thoſe halfe baked pottes vppon enemies which will offer to ſcale any Forte, or wall, & is very good to burne ſuch ſtuffe as ſhalbe by enemies throne into ditches for to fill them vp. Take of Groſſe gunpowder 96 partes. Saltpeeter 18 partes. Brimſtone 4 partes. Liquide verniſh 2 partes. Stone oyle 2 partes. Greene copereſſe 2 partes. Arſenick 2 partes. Aſſa fetida 2 partes. Shippe pitch 2 partes. Mingle all theſe things very well togeather, for the more better that they are mingled togeather, the more better will the ſame mixture doe his effect.

3 The 3 mixture with which the ſaid pottes may be charged. Take of Groſſe gunpowder 4 pounds. Greeke pitch 1 pound. Verniſh in graines 1 pound. Brimſtone 1 pound. Saltpeeter 1 pound. Oyle of ſtone 1 pound. Stampe wel all theſe things together, and make a mixture of the ſame as you haue learned to make the other two mixtures.

4 The 4 mixture with which the ſaid pottes may be charged. Take of Groſſe gunpowder 48 partes. Greeke pitch 12 partes. Drie or leane gumme 6 partes. Brimſtone 6 partes. Saltpeeter 12 partes. Stampe wel all theſe things togeather, and make a mixture of the ſame things.

5 The 5 mixture with which the ſaid pottes may be charged. Take of Groſſe gunpowder 10 pounds. Saltpeeter 2 pounds. Verniſh in graines 1 pound. Spaniſh pitch 1 pound. Stampe all theſe things moyſtned with Aqua vitae in a morter, & incorporate thē together.

You may alſo if you will charge the ſaid pottes with ſquare or rounde peeces of yron and lead after this manner:Note. Melte in a ladle or in ſome other thing a conuenient quantity of redde or yellowe waxe, and with the ſame liquide waxe line and couer the inſide of euery potte: this done, ſticke in the waxe round about the inſide of euery potte ſo many ſmal, ſquare, or round peeces of yron and lead as you ſhall thinke needefull. Then hauing in a readines for euery potte a holloe trunke or pipe which in compaſſe muſt be equal with the wideneſſe of the pottes mouth, and in length agree with the heigth of the potte within, you ſhall pearce 3 or 4 holes in the ſides of euery of the ſaid pipes, and fill the ſaide pipes full of a mixture thus made. Take of Groſſe gunpowder 10 pounds. Brimſtone ſifted thorow a ſercer 2 pounds. Verniſh in graines 1 pound. Saltpeeter beaten to powder 1 pound. and ſifted thorow a ſercer Moyſten all theſe things with common water, and mingle them togeather, and after you haue put into euery potte ſo much fine gunpowder as will lie (the ſaid pipes being within the pottes) betweene the outſides of the ſaid pipes, and the inſides of the pottes, you ſhall thruſte into euery potte one of thoſe pipes filled full of the ſaide mixture, and couer euery potte all ouer with canuaſſe well bounde about and imbrued in pitch. Alſo when you willthro any ſuch potte among enemies, geue fire to the mixture in the pipe of that potte, and ſuffer it for a little while to burne before you doe caſt the ſame potte from you, which any man may doe without harme to himſelfe.

The 82 Chapter. To make 5 diuers kindes of firewoorkes which may be put into pottes, holloe ſtaues, canes, or other veſſels, and throne out of mens handes in defenſiue and offenſiue ſeruice.

TAke greeke pitch, alchitrean, quick brimſtone, tartar, ſarcocolla, niter, ſtone oyle, of euery of theſe 1 parte, and of vnſlaked lime 2 parts and ſomewhat more: Incorporate all theſe things togeather with the oyle of the yolkes of egges, then put al that mixture into a glaſſe or into a glaſed earthen potte, and hauing wel and cloſely ſtopped the mouth of the ſaid potte or glaſſe with waxe, bury the ſame glaſſe or potte in a dūghil or in hote dung for the ſpace of a moneth. After the ende of a moneth take it out of the dung, and ſet the ſaid glaſſe or potte wel and cloſely ſtopped vppon a ſofte fire that the mixture in the ſame may melte, & be liquide. This done, fill with that licor holloe ſtaues, canes, pottes, or other veſſels made of purpoſe to receaue the ſame, and in the middeſt of euery of them put a gunmatch, or rather a little good corne gunpowder which will when neede ſhall require ſet them quickly in a fire.

2 An other firewoorke which may be put into pottes and throne out of mens hands in offenſiue and defenſiue ſeruice, and may be ſhotte out of Trunkes, or tied to the endes of arrowes or dartes, and will ſerue to burne gates, carts, & all other woodden things that ſhalbe annoynted with the ſame.

TO make this liquide kinde of firewoorke put into a Cauldron Hogges greaſe, ſtone oyle, Oyle of Brimſtone, Saltpeeter twiſe refined, Aqua vitae, Greeke pitch, Turpentine, and ſome Serpentine gunpowder. But firſt the Pitch, Brimſtone, and Saltpeeter ought to be made liquide, and that done, put the ſaide Hogges greaſe, Turpentine, Oyle, and Gunpowder into the ſayde I cor ſet ouer a fire, that you may well incorporate the ſayde mixture, by ſturring and mingling the ſame with a ſticke in a potte or other veſſell prepared for that purpoſe. After this, couer the ſayde compoſition all ouer with good Gunpowder, that it may take fire quickly when neede ſhall require. After you haue ſo done, let it ſettle, that when you wil vſe it you may thro it out of your handes with a ſling, or with a corde tied vnto the potte, or with a chaine, or otherwiſe as you ſhall thinke beſt.

Alſo you may fill certaine little bagges of linnen with this licor, which being bounde about with cordes, and made rounde like pellets, may be ſhotte out of yron Trunkes.

Moreouer, you may with this liquide compoſition anoynte gates of Cities, woodden Bridges, Cartes, Munition, and ſuch like thinges which are apte to burne, eaſie to be penetrated with fire, and able to maintayne fire. And you may tie ſome of the ſaide linnen bags about the endes or heades of dartes, or arrowes, and if you will you may fill certaine linnen purſes full of the ſayde compoſition, and throe them out of your handes in defenſiue and offenſiue ſeruice.

3 An other firewoorke which may be put into pottes, and throne out of mens handes in defenſiue and offenſiue ſeruice.

YOu ought for this purpoſe to prepare ſo many pots or other veſſels as you ſhall thinke needefull, and it is no matter whether the ſame pots or veſſels be baked or vnbaked, ſo that the humiditie of their earthie ſubſtance be dried vp. This done, fill thoſe pots or veſſelsmore than halfe full with Serpentine gunpowder, and mingle with that gunpowder Greek pitch & brimſtone wel beatē to powder, in quantitie ſo much as ⅓ part therof at the leaſt. After this, couer the ſaid mixture a finger thick with hogges greaſe ſtrayned, to the ende that the ſaid mixture when it ſhalbe throne may holde togeather and not fall aſunder, and that it may cauſe the fire burning ſloely to endure til it ſhall fall among the enemies at whō it was throne. When you haue done all this, make a hole thorow the ſaid couering of hogs greace into the aforeſaid mixture of gunpowder, pitch, and brimſtone, and hauing put into the ſaid hole a ſhorte peece of a gunmatch, or a little of good corne gunpowder, fire the ſaid gunmatch, or gunpowder, and keepe the potte of that firewoorke in your hand til you ſhall perceaue the fire in it to be wel kindled, for then is the time to caſt it.

4 An other kinde of firewoorke which may be put into pottes, and throne out of mens hands in defenſiue and offenſiue ſeruice.

TAke of Saltpeeter 5 ounces, of groſſe gunpowder 4 ounces, and of gumme 2 ounces. Hauing beaten euery of theſe ſimples by it ſelfe groſſely, mingle them togeather, and incorporate them with oyle of Linſeede: that done, fill a potte with the ſame mixture, and ſuffer it for the ſpace of one day to lie ſtil in the ſame potte. After the end of that day make a round hole with a pearcer, or an auger, beginning at the mouth of the potte, thorow the ſaid mixture, and alſo thorow the bottome of the ſame potte, and to cloſe vp the ſame hole againe put into it a cane or pipe of ſofte wood, which being open at both endes, and equall in bigneſſe with the ſaid hole muſt in one halfe be filled with groſſe gunpowder, and in the other halfe with the ſaid mixture. When all this is perfourmed, couer the mouth of the potte with a peece of canuaſſe bound round about the ſame, and before you doe caſt the potte among your enemies cutte a hole in the canuaſſe ouer the mouth of the potte, & putting a ſuffycient quantitie of good gunpowder within that hole vppon the ſaid mixture, geue fire thereunto.

5 An other firewoorke which may be throne out of mens hands in defenſiue and offenſiue ſeruice, & can not be quenched with any other thing than with vineger or vrine.

TAke of quick brimſtone 1 parte, of orpiment 1 parte of colophonia 2 parts, of ſhippe pitch 1 parte, of verniſh in graine 1 parte, of turpentine 1 parte, of that which ſticketh like a gumme in the inſide of a butte of wine 2 parts, of that which in Italian is called Taſſo 1 parte, of frankencenſe ½ of a parte, of oyle of linſeede ½ of a parte, and of ſtone oyle ⅓ of a parte. Beate well all theſe things togeather, that done, boyle them a little in a veſſell of Copper, and then put toe or bumbaſſe into the ſame confection, and after you haue well imbrued the ſaid toe or bumbaſſe therein, make thereof pellettes which being a fire will not be quenched with any other thing than with vineger or vrine.

The 83 Chapter. To make 5 ſundrie ſortes of firewoorkes which will kindle with water or rayne.

TAke nwe lime made of Flintſtone, calamite burned to powder, vitrioll groſſely beaten 32 parts, ſaltpeeter oftentimes refined 8 parts, of camphire aſmuch as all the aforeſaid things, oyle of quick brimſtone, oyle of turpentine, ſaltpeeter, ſalte armoniack, in waight ſo much as the vitrioll, and ſo much of tartar, bay ſalte, ſalte of vrine, and aqua vitae made of ſtrong wine, as will ſuffice to diſſolue all the ſame compoſition, which muſt be put into an Alcumiſt glaſſe named in Italian Boccia, ſo well and cloſely ſtopped with waxe, that no ayre may breathe out of the ſame, and hauing ſo done, bury the ſame glaſſe in hot dung for the ſpace of 2 or 3 moneths, how be it within that time you muſt remoue the ſaide glaſſe, and change the dung in which it lyeth buryed at the leaſt euery tenne dayes, to the ende that the ſaid compoſition may ripe well, and be incorporated, and be like vnto a licor of one kinde, the which muſt afterwards be boiled vppon a ſoft fire til al the oylie, moyſture,and all the other moyſture that is in it be vapored away, and that the reſt of it be drie, and harde like a ſtone. When you haue in ſuch manner made that mixture drie, and harde like a ſtone, breake the ſaid glaſſe to take out of it the ſaid drie and ſtonie mixture. That being done, grinde the ſaid mixture to powder, and when you will vſe the ſame powder, ſtrowe it vppon a place where it ſhall take wette with raine or other water, for therewith it will kindle, and burne. But foraſmuch as this kinde of firewoorke may ſometimes fayle to kindle with rayne or water, it will be expedient for you to put fire vnto the ſaid gunpowder, for to make it kindle and burne according to your deſire.

2 An other firewoorke which wil kindle with rayne or water.

MAke pellets of vnſlaked lime, quicke brimſtone, oyle of linſeede, or of oyle of Oliues mingled togeather, and lay the ſame pellets where raine or other water may fall vppon them, for they being wette with raine or other water will ſuddenly kindle and burne.

3 An other firewoorke which will kindle with water or rayne.

TAke of the thing which in Italian is called Gloriatto one pound, of the oyle of the yolks of egges one pounde, of oyle of brimſtone one pound, of vnſlaked lime beaten to fine powder eighteene poundes: Incorporate theſe things togeather, and lay a quantity thereof where you will haue it to burne, for when any raine or other water ſhall fall vppon the ſame quantitie of mixture, it wil kindle and burne.

4 An other firewoorke which will kindle with water or rayne.

TAke of baulme or of bleſſed oyle 1 pound, of oyle of linſeede 3 pounds, of the oyle of the yolkes of egges 1 pound, of vnſlaked lime 8 pounds. Beate well all theſe thinges togeather, and make thereof a confection. That done, when neede ſhal require lay the ſame confection in an open place where raine may fall vppon it: or anointe therewith gates, woodden bridges, cartes, and ſuch like things which are apt to burne, for the thing ſo anointed will burne ſo ſoone as it ſhalbe wette with raine or other water.

5 An other firewoorke which will kindle and burne with water, and alſo with ſpittle.

TAke of brimſton oyle, of the gumme of the tree called in Latin Larix, in Engliſh Larch, of the rozē that runneth out of a Cedar tree, of liquide pitch of each 14 parts, of ſaltpeeter 16 parts, of the ſalte of that ſweete gumme which is called in Latin Salammoniacum, & in Engliſh Beniemine, or of armoniake ſalte, of vitriol, of lime made of tartar, of each one parte, of lime made of the lode ſtone, of vnſlaked lime made of flintes lying by the ſides of riuers, of each 5 parts, of tallowe and of duckes greaſe, of each ſixe parts. Put all theſe materiall things togeather into a pot, and poure into that pot ſo much Aqua vitae as wil drowne and couer all thoſe things. Then bury the ſame pot wel luted in a dunghil of horſedung for the ſpace of 3 monethes, and at euery 4 dayes ende during that time, take the pot out of the dunghil, and ſhake wel togeather al the things which are in the pot, and when you haue ſo done, bury the pot againe in an other place of the ſaid dunghil, and after the end of the ſaid 3 moneths, ſet the ſaid pot ouer a hote fire vntill all the moyſture within the ſame ſhal be cleane dried vp, & the mixture within the pot ſhalbe as lies or dregs. Then breake the pot, and keepe the ſame lies or dregs which you ſhall finde there: for the powder of the ſame lies or dregs being wet with ſpittle or water wil kindle and burne.

The 84 Chapter. To make 2 ſundry ſorts of firewoorkes which will kindle with the heate of the ſunne, & burne in water.

THere is a very thinne and burning licor with which if you will anointe in the caniculer daies any wood or other thing apt to burn, you ſhal ſee that the heate of the ſunwithout any other fire wil make the ſame anointed things to burn. Some ſay that Marcus Graccus deuiſed this fireworke to burne the Romanes Nauie, and it is alſo reported that if materiall fire be put into this kinde of oyntment it will ſodainlie burne, & be vnquenchable, except it be choked with drie ſande, or wet with old and long kept vrine, or with very ſtrong vineger. Alſo this kinde of fireworke will burne in water, and as the ſaide Marcus Graccus writeth, it may thus be made. Take Camphire, oyle of quicke Brimſtone, oyle of Turpentine, oyle called in Italian Oglio Laterino, Iuniper oyle, Stone oyle oyle of Lynſeede, Alchitrean, Colophonia finely beaten, oyle of the yolkes of egges, ſhip pitch, Cera Zagora, Duckes greace ſtrained, Saltpeeter, and twiſe ſo much aqua vitae as all the compoſition, and ſo much of Arſinicke and Tartar as ⅛ part of the whole compoſition, and ſome Armoniacke ſalt, and hauing put all theſe things in an Alcumiſt pot or glaſſe well ſtopped with waxe, burie the ſaid pot or glaſſe (that the ſtuffe within the ſame may putrifie) in hot doung for the ſpace of two monethes. Then all the ſaid thinges being in a veſſell called Storta, which Alcumiſtes doe vſe, muſt bee diſtilled with a ſoft fire through which within ſixe or eight houres after the ſaid things haue been ouer the fire, there will come a very thinne licor, into which you muſt put ſo much pigens dung, or oxe dung dried in an ouen, beaten into verie fine powder, and ſearced, as will make of it a ſubſtance like ſope, or rather a more liquide thing,

This liquide mixture may thus bee vſed. Anoynt the thing which is to be burned with that liquide mixture, and (as it is ſaid) the heate of the Sunne in the Caniculer daies will ſet the ſame in a fire, ſo as it will not onely burne the annointed thing, but alſo euery other thing apt to take fire which is neare vnto it. Galen doth report that in Myſia which is a part of Aſia, the dung of a Pigen fell vppon a part of a woodden windoe painted with roſen, and that after the ſaide dung was drie, it did kindle with the heat of the Sunne, and burne not only the ſaid windoe, but alſo the whole houſe where that windoe was, by reaſon that the dung of Pigens being drie, is apt and hath power to kindle fire.

2 An other fire worke which will kindle with the heate of the Sunne, and burne in water, and that may be choked with drie ſand or earth, and can not bee quenched with any other thing than with ſtale vrine, or ſtrong vineger.

TAke of the refuſe or dregges of the gumme of the Larix or Larch tree after the diſtillation of the oyle of the Larix or Larche tree, of the oyle of the Larix or Larche tree, of liquide pytch, of Cedar pytch, of Camphire, of the lime or clay named Bitumen, of the d ug called Mumia, of nwe wax, of Duckes greace, of Pigens dung, of the oyle of quicke Brimſtone, of the oyle of Iuniper of the oyle of Bayes, of the oyle of Lynſeed, of the oyle of hempſeed, of ſtone oyle, of Philoſophers oyle, of the oyle of the yolkes of egges, of euery of theſe things 60 parts, of Saltpeeter 120 partes, of ſalt Armoniacke ſeuen parts: all theſe things being put into a veſſell of glaſſe, muſt be firſt well moiſtened, and couered with burning water, and then buried in horſe dung for the ſpace of ſixe monethes. But at euery three daies end during the ſaide time, the ſaide veſſell muſt be taken out of the dung, and (after the things in the ſame haue been well ſhaken togeather) it muſt bee buried againe in freſh horſe dung. When the ſaid time of 6 monethes ſhall be expired, put the ſame mixture into the Diſtillatorie veſſell which is named a Seraphine, and draw out the quinteſſence of the ſaid mixture in the Seraphine, the which quinteſſence may be thickned with very fine powder of Oxe or Cowe dung. This done, put the ſaid mixture into pots or other veſſels, and when you will vſe the ſame fire worke, I counſell you to ſet it in a fire with a gunpowder match, or with good corne gunpowder as you haue before been taught to giue fire vnto other fireworkes, and to throe the ſayd pots with ſlings after they are well kindled, among your enemies.

The 85 Chapter. To make balles of fire which will burne in water.

MElt in a pot ouer a fire two poundes of cleane Brimſtone, & while it is warme mingle wel therewith one pounde of Saltpeeter, and halfe a pounde of fine gunpowder.This done, take the pot from the fire, and put into the ſaid mixture two poundes of groſſe gunpowder: after that beate in a morter the ſaid mixture moyſtened with ſtrong and diſtilled vineger, and when you haue ſo done, make thereof rounde balles or pellets: Then wrappe euery of the ſame balles or pellets in canuas, binding them rounde about vppon their wrappers as hard as may be with packthreed, and imbrue their wrappers ſo bounde all ouer with hot and liquide pytche, and remember after the pytch is colde and drie, to make a hole in euery of the ſaid pellets, and to put a peece of a gunmatch into euery hole for to fire the pellets when you will haue them burne.

2 An other fireworke which will burne in water, and conſume armor, wood, and euery other thing that it ſhall fall on.

TAke of Saltpeeter two partes, of Brimſtone two parts, of Greeke pitch or Spaniſh pitch one part, of Aſſa fetida ½ of a part, of Camphire three parts, and a few graines of Barly bruſed, wet in aqua vitae, and roled in good and fine gunpowder. Beat well and ſift all theſe materials except the Camphire, Aſſa fetida, & the graines of Barly, which you ſhall neuer pound well, vnleſſe you doe firſt beate a Nutte or two Almondes in the morter where the Aſſa fetida, Camphire, and barlie muſt be pounded. This done beate very well ſo much gunpowder as will counterpeaſe in waight all the ſaid materials, & hauing ſifted the ſame powder thorow a Seeue, mingle it among the other aforeſaide materials, and moyſten the whole mixture with oyle of Lynſeed, and with oyle of ſtone: then hauing in a readineſſe rounde bagges of canuas, put into their bottomes lead, to make the rounde bagges or balles ſtand vpright and after fill vp thoſe rounde bagges with the aforeſayd mixture preſſed hard downe. Alſo take of Brimſtone, Gumme, and of Spaniſh pyth of each one parte, melt them togeather ouer a ſloe fire, and while this mixture is warme, couer the ſaid round balles all ouer with the ſame, and bynde well the ſaid mixture vppon the balles with yron or copper wiers. Then wrap or ſoe canuas round about the ſaid balles, and hauing couered the ſaid wrappers with the mixture laſt named, binde the ſaid mixture vppon them as you did before with yron or copper wiers: and after you haue in this maner couered the ſaid balles thriſe, make thorow the ſide of euery ball, and thorow the middeſt of the ſaide peece of lead which you haue put into euery ball to make it ſtand vpright a hole ſo bigge as a mans finger, and two fingers deepe within the mixture that was firſt put into the pellet, and then filling vp the ſaid holes with good and fine gunpowder, giue fire to the ſame, and when the fire is well, kindeled throe the ball from you into water, for it will burne armor, wood, and euery other thing and can not be quenched with water.

3 An other fireworke which will burne in water and conſume armor, wood, and euery other thing that it ſhall fall on.

TAke of groſſe gunpowder one part, of Saltpeeter one part, of Amber one part, of Camphire ½ of a part: Beate all theſe thinges into fine powder, ſift them thorow a fine Seeue or ſearſer, and incorporate them togeather: then take more of gunpowder wel beaten ſo much as will counterpeaſe in waight all the ſaid materials, and incorporate the ſame with the other mixture. After this mingle ſixe ounces of aqua vitae with the ſaid compoſition, and alſo incorporate with the ſaide mixture, of oyle petriol foure partes, of ſtone oyle three parts, of oyle of Brimſtone, or rather of Iuniper oyle which is better two partes, and with this compoſition fill certaine rounde bagges, or balles of canuas as before you haue been taught to fill other like rounde bagges with other mixtures. Alſo couer and binde the rounde bagges filled with this mixture in like maner as you haue been taught to couer and bynde other like rounde bagges, and hauing made a hole in euery bagge euen to the mixture within the bagge, and filled the ſame hole with good and fine gunpowder, giue fire vnto the ſame gunpowder, and after the fire is well kindeled, throe the ball from you into water, for it will burne armor, wood, and euery other thing that it ſhall fall on, and can not be quenched with water.

4 An other fireworke which will burne in water and conſume armor, wood, and euery other thing that it ſhall fall on,

TAke of Saltpeeter refined drie, of quicke Brimſtone, of nwe pitch, of Camphire, of quicke lime, of the thing called in Italian comiranti, of each one part beaten togeather into very fine powder, and ſearced thorow a ſearcer. Alſo take of olde petriol oyle, & oyle of comuranti, melt them with nwe waxe ouer a ſoft fire, and while they are liquide and warme but not ſeething hot, incorporate them and the other mixture of powder togeather, and of this compoſition make pellets or rounde balles as before you haue been taught. For this ſort of pellets will burne in water, and conſume armor, wood, and euery other thing that it ſhall fall on. The Saltpeeter in this compoſition muſt bee ſodde in ſtrong vineger, and well dried before you doe beate it among the other things to powder.

5 An other fireworke which will burne in water, and conſume armor, wood, and euery other thing that it ſhall fall on, and can not be quenched but with ſtrong vineger.

TAke of Saltpeeter refined drie one part, of Brimſtone one part, of Orpiment one part, of ſhip pytch one part, of Spaniſh pytch ½ of a part, of verniſhe in graine one part, of Frankenſence one part, beate all theſe things into very fine powder, and incorporate them togeather: Alſo take of Turpentine one part, of Sheepes ſuet one part, of petriol oyle ½ of a part, and hauing made the ſame to boyle a little in a pot ouer a ſloe fire, put the other mixture into it, and incorporate them togeather: then dip fine toe or bumbaſe into the ſaid compoſition, and make pellets thereof & when need ſhall require giue fire vnto them as before you haue beene taught, and thro them vppon enemies which will offer to aſſault the fort, towne, or cittie where you are. For theſe pellets will burne in water and conſume armor, wood, and euerie other thing that they ſhall fall on and can not be quenched but with ſtrong vineger.

The 86 Chapter. To make a fireworke which will burne ſtones and yron.

TAke of Camphire three partes, of ſalt Armoniacke twelue partes, of oyle of Bayes 24 partes, of verniſh 24 partes, of Gumme 36 partes, of liquide verniſh twelue partes. of Turpentine 24 partes, of Spaniſh pitch 60 partes, of Brimſtone 60 partes, of liquide pitch twelue partes, of nwe waxe twelue partes, of Coles made of willoe 144 parts of fine gunpowder for handgunnes twelue partes, and of oyle of Lynſeede 36 partes: incorporate all theſe things togeather and keepe this confection to burne ſtones and yron.

The 87 Chapter. To make a fireworke which was firſt inuented by the ſonnes of Amram.

TAke of liquide picth, of the gumme of Iuniper, of the oyle and gumme of Turpentine, of the oyle of that lime or clay which is called Bitumen, of the oyle of Brimſtone, of the oyle of Niter, of the oyle of the yolkes of egges, of the oyle of Bayes, of euery of theſe thinges ſixe partes, of the powder of a drie Bay tree, of Camphire, of euery of them well ſoked in aqua vitae fourteene partes, put all theſe things togeather into a glaſſe narrowe towardes the mouth, and well ſtopped about the mouth with waxe: This done, bury the ſame glaſſe in horſe dung for the ſpace of ſixe monethes, and at euery foure dayes ende within that time, take the glaſſe out of the ſaid dung, and when you haue well ſhaken thoſe thinges togeather in the glaſſe, burie the glaſſe againe in other horſe dung, and after the ende of the ſaid ſixe monethes diſtill all thoſe things in that kinde of veſſell which of ſome Alcumiſtes is named a Seraphine.

The 88 Chapter. To make an vnquenchable fireworke which will burne without any flame.

TAke of Saltpeeter refined two partes, of Coles made of a firre tree ¼ of one part, and with the whites of egges incorporate them together. This done, role or drawe a cord made of fine wooll or bombaſe thoroe the ſaide mixture, and then putting fire vnto the ſame cord you ſhall ſee that it will burne without any flame and be vnquenchable.

The 89 Chapter. To make a fireworke which ſhall burne and doe his deſired effect at any appointed time.

TAke of Orpiment twelue parts, of pitch one part, of waxe one part, of Saltpeeter one part, of Cole made of ſoft wood foure partes: melt or diſſolue all theſe things togeather in water, and after they are ſo diſſolued thruſt a gunmatch of a knowne length into the ſaid mixture, and wet it well in the ſame. When you haue ſo done, and haue alſo dried this gunmatch wel againe, kindle one end of that gunmatch with fire, and noting diligentlie by a true watch or houre glaſſe, how long time it continueth, let it burne for a proofe till all of it ſhall with the fire be conſumed. And let it be here ſuppoſed that the gunmatch which was ſo wet in the ſaid mixture was three yardes in length, and that it did continue in burning one iuſt quarter of an houre, and that I am appointed to burne a thing with a like gunmatch at the end of one iuſt houre after the gunmatch ſhall bee kindeled, nowe therefore I take a like gunmatch of twelue yardes in length which is foure times ſo long as was the gunmatch by which I made the ſaide proofe, becauſe it muſt burne one houre, which is 4 times ſo long as the other gunmatch did burne, & I wreath this gunmatch about a ſtaffe, placing one wreath ſomewhat farre from the other, to the end that the ſayd gunmatch may burne in no more places than in one onely place at one time. For if the ſayde wreathes ſhould be ſet neare togeather, it might be that one wreath woulde ſet an other wreathe in a fire, and thereby making the gunmatch to doe his effect before the appointed time, diſcredite the workman, and fruſtrate his intent. Likewiſe if I ſhould bee appointed to fire a thing with a like gunmatch at the iuſt end of two houres after the match ſhall bee kindeled, I muſt take a like gunmatch of 24 yardes in length which is eight times ſo long as was the gunmatch by which I made the ſaid proofe, becauſe it muſt burne two houres, which is eight times ſo long as the other gunmatch did burne, and wreathing as I did before this gunmatch about a ſtaffe, I doe put that ende of the gunmatch which ſhall bee laſt touched at the end of two houres with fire, in a veſſell of gunpowder, or in a ball of wilde fire, that it may without faile doe thereby his effect at the appointed time. Thus noting well what I haue here written, you may fire any ſhip, myne, forte, or any other thing at an appointed time.

The 90 Chapter. To make a fireworke which may be vſed in militarie ſeruice, and alſo in triumphes.

TAke of groſſe gunpowder three partes, of Saltpeeter two parts, of Brimſtone one part, of verniſh in graines foure partes, of Romane vitriol ſixe partes, of Spaniſh pitch ſixe partes, of Amber foure partes, of Orpiment foure partes, of Arſenike foure partes, of greene Copereſſe two partes, and of Salt Armoniake two parts: beate well all theſe things (except the Saltpeeter and Brimſtone which muſt not bee much beaten) and incorporate them togeather. Alſo take of liquide verniſh ſixe parts, of Petriol oyle foure partes, of oile of Lynſeede foure partes, and of aqua vitae ſixe partes. Firſt put the aqua vitae alone into the ſaid mixture, and incorporate them well togeather: then put the liquide verniſh into the ſaid compoſition, and incorporate them togeather, and laſt of all put the ſaide oyles into the ſaid compoſition, and in like manner incorporate them well togeather. This done,you may vſe the ſaid compoſition for militarie ſeruice, and alſo for triumphes, and if you will put it into a nealed pot well and cloſe ſtopped, you may preſerue it ſo long as you will for ſuch purpoſes,

The 91 Chapter. To make a fireworke which may be caſt vp into the ayre, and may be ſhot out of a trunke or trombe.

TAke of Greeke pytch twelue parts, of quicke Brimſtone two partes, of Saltpeeter refined drie three partes, beate all theſe things, and make a paiſte of them with aqua vitae, and oyle of Lynſeede, and then of that compoſition make certaine pellets, and when you will charge a trombe or trunke with any of theſe pellets, role them in fine gunpowder, and hauing made holes croſſewiſe thoro the ſides of the ſame pellets, to the ende that the fire may enter into them, fill vp the ſaid holes with fine gunpowder.

The 92 Chapter. To make a fireworke which at a triumph may be caſt vp into the ayre.

TAke of Saltpeeter refined drie two partes, of Brimſtone one part and ½ of a part, of liquide Camphire one part, of Coles one part and ½ part: beate all theſe thinges into fine powder, and after you haue ſo done take of petriol oyle and of aqua vitae of eache an equall quantitie, and incorporate them with the Camphire, and with the ſaide powder, and then make of that mixture pellets which muſt be dryed in the Sunne: and when you will thro any of theſe pellets vp into the ayre, you muſt firſt make a hole into the pellet, and hauing filled vp the ſaid hole with good gunpowder giue fire vnto the ſame gunpowder.

The 93 Chapter. To make Rockettes or Squibbes which being throne vp into the ayre wil caſt foorth flames of fire, and in comming downe towards the ground will ſhew like ſtarres falling from heauen.

TO make theſe Rockets you muſt prepare a fourme or model of wood of a conuenient length, and role paper vppon the ſame foure or fiue folde, and tie a packthreede very harde about one end of this holloe trunke of paper, leauing all this notwithſtanding a ſmall hole in that ende. This holloe trunke of paper ought to be of ſuch length that it may conueniently hold all the things which muſt be put into it, and you ought to put no more waight vppon a Rocket than the iuſt poyſe of the ſame Rocket.

When this trunke of paper ſhall be filled with ſuch things as will flame and giue crackes or bloes, put fine gunpowder into the ſaid trunke for to kindle the gunmatch, which muſt lie along in the ſtuffe that will flame and cracke. The ſtuffe which is to be put into the Rocket for to flame and giue crackes is made of twelue partes of Saltpeeter refined, of Citrine Brimſtone nine partes, of groſſe gunpowder fiue partes and ¼ of a part mingled togeather with your hand. The Brimſtone and Saltpeeter muſt be groſly poūded like vnto the cornes of groſſe gunpowder. This done, make of ſom hemp or toe a thing like vnto a taile ¾ of a foote or more in length, and tie a packthreed about the ſaid taile neare vnto the biggeſt end of it: Alſo at that greateſt end of the taile, a holloe place muſt be made like vnto a birds neſt, & after you haue put into that neſt one part and ⅓ of a part of the ſaid mixture, winde the reſt of that taile rounde about vppon the neſt and all ouer the ſaide mixture, make a rounde ball thereof, and croſſewiſe binde packthreed very hard vppon it to the ende that the ſaid ball may therewith be made very harde. And finally thruſt a gunmatch well roled in good gunpowder cleane thorow the ſaid ball and mixture to kindle the ſaide mixture, and to make this Rocket for to flame.

The 94 Chapter. To make Torches and candles which after they are lighted cannot be extinguiſhed with any winde or water.

TAke foure cordes ſo bigge as a mans finger of fine wooll or bumbaſe, ſeethe them in Saltpeeter water, and when they are drie againe, role them well in fine gunpowder and Brimſtone tempered with a ſufficient quantitie of aqua vitae: then take of waxe three partes, of gumme of a pine tree two partes, of Camphire ½ of a parte, of Turpentine ½ of a part, and of Greeke pytch or Spaniſh pytch one part: melt all theſe things ouer a ſoft fire, and make a paiſte of the ſame mixture, and couer the ſaide cordes all ouer with the ſaide mixture as chaundelers doe their waxe candles. This done, ſticke and lay the ſame foure cordes ſo couered vppon a drie firre tree ſtaffe, as waxe candles are ſtucke and laide vppon like ſtaues commonly called ſtaffe torches, and fill vppe the emptie places vppon the ſtaffe which will be betweene the ſaid cordes, with a mixture made of three partes of quicke or vnſlaked lime, and of one part of quicke Brimſtone beaten into fine powder, and moyſtened with a little of Linſeed oyle: a torch thus made after it is lighted can not be extinguiſhed with any winde or water. But to make a candle for the like purpoſe, take the weeke of a candle, and the powder of quicke Brimſtone, wrappe them vp togeather in a fine peece of lynnen cloth, and with waxe make thereof a candle, for (as Noſtradamus and Weckerus haue written) a lighted candle ſo made can not bee extinguiſhed with any winde ſo long as any peece of his ſubſtance doth endure.

Alſo you may make any nextinguiſhable torche in this maner: Take a long gunmatch, and after you haue boyled it in lie made of Saltpeeter, drie it well: then take of Brimſtone finely beaten 1 part, of gunpowder for great ordinance one part, & of waxe one part: Mingle al theſe things togeather, and when you haue melted this mixture in a pan, put ſo much of the ſaid gunmatch into it as will drinke or ſoke vp the greateſt part thereof: then taking the gunmatch out of the pan, cut it into peeces ſo long as the torch ſhall be, and vnto the quantity of mixture remaining in the pan, put a like quantity of the gumme of a pine tree, a like quantitie of Brimſtone, and a like quantitie of Turpentine. Which done, melt in that pan all the ſame things, and after you haue there well mingled them togeather, couer the ſaid peeces of a gunmatch all ouer with the ſame mixture, as waxe chaundelers doe vſe to couer their torch candles: and by ſo doing you ſhall make excellent torches, which burning in a flame can not be extinguiſhed with winde, raine, or ſnoe.

The 95 Chapter. To make a fireworke which will burne and giue a great light in a Croſſet.

THruſt lynnen ragges into oyle of hempſede, and after dippe them in melte allowe, then putting them into Creſſets giue fire to them, & you ſhall ſee that they ll burne and giue a great light.

The 96 Chapter. To kindle fire with the heate of the Sunne.

IF you will lay a Chriſtall ſtone vnder the circle of the Sunne, that is to ſay againſt the Sunne, and place a thing that may be burned neare vnto it, you ſhall ſee that the heate of the Sunne will ſet that thing in a fire.

The 97 Chapter. How you may make a Trunke or Trombe which will ſhoote fireworkes, and may bee vſed in fight vppon the Sea, and in fight vppon the lande: how you may make a furious and quicke burning fireworke for the ſaid Trunke: how you may make a ſloe and ſoft burning fireworke for the ſaid trunke: and how you may make diuers fortes of fireworkes for the ſaid trunke: and how you ought to charge the ſaid trunke with the ſaid furious and quicke burning fireworke: and alſo with the ſaide ſloe and ſoft burning fireworke.

TO make a Trunke take a rounde peece of wood in length two foote, and in compaſſe equall with the ſmall of a mans legge. Bore a rounde hole in the middeſt of this peece of wood ſeuenteene ynches long from one end of the ſame peece of wood towardes the other end, and make the ſame hole of ſuch wideneſſe that a henne egge may be put into it. Likewiſe bore a ſmall hole three ynches long at the other ende of the ſayd peece of wood to receaue an ende of a ſtaffe of fiue foote long, which being put in, and there made faſt, ought to be holden in your hand when the Trunke ſhall be diſcharged. Now leauing foure ynches ſpace in wood betweene the bottome of this hole and the bottome of the other hole into which the mixture for the charge of the Trunke ſhall be put, bind the ſayd peece rounde about for more ſecuritie in three or foure places with hoopes of yron, to the end it may not breake with the force of his charge. Alſo you muſt prepare certaine pypes of yron in length ſixe ynches, like canons which are made for pocket dagges, and charging them with gunpowder and pellets, binde them ſo faſt with the ſaid hoopes of yron vppon the outſide of the Trunke, that they in their diſcharges may not flie out of their places.

The ſaid pypes of yron ought to be ſet vnder the ſaide hoopes, and vppon the Trunke according as they are drawne in the figure next following. That is to ſay, certaine of the ſayd pypes of yron muſt bee placed vnder euery hoope rounde about the outſide of the Trunke in ſuch order as no one of them may bee perceiued to ſtande directly behinde an other, and ſo as the touch hole in euery of the ſayd pypes may lie iuſtly vppon a ſmall hole pearced thorow the thickneſſe of the wood about the concauitie in the Trunke, to the end that the mixture in the trombe or trunke being a fire may giue fire thorow the ſaid holes to the gunpowder in euery of the ſame yron pypes, and expell their pellets.

depiction of a trunk or trombe [hand-grenade]

To make a furious and quicke burning fireworke for the ſaid trunke, take twelue partes of groſſe gunpowder, three partes of Saltpeeter groſly bruſed like pepper cornes, and ſome graines of Salt equall in biggeneſſe to the ſaide cornes of Saltpeeter: mingle theſe things togeather, and moyſten them with aqua vitae & with a little of oxe gall: but to make a ſloe and ſoft burning fireworke for the ſaid trunke, take tenne partes of groſſe gunpowder, ſixe partes of Saltpeeter groſly bruſed, and foure partes of Brimſtone groſly bruſed, and to prooue whether or no theſe things mingled togeather will burne ſo ſloly or ſoftly as you deſire that they ſhoulde doe, lay a ſmall part of the ſame mixture vppon a boord or table, and hauing put fire thereunto marke diligently how the ſame doth burne, and in ſo doing remember, that by adding more gunpowder vnto this ſloe burning fireworke you ſhall make it to burne more furiouſly, & that by taking away ſome part of the gunpowder which is in the ſame fireworke, you ſhall make it to burne in a Trunke more ſloely and ſoftly. Now hauing prepared for a trunke two ſuch fireworkes, fill the concauitie of the Trunke firſt 3 ynches in length with the ſaid furious and raging fireworke, next one ynche in length with the ſayde ſloe burning fireworke, then againe three ynches in length with the furious fireworke, after that one ynche in length with the ſloe burning fireworke, and proceede in this order till you haue filled the concauitie of the trunke ful of that fireworke. Or (if you will) you may before the trunke is full charged with both thoſe fireworkes, put into the trunke next vnto the laſt courſe of the ſloe burning fireworke one parte and ½ part of fine gunpowder, and ſome quantitie of groſſe filinges of lead, and ſmall peeces of glaſſe wrapped vppe togeather in a looſe peece of paper like a pellet, and thruſt lightly home vnto the gunpowder, ſo as a burning gunmatch lying a long by one ſide of the ſaid pellet from the mouth of the ſaide concauitie vnto the ſayde fine gunpowder, may when neede ſhall require fire the gunpowder, and make the fireworke in the trunke to flame.

2 An other mixture with which the ſayd trunke may be charged.

TAke of groſſe gunpowder 48 partes, of Greeke pytch or Spaniſh pytch twelue partes, of Camphire ſixe parts, of glaſſe beaten into powder foure partes, of verniſh in graines three partes, of verniſh in powder three partes, of drie or leane gumme two partes, of Saltpeeter ſixe partes, of Brimſtone two partes, of quickſiluer killed with faſting ſpittle one part: beate each of theſe thinges by it ſelfe, and hauing moiſtened them with aqua vitae mingle them togeather.

With this mixture you ought to charge a trunke in this maner: firſt put into the concauitie of the trunke a little of groſſe gunpowder, next a little of the ſaide mixture, thruſting it home to the gunpowder with a woodden rammer, then a little of bumbaſe or cotten wooll wet in Iuniper oyle or in aqua vitae, after that a little quickeſiluer, and when you haue ſo done put againe into the trunke a little gunpowder vnmixed, ſome of the ſayde mixture, and a little quickſiluer in ſuch meaſure and like ſort as you did before, keeping ſtill the ſame order till you haue filled the trunke full of the ſaide gunpowder, mixture, bumbaſe, and quickſiluer. After all this is done, couer the mouth of the trunke with paper bounde faſt about the trunke with packthreede, and making a little hole right againſt the mouth of the trunke, thruſt into the ſame a gunmatch, which lying along within the concauitie of the trunke from the outſide of the hole in the ſaid paper couer, vnto the gunpowder that is in the trunke, may when neede ſhall require, giue fire vnto the ſaid gunpowder.

3 An other mixture with which a trunke may be charged.

TAke of Saltpeeter, Brimſtone, oyle of Lynſeede, oyle of the pyne tree, gumme melted, Spaniſh pitch, drie gumme, of eache a like portion: and when you haue mingled all theſe things togeather, charge your trunke with the ſaid mixture.

4 An other mixture with which a trunke may be charged.

TAke of Brimſtone, Orpiment, Colophonia pytch, or gumme of the hearb Colophonia, nwe pytch, Verniſh in graines, Turpentine, mans fat or mans greaſe, Maſticke, Greeke pytch, Frankenſence, oyle of Lynſeede, of each one part: beate well all theſe thinges, and then mingle them togeather, and cauſe the ſame mixture to ſeethe a good while in a glaſſe. That done, dippe bumbaſe or toe into the ſame mixture, and make therof as it ſhall pleaſe you great or little pellets. My Authour Leonardo Cataneo writeth that you may charge the aforeſaid trunk with theſe pellets, and that the ſame pellets being once a fire can not bee quenched with any other thing than with vrine, vineger, aſhes, duſt or ſand.

The 98 Chapter. How you may make foure ſundrie ſortes of Trunkes or Trombes: how you may make foure ſundry ſortes of mixtures for the ſaid Trunkes: how you may make balles or pellets for the ſaid trunks: and how you ought to charge the ſaid Trunkes with the ſaid mixtures and pellets.

MAke a rounde Trunke of Willoe, or of Oliue, or of the wood named in Italian Bedolo, or of the wood named Onizzo, for making it of any other wood which is not a ſofte and faſt wood, the trunke will not only by breaking put you in danger, but will bee all in a fire vppon a ſodaine and deſtroy you and your friends about you.

Make this round Trunke three foote and ¼ of a foote in length, and fiue ynches in thickneſſe from outſide to outſide, And let the concauitie of this Trunke bee in length thirtie ynches, and the Diameter of the ſaid concauitie two ynches: alſo make a rounde hole in the breech of this Trunke foure ynches long towards the loer end of the ſaide concauitie in the trunke, and one ynch and ½ ynche in Diameter or wideneſſe for to receiue and hold faſt the ende of a round ſtaffe which muſt be put into the ſame hole when you will vſe the Trunke. Furthermore, take away the wood rounde about vppon the outſide of the trunke ſixe ynches beneath the mouth of the trunke, in deepneſſe ſo much as the backe of a knife is thicke, and in breadth three ynches, and winde or binde very hard a ſtrong corde, or a ſtrong yron wier round about all ouer and vppon the trunke in that & in all his other like holloe places, for ſixe ynches beneath this hollo place you muſt make an other like holloe place: I meane you muſt take away the wood rounde about vppon the outſide of the Trunke in deepneſſe ſo much as the backe of a knife is thick and in breadth three ynches, and binde very hard a ſtrong cord or a ſtrong yron wier rounde about all ouer and vppon that holloe place. Likewiſe you muſt make round about vppon the trunke ſixe ynches beneath this ſecond holloe place, a third holloe place like and equall in breadth and deepeneſſe to the ſaid ſecond holloe place, and binde very harde a ſtrong corde or a ſtrong yron wier rounde about all ouer and vppon this third holloe place, as you did vppon the firſt and ſecond holloe places according to the two figures A B and A C next following: for A B is a trunke with three ſuch holloe places as before haue been ſpoken of: and A C is a trunke which hath three ſuch holloe places bounde all ouer with ſtrong cordes or ſtrong wiers and hath a ſtaffe ſet faſt in his loer end.

depiction of two trunks or trombes [hand-grenades]

After you haue framed a Trunke in this ſorte, take of groſſe gunpowder which is vncorned 72 partes, of Saltpeeter beaten like vnto the ſeed of millet nine partes, of Brimſtone beaten and ſifted ſixe partes, of Coles made of the wood of Willoe beaten and ſifted foure partes, and of verniſh beaten and ſifted two parts, put all theſe things togeather in a bole of wood, and ſprinkle a little water vppon them that the Coles may not be blone out of the bole, and by ſo doing you ſhall make of thoſe things a ſloe mixture to burne in the ſaid trunke.

Alſo you ſhall prepare balles or pellets for the ſaide trunke in this manner. Make a flatte Cake of hempe in greatneſſe ſo much as the paulme of a mans hande, and in thickeneſſe ſo muche as the backe of a knife, wette well this Hemppen Cake in aqua vitae, and after you haue ſo done wryng the aqua vitae out of it. Then hauing in a readineſſe a mixture made of twelue partes of groſſe gunpowder ſifted, and of three partes of Saltpeeter ſifted, put a parcell thereof vppon the middeſt of the ſaid cake, and when you haue ſo done, role vppe that Cake like a Ball or Pellet which muſt bee ½ finger leſſe in his Diameter than the heigth of the concauitie in the Trunke, and muſte bee well bounde rounde about with packthreede. Moreouer, thruſt ſixe Pinnes or prickes of Wood into this ball euen vnto the mixture which is within the ball, and let euerie oftheſe prickes or pinnes be of ſuch length that one ende of euery of them may touche the ſaid mixture within the ball, and the other ende of euery of them may be two ynches at the leaſt without the ball. After all this is done, cote the whole ball with melted Brimſtone, & make in this maner a great number of theſe balles which you may keepe till you ſhall haue cauſe to vſe them in trunkes: at which time you muſt take out of them the ſaid prickes or pinnes and fill vp their holes with good gunpowder which will eaſily and very quickely ſet the ſaid balles in a fire.

When this trunke ſhall bee charged, you muſt haue in a readineſſe groſſe gunpowder mingled with filings of yron in this proportion. Vnto one part of the filings of yron put 12 parts of groſſe gunpowder: and this done, you muſt firſt thruſt ſo much of that mixture into the bottome or loeſt ende of the concauitie in the trunke as will fill the ſaide concauitie three ynches in length after it hath been rammed downe hard with a ſtaffe. And after this you ſhall put one of the aforeſaid balles or pellets into the trunke: and after the ſame pellet ſo much gunpowder as you can take vp and hold with your thombe and foure fingers, and after the quantitie of gunpowder laſt named, ſo much of the ſaid ſloe mixture as will fill the concauitie in the trunke three ynches more in length, and then you ſhall put againe into the concauitie of the trunke ſo much of the ſaid gunpowder mingled with the filings of yron rammed downe very hard with a ſtaffe, as will fill the ſaide concauitie three ynches more in length, and after the ſaide gunpowder and filinges, one other of the ſaide balles, and after the ſaid ball ſo much gunpowder as you can take vp and hold with your thombe and foure fingers, and after this quantitie of gunpowder laſt named, ſo much of the ſloe mixture as will fill the ſaide concauitie three ynches more in length, and you ſhall proceede to put the ſaid gunpowder mingled with filings of yron, balles, gunpowder vnmingled, and ſloe mixture into the trunke in ſuch order as you did before vntill you haue filled the ſaid concauitie full within ½ ynch of his mouth, and in ſo doing you muſt put the balles in the ſaide concauitie directly vnder the ſaide holloe places which are bounde for more ſafetie all ouer with ſtrong cordes or ſtrong wiers of yron.An admonition. When you haue ſo filled the concauitie of this trunke within ½ ynch of his mouth, binde a lynnen cloth well imbrued or coted with pitch all ouer the mouth of the ſaid concauitie, to ſaue the gunpowder, balles, and ſloe mixture in the ſaide concauitie from ſparkles of fire, and from moiſture, and let it remaine there vntill you ſhal be readie to put fire with a gunmatch, or other wiſe, vnto the thinges in the concauitie of the trunke, for then it muſt be taken away. Alſo you muſt put the end of a ſtaffe of ſixe foote long into the ſaid round hole of foure ynches in length at the breeche of the trunke, and pynne it faſt there that it may not come out agayne.The vſe of Trunkes. With ſuch trunkes as this is, walles may be aſſaulted, breaches may bee defended, and ſhippes may be boorded. Alſo with ſuch trunks the forefront of an armie may be preſerued from the force of horſemen, campes, gates, fortes, and townes, may with the fire iſſuing out of theſe trunkes be burned.

This trunke may alſo be charged in an other ſort without any of the ſaide pellets: for a round box of good yron plate being made like the woodden couer of a round Marmelaid box, & ¼ of an ynch leſſe in his Diameter than is the wideneſſe of the concauitie in the trunke, you ſhall fill the ſaid yron boxe full of ſquare peeces of yron or lead, and binde paper ouer the mouth of the boxe that the ſquare peeces which are in the ſaide boxe may not fall out. And when you will charge your trunke with this boxe full of ſuch ſquare peeces of yron or lead, you muſt firſt put into the trunke ſo much of vnmingled groſſe gunpowder as wil fil the concauitie in the trunke thre ynches in lēgth after it hath been preſſed downe very hard: and ſecondly you muſt put into the trunke after the ſayd groſſe gunpowder ſo much of fine gunpowder as you can take vp and holde with your thombe and foure fingers: and thirdly you muſt put into the ſaid trunke the ſaid boxe of yron full of ſquare peeces of yron or lead with his bottome towardes and next to the ſaide gunpowder. Fourthly you muſt put into the ſayd trunke next after the ſaid boxe ſo much of groſſe gunpowder as will bee enough to carrie fire vnto the fine gunpowder which is behinde or vnder the bottome of the ſaide boxe. Fiftly you muſt put into the ſaide trunke ſo much of the ſloe mixture nexte following as wyll fill the concauitie in the Trunke three or foure ynches more in length. Sixtly, you muſt put into the Trunke ſo muchof groſſe gunpowder as you did at the firſt, and then you muſt proceede in the aforeſaide order to fill vp the concauitie in the the ſaid trunke with gunpowder, & the ſloe mixture next folloing, vntill the ſaide concauitie ſhall bee full within ½ ynch of his mouth. Which done, binde ouer the mouth of the trunke a linnen cloth wel imbrued or coted with pitch, and let it remaine there till you will giue fire vnto the things in the trunke with a gūmatch or otherwiſe, for then it muſt be taken away. Alſo remember to thruſt the ſaide yron boxe into the trunk ſo as it may lie directly vnder one of the ſaid holloe places which are bound all ouer with ſtrong cordes or ſtrong wiers of yron, as you haue been willed before to place the ſaid pellets.

The ſloe mixture (which as before I haue tolde you) muſt be put into the concauitie of the trunke when you doe charge the ſame trunke with the ſaide boxe of yron, is made of 102 partes of groſſe gunpowder ſifted, of ſixe partes of Saltpeeter fifted groſly, of two partes of verniſh in graine, of two partes of quickeſiluer killed, of two parts of Aſſa fetida, and of three parts of Turpentine mingled togeather.

Vppon this trunke you may alſo if you will put an yron hoope of 3 fingers in breadth, and ½ finger in thickneſſe, and placing two ſworde blades very faſt in the ſaid yron hoope according to the picture folloing, you may vſe the ſaid trunke to offend and defend as you would vſe a Pertiſant.

depiction of a trunk or trombe [hand-grenade]

Alſo a long two handed ſword may be aptlie put into the ſtaffe of the ſaid trunke in this manner. Saw the ſtaffe iuſt in the middeſt from the loer end towards the vpper end, and ſee that the part of the ſtaffe which is ſo ſawne do iuſtlie agree in thickeneſſe and length with the breadth and length of the ſword blade. This done put the ſword blade into the ſaide ſtaffe ſo ſawne as you would put the ſame blade into a ſcabbord, and with two rings of wood made of purpoſe to ſlide vp & downe vppon the ſaid ſtaffe, you may ſhut the ſtaffe ſo cloſe that the blade ſhall not come out, and open the ſtaffe (when you will) ſo wide, that the blade ſhall come foorth eaſilie.

The bearer of this trunke ſeeing his trunke in a fire may ſoone thro it away, and vſe the two handed ſword that was in the ſtaffe of the trunke: and therefore he that doth beare ſuch a trunke ought to be a curragious, ſkilfull, and an able ſoldier to vſe it.

depiction of a trunk or trombe [hand-grenade]
How you may make a Trunke or Trombe after an other faſhion, and a mixture to charge the ſayde Trunke: and how you ought to charge this Trunke with the ſaid mixture.

MAke a Trunke of a plate of yron which ought to be ſo thicke as the back of a knife, put thereon three hoopes of yron, and let euery of them be one ynch in bredth, nayle the ſaid hoopes very faſt vppon the trunke which muſt be two foote in length, and one ynche and ½ ynch in his Diameter or wideneſſe: all this being done, take a rounde peece of wood in length one foote, & driue the ſaid round peece of wood ſixe ynches at the leaſt into one end of the concauitie in the trunke, and then put a ſtaffe into that end of the rounde peece of wood which is without the ſaid concauitie. The trunke being thus made muſt be charged, and filled almoſt vp to the mouth with the mixture next folloing. But in ſo charging this trunke, forget not after his concauitie ſhall be filled three ynches in length, to preſſe well and ramme downe the ſaide mixture. After you haue ſo filled the concauitie of the trunke almoſt vp to the mouth with the ſayd mixture, put into the mouth of the ſaid concauitie a ſufficient quantitie of good gunpowder, and binde a lynnen cloth imbrued or coted with pytch all ouer the mouth of the ſaide concauitie as you haue been willed to doe ouer the mouth of the trunke before mentioned.

The mixture for this trunke is thus made: Take of groſſe gunpowder ſifted 144 parts, of Saltpeter ſifted groſly 24 parts, of Brimſtone ſifted 12 parts, of Coles made of the wood of Willoe ſifted 18 parts, of Aſſa fetida two parts, of greene Copereſſe one part, of Arſenick one part of vitriol beaten one part, of the filings of yron ſifted one part: incorporate all theſe things well togeather, and moiſten them with aqua vitae.

The 99 Chapter. To tie a fireworke at the vpper end of a ſcaling ladder.

COuer the vpper part of the ſcaling ladder with plates of yron & in the very top let the ladder haue one or two great and ſtrong hookes of yron to catch and holde faſt whatſoeuer thing you ſhall lay it on. Alſo ſet in the foote of the ladder long yron pykes which may be thruſt into the ground to keepe the ladder from ſlyding. All this being done, tie vppon the the ſaid yron plates a canuas bagge filled with ſome one kinde of burning mixture, binde the ſaid bagge all ouer with yron wiers, and couer it all ouer with ſuch paſte as doth ſerue to couer pellets and balles of wildefire. Then making holes thorow the bag into the ſaid mixture, fil vp the ſaide holes againe with fine and good gunpowder, or with gunmatches roled in fine and drie gunpowder, and when you ſhall haue cauſe to vſe any ſuch ladder, giue fire to the ſaid gunpowder or gunmatches which will cauſe the ſaid mixture to burne in ſuch maner, as no enemie will offer to come neere vnto the ladder.

depiction of fireworks tied to a ladder A ſcaling ladder which may be folded togeather.

The 100 Chapter.
1 To make three ſundrie Firewoorkes which will bloe vp walles, towres, fortes, and ſuch like thinges, and ſpoyle many enemies.

PVt a barrell full of fine gunpowder within a Butte well hooped, let the barrell ſtand faſt in the middeſt of the Butte, filling vp the reſt of the roome within the Butte with round ſhelles, or ſtones, ſo byg as walnuttes, or egges, and lay about the Butte certaine gunmatches which may geue fire at an appointed time to the gunpowder in the bottome of the barrell. For if you ſhould geue fire to the gunpowder in the top of the barrell, you would before you could eſcape, hurte your ſelfe ſo ſoone as your enemie. Likewiſe if you ſhould not lay gunmatches about the Butte to geue fire vnto the gunpowder at an appoynted time when you may be in an other place a good diſtance from the ſaid Butte and Barrell, you would kill your ſelfe: For this kinde of firewoorke laide in a trench vnder the groūd, or vnder a wall, forte, or tower, will be a very offenſiue thing to all thoſe that are neare vnto it when it doth his effect.

Girolamo Ruſſelli in his booke entituled Precetti della militia moderna writeth, that at the aſſault of Saint Andrewes in Scotlande Anno Domini 1542, this kinde of firewoorke did kill 321 perſons, and mayme more than 600 perſons.

depiction of a type of barrel firework

A gunmatch to fire the powder in the Barrel.

A gunmach to fire the powder in the Barrel.

2 An other Firewoorke which will bloe vp walles, towers, fortes, and ſuch like thinges, and ſpoyle many enemies.

MAke of good and thicke plates of yron certayne barrels, hoope them well with yron hoopes, vppon their hoopes fixe certaine thicke peeces of yron of an ynche and ¼ of an ynch in length with ſharpe poyntes, and with an harde cheeſel hack euery barrell in diuers places, but not thoroe, becauſe euery barrel ought to be made very cloſe, ſo as no fire may breathe out of it till the force of fiered gunpowder with which euery barrell muſt be full ſtuffed ſhall cauſe the ſame barrels to breake in many peeces. Alſo vpon the head or one ende of euery ſuch barrell, fixe well a holloe pipe of yron, making it to goe cloſe downe foure fingers deepe into the barrell, and to extende three fingers in heigth aboue the head of the barrell. This done, fill euery of thoſe barrels with good and fine gunpowder, and euery of thoſe yron pipes with ſome one kinde of mixture that will burne ſlolie: and when you will vſe theſe barrels in time of military ſeruice, geuing fire to the mixture in their ſayd pipes, thro them away from you ouer the Towne walles, or being in ſea ſeruice, out of your ſhippe into an other ſhippe or galey among your enemies. For ſo ſooneas the fire in the ſaid mixture ſhall come to the gunpowder within the barrell, the barrell through the force of gunpowder, and by reaſon of the ſaid hackes, will breake and flie in many peeces.

Alſo with yron buttes or great barrels of yron filled full of gunpowder, and made like vnto the ſaid ſmall barrels, you may bloe vp any appointed wall or tower, if you wil lay ſuch great barrels filled full of fine gunpowder in the ground vnder the appointed place.

depiction of a type of barrel firework
3 An other Firewoorke which will bloe vp Walles, Towers, Fortes, and ſuch like thinges, and ſpoyle many enemies.

MAke of long, thick, ſmoothe, and well wrought plates of yron, a veſſell of eyght or ten feete in length like vnto the picture following, hoope the ſame veſſell with yron hoopes, & alſo make a bottome for the ſame veſſell of like plates of yron, laying one plate a finger breadth vpon the middle parte of an other plate his thickneſſe, and ſet this bottome faſt in a fitte creaſt made round about the loer ende of the ſaid veſſell. This done, hacke the veſſell but not thorow, in diuers places with a cheeſell, and make a hole in euery plate about that loer ende, and then to ſtoppe vp thoſe holes againe that no fire may breathe out of any one of them, driue an yron pinne ouerthwarte into euery of the ſayde holes. Moreouer, make a little hole in the bottome of the ſaide veſſell, and put into the ſame hole a pype of yron, and after you haue ſtuffed the ſaide veſſell full of drie and fine gunpowder, fill the ſaide pype with a burning mixture, or with a Gunmatch which may bring fire vnto the ſaid gunpowder when it ſhall doe his effect. Now this veſſell being ſo prepared to bloe vp a wall, tower, or forte, digge a caue vnder the wall, towre, or forte, that ſhalbe blone vp, which caue muſt be no bigger than will receaue the ſaid veſſel, and ſetting proppes in the ground vnder the ſaid wall, tower, or forte, geue fire to the end of a Gunmatch that ſhall at the ende of halfe an houre or thereabouts after you haue done all this geue fire to the gunpowder in the ſaid barrell. For you muſt before that time (if you will ſaue your owne life) be a good diſtance from the ſame place that ſhalbe blone vp with the ſaid gunpowder.

depiction of a type of barrel firework

The 101 Chapter. How Fraunceſſe George of Sena was the firſt inuentor of Mynes: how caues or mynes for the ſubuerſion of Fortes, Caſtles, and walles of Cities ought to be made: and how gunpowder ought to be placed in the ouens of ſuch Mynes, that the ſame gunpowder may ouerthroe and bloe the Forts, Caſtles, and Walles of Cities which ſhall ſtande directly ouer the ſayde ouens.

IOan: Iacobus Weckerus, and Vannuccio Biringuccio, doe reporte in their bookes that Fraunceſſe George of Sena was the firſt inuentor of Mynes for the ſubuerſion of Fortes, Caſtles,Sena is a citie in that part of Italie which is called Tulcane diſtant from Roome an hū dred miles. and walles of Cities: And the ſaid Weckerus, Biringuccio, and other authors haue written, that ſuch mynes ought to be made in this ſorte following.

The mouth and beginning of the myne ought not to be neare vnto the place that is appointed to be blone vp with gunpowder, to this ende that the men of the ſaide place may not perceaue the myne, nor iſſue out to moleſt the Pioners, nor know where to make countermines to let the fire breathe out, or to cauſe the myne by any manner of meanes to be of no effect. And to the intent that the ſaide myne may not ende before it comes to the very pointe of ground which l eth directly vnder the ſaide place that ſhalbe ouerthrone, nor extende beyonde the ſame, you muſt meaſure exactly with your Quadrant or Semicircle the diſtance betweene the beginning of the myne and the place where it ſhall ende, and note circumſpectly by the helpe of a Geographicall plaine Sphere, how the end of the myne lieth from the place of his beginning. This done, drawe a platte of a myne that may vppon paper expreſſe the true proportion and ſymetrie of the ſame myne which you doe now goe about to make, and inſtruct the Pyoners to vndermyne according to the ſame platte.

If the Pioners ſhall happen to finde water in the way of the myne, you muſt teach them to ſinke welles, and to digge gutturs which may carry the water out of the way into the ſame welles, and after they haue laide plankes ouer the ſaide welles, to proceede in their woorke according to your platte. But when the Pioners ſhal not be able by reaſon of other lettes within the ground (which in many places will happen) to vndermine according to your platte, then your platte muſt be altered in ſuch ſorte as the way of the myne vnder ground may in breadth, length, and fourme, agree with the ſaid platte.

While the Pioners doe worke in the way of the myne, cauſe them to bore diuers deepe holes in each ſide of the myne with a long augar, and when they haue ſo done, if you will lay your eare to the ſaide holes, I meane firſt to one hole and after to an other, you ſhall heare whether the enemies doe dig any countermyne.

Some men doe thinke that a myne, and alſo a countermyne may with little or no noiſe at all be thus made. Prepare ſtrong and bigge augars of 8 or 9 feete in length, bore with them diuers holes vnder the ground thorow the earth, and alſo thorow the ſtones which ſhall lie in the way of the myne or countermyne: This done, breake downe the earth and ſtones about the ſaide holes with croes of yron, and then boring other holes, and breaking downe againe the earth and ſtones about the ſame holes as you did before, woorke forwardes, and keepe this order in your woorke till you haue finiſhed the myne.

A myne may be made in faſhion like vnto TV or XY in the pictures next following.

depiction of two types of mines

Alſo the Pyoners (if the grounde will permitte them ſo to worke) may digge foorthright from the beginning of the myne towardes the thing that is appoynted to be ouerthrone, vntill they ſhall come neare vnto the ground which lyeth directly vnder the ſaide thing, and of ſome is named the Ouen, and place of greateſt effect: But of neceſsitie the way of the myne from the ſaide neare place vnto the ſaide Ouen and place of greateſt effect, muſt be crooked & oblique according to BDEC in the two Figures following.

After you haue made a myne platte according to this doctrine or in any other manner, you muſt inſtruct the Pyoners to vndermine deepe within harde grounde, and to make the way of the myne three foote in breadth, and ſixe foote in heigth, and to digge the ſayd Ouen and place of greateſt effect ſixe or ſeuen foote in breadth, and nine or tenne foot in heigth, to this ende that the gunpowder laide in that place may make his vent vpwardes, and that the ayre which is within the ſaide holloe place may ayde the gunpowder to open and ouerturne the ground which is right ouer it.

When the ſaide Ouen and place of greateſt effect ſhall happen to be made in a ſtonie grounde where the ſtones are like to fall, then you muſt vnderproppe them with holloe pypes of timber filled ful of good gunpowder: and remember alwaies to obſerue a meane in making the Ouen and place of greateſt effect, becauſe it ought in no manner of grounde to be too bigge or too little.

The myne being finiſhed according to your ſaide platte, couer the ground or floore in the ſaide Ouen and place of greateſt effect with boordes, and hauing ſtroed vppon thoſe boordes a ſufficient quantitie of good gunpowder, put ſo many barrelles without any heads or couers, full of good and ſtrong gunpowder vppon the ſame boordes, as will execute the thing appointed to be done, and in ſo doing perſwade your ſelfe that the better and greater the quantitie of gunpowder which ſhalbe laide in the ſaide Ouen & place of greateſt effect is, the more greater will be the effect of the ſame. Moreouer, for to fire the ſaid gunpowder when time ſhall require, lay a gunmatch made of fine bumbaſe cotten that hath beene well ſodde in vineger, brimſtone, and ſaltpeeter, well roled in gunpowder, and well dried in the Sunne, within a Trunke, Pype, or caſe of boordes: which gunmatch and trunke muſt extende and reache in length from the gunpowder ſtroed vppon the boordes in the ſaide Ouen and place of greateſt effect, vnto the mouth and beginning of the myne, and alſo ſomewhat without the ſame, and hauing couered the ſaide gunmatch all ouer with a traine of dry gunpowder, cloſe vp the ſaid trunke with a couer of boordes,ſo as no ſoile or moyſture may come vnto the gunpowder within the ſame Trunke. Or if you will, you may tie a peece of a gunmatch vnto the ende of a ſmall line, and when the ſaide ende of a gunmatch ſhalbe a fire, drawe the ſame by that line running on a pulley thorow a traine of gunpowder made within a Trunke vnto the barrels of gunpowder in the ſaide ouen and place of greateſt effect. But before you doe fire the gunpowder in the myne with a gunmatch after the doctrine laſt taught, or in any other manner, you muſt with earth, rootes of trees, blockes of timber, ſtones, and ſuch like things, walle, fortefie, and ramme vp the mouth of the ſaide Ouen, or rather all that parte of the myne which C D and E in the figure next following doth repreſent, ſo as no fire, or aire may breath out of the ſaid ouen and place of greateſt effect by any other way than by the ſaide holloe Trunke. For in ſo much as that parte of the myne which is noted in this figure next following with E, lieth not right againſt the ſaide ouen and place of greateſt effect, and likewiſe for that the place of the myne which D in this figure following doth repreſent, lieth not right againſt C, and alſo for that the mouth of the myne which B repreſenteth in the figure next following, is not right againſt E and D, it is certaine, when the gunpowder in the ſaide ouen and place of greateſt effect ſhall be ſet in a fire (after the way of the myne from C to D is ſo ſtopped vp with earth, rootes of trees, blockes of timber, ſtones, and ſuch like thinges) that the ſaide gunpowder will with a great and horrible violence bloe and ouerturne all the ground and buildings ouer the ſame.

depiction of two types of mines
The 102 Chapter. How a caue ought to be made rounde about a Caſtle or Forte that is beſieged, to the intent that they which are in the ſaide caue may heare and perceaue at all times whether or no the enemie doth woorke to vndermyne the ſame Caſtle or Forte.

WHen a Caſtle or Forte is beſieged, and the Captaine of that Caſtle or Forte doth feare that the enemie will vndermine the ſame place, then the Captaine (to auoid the hurte which may come by the ſaide myne) ought to commaunde his Souldiers to make a deepe pitte within their Caſtle or Forte, and from the bottome of the ſame to dyg a caue vnder the foundation of the walles of their ſaide Caſtle or Forte, and alſo vnder the ditch which enuironeth the ſaide place vntill they ſhall come vnto the outſide of the ſaide ditch, and from thence to vndermine on the outſide of the ſaide ditch (as the ground will ſuffer them to woorke) rounde about the ſaide Caſtle or Forte.

When the Souldiers haue brought out of the ſaide caue all the earth which was in the ſame, they may fortefie the walles of their Caſtle or Forte with the ſame earth, and layingſackes of wooll ſtraightly bounde about with cordes in diuers places of the ſaide caue, they ought to put vppon euery of the ſaide ſackes a latten baſon, and caſt into euery of the ſaide baſons ſixe or eight harde peaſon, to this ende that they which are in the ſaide caue may heare and perceaue at all times by thoſe peaſon, whether or no the enemie doth worke to vndermine the ſame Caſtle or Forte, for at euery ſtroke that the Pioners ſhall ſtrike, the peaſon in the ſaide baſons will vndoubtedly make an audible iarre, whereof the Captaine ought preſently to haue warning, that he may in conuenient time with countermines, or by ſome other pollicie, make the myne of his enemies to be of no effect.

Moreouer, to knowe whether or no the enemies doe make any myne againſt you this may be done: Sinke diuers deepe welles in diuers places towardes the ſuſpected myne, and hauing made diuers holes with a long auger in the ſides of thoſe welles, cauſe vigilant and skilfull men to watch and harken continually at the ſaide holes, or in the bottome of the ſaide welles, whether or no the enemies doe vndermine towards you. But if this way ſhall not like you, take a drumme and ſet one ende of it flatte vppon a very plaine peece of ground, neare vnto the head of one of the ſaide welles, and then vppon the vpper ende or head of the drumme lay fiue or ſixe haukes belles, or ſuch belles as are commonly ſet in collars for little dogges, or for wante of ſuch belles a conuenient number of drie beanes which will make a ſounde at euery ſtroke geuen in the myne with any mattocke or pickaxe, if the enemies doe vndermine within fourty or fifty paces of the ſaide drumme, and that ſound will be by ſo much more audible by how much more nearer to the drūme the enemies Pioners doe come. Alſo you may knowe whether the enemies doe vndermine towardes you, if you will place a conuenient number of copper or latten baſons filled full of cleane water in the bottome of euery of the aforeſaide welles, and ſet the ſides of the ſame baſons in the grounde, for when the enemies doe vndermine, the water in the baſons will tremble at euery bloe which ſhalbe geuen in the myne of the enemies with any pickaxe or mattocke, and therein this is to be noted, that the more lighter the ſaide baſons are, the better will they moue and bewray the ſtrokes of pickaxes and mattocks.

The 103 Chapter. To make a burning oyle of Saltpeeter and Brimſtone mingled togeather for Firewoorkes.

TAke of Saltpeeter well refined one parte, of Brimſtone one parte, beate the Saltpeeter by it ſelfe, and alſo the Brimſtone by it ſelfe into very fine powder: After this incorporate them in a potte of nwe earth, putting ſo much ſtrong white vineger into the potte as will couer the mixture. This done, couer the potte ſo as no ayre may breathe out of it: and when the vineger in the potte ſhalbe conſumed, and the ſaide mixture dry, you muſt diſtill the ſaide mixture in a Limbecke, and reſerue the burning oyle that will come from it for Firewoorkes.

The 104 Chapter. To make oyle of Brimſtone for Firewoorkes.

MElte Brimſtone in a potte ouer a fire, and taking a ſufficient quantitie of the eldeſt redde brickes that may be gotten, beate them into peeces ſo bigge as beanes: This done, put into the melted Brimſtone ſo many of thoſe ſmall peeces as will drinke vp all the ſame melted Brimſtone: And after you haue ſo done, diſtill them in a Limbecke, for that which ſhall come out of the ſaide peeces of brickes thoroe the Limbecke, is oyle of Brimſtone which will ſerue for Firewoorkes.

The 105 Chapter. To make two ſortes of burning waters for Firewoorkes.

1 TAke the rines or peeles of Lemons or rather of Oranges which are better, pull away all the white skinnes which ſticke faſt on their inſides, and then diſtil the ſaid rines in a limbeck: ſo doing you ſhall drawe out of thoſe rines a burning water.

An other burning water which burned vppon a mans hande will doe no harme thereunto.

2 TAke of Turpentine, of oile of ſtones, of Sheepes ſuet, of Brimſtone, of vnſlaked Lime, of Hogges greaſe, of each an equall quantitie: Beate all theſe things to powder, and after you haue well mingled them togeather, diſtill the mixture, and keepe the diſtilled licor for a burning water, which burned vppon your hande will doe no harme thereunto, as Girolamo Ruſcelli writeth.

The 106 Chapter. How the clay which ſome men name Lutum ſapientiae, and ſome men doe call Lute of wiſdome, is made: And how the ſaid clay will ſerue to ſtoppe veſſels of glaſſe and Fornaces, and to make thicke mouldes, and many other thinges.

THe clay which ſome men name Lutum ſapientiae, and ſome men doe call Lute of wiſdome, (of which in diuers places of this booke I haue ſpoken) may bee made in this maner. Take of good white or aſhie cullor chalk which wil make white pipkins, white pots, white diſhes, & other white veſſels, 4 partes, of cōmon aſhes which haue ſerued in a buck of clothes ½ part, of drie horſedung or aſſedung one part, & a little quantitie of the powder of a brick ſtone, or a ſmall portion of the filings of yron, beate all theſe things into a very fine powder, then ſifte them thoroe a fine ſeeue or ſearcer, and that being done, mingle them togeather. After this, lay the ſaide mixture vppon a faire floore, and caſt or ſtrowe one parte of floxe vppon the ſaide mixture by little and little in as equall portions as you can. Alſo ſprinkle ſo much water as ſhalbe needefull vppon the ſaide mixture. Furthermore, ſturre the ſaid moyſte mixture well togeather, firſt with a ſtaffe, afterwardes with a ſpade or ſhouel, and make a heape thereof. When the ſaide mixture hath in that ſort byn well wrought, lay it vppon a boorde and moyſten it againe, and beate it with a ſpade or ſhouell till you haue beaten it enough, for the longer that you ſhall beate and moyſten it, the better it will be.

This kinde of clay is very good to lute or ſtoppe veſſels of glaſſe, and Fornaces, and to make thicke mouldes, and many other things.

If you will not beſtow all this labor to make Lutum ſapientiae, or lute of wiſdome, then take onely of the ſaide white chaulke, floxe, horſedung or aſſedung, and a few aſhes. Some make this lute of wiſdome without floxe, others make the ſaide lute of wiſdome without horſedung or aſſedung, and euery of them doth therein follow his owne will: For in very deede you may by diuers wayes make lute of wiſdome, as you may reade in the firſte booke and ſixe and twenty Chapter of the nwe Iewell of health treating of diſtillations. But to lute and ſtoppe the mouthes of glaſſes that no ayre may breathe out of them, ſuch lute of wiſdome as is made after the firſt order is beſt, eſpecially if two partes of vnſlaked lime, and ſo many whites of egges as ſhall ſeeme to bee enough, be added thereunto, for vnſlaked Lime and the whites of egges wil make it more ſure, and as harde as glaſſe, and by ſuch meanes the vente of ayre will bee the leſſe. Moreouer, this Lute of wiſdome muſt alwayes be kept in a moyſte place, but ſo as the ſaid Lute bee not kept too moyſte nor too drie, for the ſame being drie will waxe harde, and then it ſerues to no vſe,and if you ſhall goe about to make it ſofte by caſting water vppon it, the outſide thereof will be moyſte and mollified therewith, but the inſide of the ſame will continue harde, wherefore when the lute of wiſdome is very harde, it is beſt for you to let it drie well, and afterwardes to beate it into fine powder, and then to make thereof againe lute of wiſdome in ſuch ſorte as before you were taught to doe.

The 107 Chapter. How you may way with feure ſeuerall waightes any quantitie from one pounde waight vnto fourtie poundes in waight: how you may way with fiue ſeuerall waightes any quantitie from one pounde waight vnto an hundred twenty & one poundes in waight: how you may way with 6 ſeuerall waights any quantitie from one pound waight vnto three hundred ſixty & foure pounds in waight: and how vppon a Beame called a Stater, you may with a ſmall waight way thinges of very great waight.

HOw needefull a thing it is for thoſe that doe deliuer or receaue Gunpowder & pellets by waights, and alſo for thoſe that doe make Gunpowder, Cartredges, and Firewoorks by proportion and waights, to know how they may onely with 4 waights way any quantitie from one pound waight to 40 poundes in waight, and with 5 waights any quantitie from 1 pound waight to 121 poundes in waight, and with 6 waights any quantitie from one pound waight vnto 364 poundes in waight, and how they may way vppon a Beame called a Stater, with a ſmall and light waight, great things of a very heauie waight, I neede not rehearſe becauſe euery man will confeſſe that it is a pointe of vanity to vſe many things when a fewe things wil ſerue our turne, as this Latin ſentence doth declare: Fruſtra fit per plura quod fieri poteſt per pauciora. Therefore I aduiſe thoſe that ought to haue vnderſtanding in the ſcience of waights to note well this which followeth.

Foure ſeuerall waights wil way any quantitie from one pound waight vnto 40 pounds in waight, if the firſt of thoſe foure waightes be of one pounde, the ſeconde of 3 poundes, the thirde of 9 poundes, and the fourth of twenty ſeuen poundes in waight. As for example, a quantitie of 6 pounds in waight will be iuſtly wayed if you put the ſaide quantitie and the waight of 3 pounds in one ſcale, and the waight of 9 pounds in the other Scale. Alſo you may way a quantitie of 21 pounds in waight, if you will put the ſaide quantitie and the waight of 9 poundes in one Scale, and the waight of three pounds, and the waight of 27 pounds in the other Scale. In like manner with fiue waights, that is to ſay with the ſaid waight of 1 pound, with the ſaid waight of 3 pounds, with the ſaid waight of 9 pounds, with the ſaid waight of 27 pounds, and with a waight of eighty one pounds, you may way any quantitie from one pound waight vnto 121 poundes in waight. Alſo with 6 waights I meane with the waight of one pound, with the waight of three poundes, with the waight of nine poundes, with the waight of twenty ſeuen poundes, with the waight of eightie one poundes, & with a waight of two hundred fourty and three poundes, you may way any quantitie from one pounde vnto 364 poundes in waight.

depiction of weighing scales

When you doe way any quantitie in an vnknowne paire of ballance,An admonition. I counſell you to way the quantitie firſt in one ſcale of the ſame ballance, and after in the other ſcale of the ſame ballance: For as a quantitie wayed in a true payre of Ballances will be of one and the ſame waight in both the ſcales of that ballance, ſo a quantitie wayed in a falſe payre of Ballances will be of more waight in one ſcale than in the other ſcale of falſe Ballances. And beſides all this, it is needefull for you to know that ſome falſe Ballances are ſo ſubtillye made, that their beames will lie in an equall heigth, and beare the tunges of the ſame falſe Ballances vpright betweene their cheekes, when their ſcales doe hang emptie.

But if you will way your thinges with a Stater,To make and vſe a long Stater. make firſt a playne and ſmoothe beame of yron in faſhion like a Pyramis or foure ſquare Taper, in length one yarde, and in thickneſſe about ⅓ parte of an ynche, and then vppon a ſtrong pinne of yron called the firſt Axeltree ſet ouertwharte and very faſt in the great ende of the Beame, hang a pendant hooke of yron, that winding and moouing to all ſides may claſpe and holde faſte all the ropes of the ſcale in which the thinges that ſhall be wayed muſt lie. Moreouer, fixe an other ſtrong Axeltree of yron in the ſayde Beame as a parallel to the firſt, and diſtant from the ſame about /21 parte of the Beames length. Alſo you muſt ſet the tung of the Stater Squirewiſe vppon the beame right ouer this ſeconde Axeltree, and put the cheekes of the tung vppon the endes of the ſeconde Axeltree, ſo as they may eaſilie mooue vp and downe vppon the ſame. And it is expedient that theſe cheekes ſhoulde haue in their vppermoſt ende a ringe or hooke by which the Stater may bee alwayes hanged vp when neede ſhall require. Next after this, you muſt lay in the ſcale of the Stater depending by ropes from the firſt Axeltree, ſo much of knowne waight as being reckoned with the waight of the ſcale and the waight of the ropes belonging to the Scale, will make both endes of the Beame to lie without any declyning in an equall heigth: Which is perceaued by the tung of the Stater when it doth ſtande right vp betweene his cheekes. Furthermore, to this waight which hath made both endes of the Beame to ſtande preciſely equidiſtant to the Horizon, and is ſuppoſed by me to contayne fiftie poundes, you ſhall adde tenne poundes of more wayght, and that being done, you ſhall hang a ringed poyze of tenne poundes in waight vppon that parte of the Beame which is marked in the Figure following with B F. Now the ſayde poyze hanged vppon B F the longer parte of the beame, muſt bee mooued to and fro vntill the tung of the Stater ſhall bee perceaued to ſtande very vpright beetweene his cheekes, to this ende that the parte of the Beame which is then touched with the ring of the poyze may bee exactly marked with a ſmall notch or with a fine line. When you haue made there ſuch a notch or ſuch a lyne, lay tenne poundes of more wayght in the ſcale, and becauſe the tung of the Stater will now enclyne towardes A the greater ende of the beame, remooue the ſayde poyze towardes F, vntill the tung of the Stater ſtanding vpright betweene his cheekes, ſhall ſhewe agayne equalitie of wayght, and then as before you haue beene taught to doe, make an other notch, or drawe an other lyne vppon that part of the beame which is touched with the ringe of the poyze. For the ſpace betweene theſe two notches or lynes will exactly ſhewe a diſtinction and ſeparation of tenne poundes in wayght. Vnto which if you adde the firſt wayght which is ſuppoſed to bee fiftye, and the ſeconde wayght which was tenne, the totall ſumme of the whole wayght which the ringed poyze doeth counterpeyſe in the notch or lyne laſt made, amounteth to ſeuenty poundes.

Finally you muſt marke vppon the beame the ſpace that is betweene the two notches or lynes ſo manye tymes as the beame will receaue the ſame. For the notch or lyne in each of thoſe ſpaces is a diſtinction of tenne poundes in wayght, ſo that if you will diuide euery of thoſe equall ſpaces into tenne equall partes, and euery of theſe tenne equall partes, into ſixteene equall partes, the beame will not onely ſhewe the places of poundes in wayght, but alſo the place of euery ounce that is in each of the ſayde poundes.For euery of thoſe equall ſpaces doe geue equall increaſe, and looke what proportion the ſuppoſed waight of 50 pounds (which made both endes of the beame to lie in an equall heigth) beareth to the ringed poyze, the ſame proportion doth B F the longer parte of the beame beare to A B the ſhorter parte of the beame: And becauſe B F the longer parte of the beame is twenty times ſo much in length as A B the ſhorter parte of the beame, and that the ringed poyze wayeth tenne poundes, multiplie 10 in 20, and thereof riſeth 200, vnto which adde the ſuppoſed waight of 50 poundes, which did make the beame to lie as a parallell with the Horizon before the ringed poyze was put on vppon the ſame, and ſo the product thereof will be 250, wherefore I conclude that this Stater with his ſaid ringed poyze of 10 poundes will ſhewe the true waight of any quantitie that doth not way aboue 250 poundes.

depiction of a shore stater [weighing beam] The Type of a ſhorre Stater
depiction of a shore stater [weighing beam]
The 108 Chapter. To make three ſundrie oyntments which will heale any perſon ſcalded with hotte Saltpeeter water, or with any other hotte licour, and cure all thoſe which ſhalbe burned with hotte yron, or gunpowder.

BOyle Hogges greaſe that is ſtale and olde ouer a fire, and ſtill as any ſcumme ſhall riſe take it cleane away. When you ſhall ſee that the ſame olde and ſtale Hogges greaſe ſo boyling will caſt vp no more ſcumme, take it of from the fire, and ſet it in the open ayre for the ſpace of three or foure nightes: After you haue ſo done, melte the ſaide greaſe againe ouer a fire, and then ſtraine it into freſh and cleane water: after all this, waſh the ſaid greaſe in diuers faire and cleane waters till it ſhalbe very white, and clammie, and till the water in which it hath beene well waſhed doth appeare to be faire and cleere. This done, the oyntment, is made, and if you will annoynte with it the place that is ſcalded or burned, you ſhall heale the ſame place without any ſcarre, blemmiſh, or paine.

An other oyntment to heale ſcaldings and burnings.

TAke of ordinarie gray Sope and annoynte preſently the place ſcalded or burned, once annointing will ſerue, if you take it ſo ſoone as it is done, both to take away the fire, and to heale it without any other thing. But if the greeued place be not within a quarter of an houre annoynted with graye Sope, then take Gooſe greaſe which hath not beene ſalted, for in any wiſe take heede that you doe not occupie for this purpoſe any Gooſe greaſe that hath ſalte in it, and annoynte the place therewith well warmed twiſe a day, for this alone will heale it, and ſo as it ſhall neuer be ſeene except it be burned very deepe.

The 109 Chapter. To make a Plaiſter which will heale without payne any wrenched or broken arme, hande, legge, foote, or ioynte, and all manner of bruſes.

TAke of mirte named in Italian Mortella, ſhippe pitch, gumme of a Pine tree, tallowe of a Gote, frankencenſe, maſticke, and garden woormes, waſh well the ſaid wormes in water, and then drie them in an hote Ouen to powder. Alſo beate the ſaide frankenſence, maſticke, and mirte to powder, and after you haue ſo done, mingle togeather one parte of the powder of mirte, one parte of the powder of frankenſence, one parte of the powder of maſticke, and one parte of the powder of garden woormes. Moreouer, after you haue melted in a potte ouer a ſloe fire the ſaide gumme and ſhippe pitch, put Gotes tallowe into the potte among the ſaid melted gumme and pitch, and when the ſayde tallowe is there alſo melted, put all the ſaide partes of powders into the ſame potte, and mingling them well with the other thinges which are melted in the ſame potte, ſeethe all thoſe thinges togeather for a while ouer a fire till they ſhall beginne to waxe ſomewhat harde. When you haue ſo done, take the potte from the fire, and ſpread ſome of that mixture in the potte thicke vppon a white and ſofte peece of leather, and then while it is warme lay the plaiſter vppon the greeued place, and ſuffer it to lie there till it doe fall away of it ſelfe.

This plaiſter (as Girolamo Ruſcelli writeth) is of ſuch vertue that it will drawe the bone out of ioynte into his place, and take away all the payne. Alſo it is a ſoueraigne plaiſter to be laide vppon a broken bone or ribbe, or vppon any bruiſe within a mans bodie, or within any parte thereof, and it taketh away all the paine thereof without any danger, & when it hath done his cure, it will of it ſelfe fall away from the place that was greeued. When you cannot get of the ſaide woormes, you may make the plaiſter without them, although the plaiſter which hath ſuch woormes in it is of more vertue than the other plaiſter made without thoſe woormes.

The 110 Chapter. How a Gunner cannot mount any peece of Artillerie to make a perfect ſhoote at a marke without point blanke, except he doe knowe the diſtance betweene his peece and the marke, and how for the ſame reaſon, and alſo for other cauſes, the Authour of this Appendix doth ſhewe in the Chapters following diuers rules concerning the menſuration of Altitudes, Longitudes, Latitudes, and Profundities, and the platting of fieldes, mynes, and other places.

COnſidering that (as Nicholas Tartaglia in his epiſtle at the beginning of his Booke intituled La noua Scientia writeth) a Gunner cannot mount well any peece of Artillerie to make a perfect ſhoote at a marke without pointe blanke, except he doe knowe the diſtance betweene his Peece and the marke: Alſo conſidering that a Gunner may haue occaſion to meaſure Altitudes, Latitudes, and Profundities, and to drawe vppon paper the platte of fieldes, mynes, and other places, I will now before the ende of my Booke ſhewe in certaine Chapters, ſome playne, infallible and neceſſarie rules for menſuration of Altitudes, Longitudes, Latitudes, and Profundities, & for the drawing of plattes which ſhall containe the true proportion and ſymetrie of any fielde, myne, or other place, ſo as euery Gunner ſhalbe able thereby to tell how farre any place in his platte is diſtant from other.

The 111 Chapter. The bigneſſe faſhion, and vſe of an Inſtrument named a Gunners Semicircle: and of an Inſtrument named a Geometricall Square.

TO perfourme my promiſe made in the laſt Chapter, I muſt firſt ſhewe you the faſhion, bigneſſe, and vſe of an Inſtrument named a Gunners Semicircle, which ought to be made of harde, ſmoothe, and well ſeaſoned wood, as of Oke, Wallnut tree, Peare tree, or rather of Cipreſſe wood, becauſe the Cipreſſe wood will not warpe with the heate of the Sunne, nor with any moyſture. Alſo the ſaide Semicircle faſhioned and diuided likevnto his type heere drawne, ought to be at the leaſt ſo bigge as the ſaide type, and from his center a plumbe line ought to hang downe, but in place of the two ſight holes which may bee ſette vppon the ſaide inſtrument, you ſhall (if you wyll followe my counſell) make a ſtraight narrow and ſhalloe channel along in the Ruler A B from the point D to the point E, and likewiſe an other ſtraight, ſhallowe, and narroe channell in the Ruler B C, from the point F to the point G. This done, couer thoſe channels with a thinne peece of wood in ſuch maner as you may (notwithſtanding the ſaid couers) looke thorow thoſe channels at any marke whatſoeuer. A Semicircle thus framed will ſerue to lay any great peece of Artillerie leuell, to mount all manner of great peeces vnto any eleuation, to imbaſe the mouth of any peece for to ſhoote at markes in vallies,The vſe of a gunners Semicircle. to meaſure heigthes, depths, and diſtances, to leuell all maner of groundes, and to doe all ſuch things as may be done by a Gunners Quadrant. Moreouer for menſuration of Altitudes, Latitudes, & profundities according to the Rules following,The vſe of a Geometricall ſquare. I doe exhort you to prepare a Geometricall ſquare of a conuenient biggeneſſe, and to make it of mettall, or of Cypreſſe, like in euery reſpect vnto his Type heere placed, Sauing that I woulde haue you to diuide the Quadrant in your Geometricall ſquare into ninetie equall partes called degrees, and euery ſide of your ſaid ſquare into 1200 equall partes, and the Index of your Square into 1697 and 191/ 394 of like equall parts which in this ſide of Paper for want of roome I could not doe.

depiction of a gunner's semicircle

The 112 Chapter. To take the heigth of the Sunne with a Quadrant drawne within your Geometricall ſquare.

SET your Geometricall ſquare plumbe vpright vppon his ſide or ende V X, and ſette his ſide Y X right againſt or towardes the Sunne. This do e, rayſe vppe and downe the Index of the ſquare vntill the Sunne ſhall ſhine duely through his two ſight holes, and then looke what degree in the edge of the Quadrant is touched with the fiduciall line of the ſayde Index, for the degree to touched doth ſhew exactly the degrees of the Sunnes heigth at that preſent time.

depiction of the use of a gunner's semicircle

The 113 Chapter. How you may meaſure at one ſtation in a Sunne ſhining day with your Geometricall ſquare, and alſo with an Haulbert or any other ſtaffe perpendiculerly erected, the altitude of any Tower, or other thing whoſe ſhadow length is knowne.

SET your Geometricall ſquare vpright vppon his ſide or end V X, and with the Quadrant drawne vppon the ſaid ſquare, take the heigth of the Sun as you haue been taught in the laſt Chapter. This done, when the Sunne is 45 degrees in heigth, the fiduciall line of the index wil lie directly betweene the right and contrary ſhadowe, I meane vppon the line V Y and then the ſhadowes of all things perpendicularly eleuated are equall to their bodies. Wherefore after you haue meaſured the length of the ſhadowe which a Tower doth giue, you may note that meaſure for the altitude of the ſame Tower.

depiction of the use of a gunner's semicircle

If the Sunne be aboue fortie fiue degrees in heigth, the Index will fall vppon the right ſhadow of the ſquare, and foraſmuch as then the ſhadowes of all bodies perpendicularlie erected are ſhorter than their bodies, you muſt now multiplie all the partes in one ſide of the ſquare in the meaſure of the ſhadowe which the Tower to bee meaſured doth giue, and diuide the product thereof by the part of right ſhadowe touched with the fiduciall line of the Index, and take the quotient number for the heigth of the ſaid Tower.

depiction of the use of a gunner's semicircle

But if the Altitude of the Sunne bee leſſe than fortie fiue degrees, the ſaid Index will fall vppon the contrary ſhadowe of the ſquare: and ſeeing that then the ſhadowes of all bodies perpendicularly erected are longer than their bodies, you ſhall multiplie the part of contrary ſhadowe touched with the fiduciall line of the Index in the length of the ſhadowe which the Tower to bee meaſured doth make, and hauing diuided the product thereof by all the partes in one ſide of the ſquare, take the quotient number for the altitude of the ſaid Tower.

depiction of the use of a gunner's semicircle
How by the knowen length of a ſhadow which a Halberte or ſtaffe perpendiculary erected doth giue in a Sunne ſhining day, you may know the heigth of any Tower or other thing which giueth at the ſame time a ſhadow that may be meaſured.

IN a Sunne ſhining day pitch vpright a Halberte of a knowne length by the Tower or other thing whoſe Altitude you woulde knowe. This done, meaſure the length of the Halberts ſhadowe, and alſo the length of the ſhadow which the ſaid Tower doth giue. For as the altitude of the erected Halbert is in proportion to his ſhadowe, ſo the deſired altitude of the Tower is in proportion to his ſhadowe: Therefore multiply the length of the Halbert in the length of the ſhadow which the Tower giueth, diuide the product thereof by the length of the ſhadow which the Halbert doth giue, and take the quotient number for the Altitude of the ſaid Tower.

Example.

The Tower to be meaſured giueth a ſhadowe of 125 feete in length, & the erected Halbert of eight feete in length doth make a ſhadow of twelue feete in length, therefore multiplie eight in 125, and the product therof will be 1000, which diuided by twelue yeeldeth in the quotient 83 foote and foure ynches for the altitude of the ſaid Tower.

Shadow Altitude. 12 8 125 83 and .

The 114 Chapter. How you may meaſure with your Geometricall ſquare at one ſtation any approchable altitutde: alſo how you may with Arithmeticall skill meaſure the Hipothenuſall diſtance betweene your ſaid ſtation and the top of the ſaid altitude.

SET your Geometricall ſquare plumbe vpright vppon his ſide or ende V Z. This done, mooue the Index of the ſquare vp and downe, till you may ſee through his two ſightes, the top of the altitude to be meaſured: then noting well what equall part in the ſide of the ſquare is touched with the fiduciall line of the ſaid Index, looke whether the ſaide part is in the ſide of right ſhadow, or in the ſide of contrary ſhadowe. For if the ſaid equall part be in the ſide of right ſhadowe (which happeneth when the ſpace betweene the baſe of the altitude to be meaſured and your ſtanding is ſhorter than the ſaid altitude) you muſt multiplie the meaſure of the ſpace betweene your ſtanding, and the baſe of the ſaid altitude, in all the partes that are in one ſide of the ſquare, and diuide the product by the equal part touched with the fiduciall line of the Index in the ſide of right ſhadowe, and then adding the heigth of the center of your ſquare aboue the baſe of the thing to be meaſured, vnto the quotient thereof, take the totall ſumme of that addition for the meaſure of the ſaid approchable altitude.

Example.

S T is a Tower whoſe altitude I will meaſure, R T is the ſpace betweene the approchable baſe of the ſaid tower & my ſtanding, which ſpace is 40 feete. Q or V the heigth of the center of my ſquare aboue the ſaid baſe is 5 feet. V Z X Y is the ſquare ſet plumbe vpright vpō his ſide V Z, and V P is the fiduciall line of the Index which pointing directlie from mine eie at the center of the ſquare, to the top of the ſaide Tower, toucheth the 800 parte in the right ſhadow, therefore I multiple 40 feete the ſpace betweene R and T, in 1200 the whole number of partes in the whole ſide of the ſquare and thereof commeth 48000 which diuided by 800 the part touched with the fiduciall line of the Index in the right ſhadow, yeeldeth ſixtie feeete: then adding fiue feete for the heigth of the center of my ſquare aboue the ſaide baſe vnto the ſaid number of ſixtie, I take the totall ſumme thereof which is 65 feet for the altitude of the ſaide Tower.

depiction of the use of a gunner's semicircle

If in this worke the fiduciall line of the Index ſhall touche a part of contrary ſhadowe (which happeneth when the ſpace betweene the baſe of the altitude to be meaſured and your ſtanding, is longer than the ſaid altitude) then multiplie that parte of contrary ſhadow in the meaſure of the ſpace betweene the ſaide baſe and your ſtanding, and after you haue diuided the product thereof by all the partes in one ſide of the ſquare, adde to the quotient the heigth of the center of your ſquare aboue the ſaide baſe, and take the totall ſumme thereof for the altitude of the ſaid Tower.

But if in this worke the fiduciall line of the Index ſhall fall betweene the right and contrarie ſhadowes vppon the line V Y, then adding the heigth of the center of your ſquare aboue the ſaid baſe, to the meaſure of the ſpace betweene your ſtanding and the ſaid baſe, take the totall ſumme or length thereof for the altitude of the ſaid Tower.

Now by knowing the heigth of the ſaide Tower, and the meaſure of the diſtance betweene your ſtanding and the baſe of the ſaid Tower, you may by the art of numbring tell the true meaſure of the Hipothenuſall diſtance betweene your ſtation and the toppe of the ſaid Tower: a thing needfull to bee knowne, and of great account in making ſealing ladders for militarie ſeruice. Therefore to doe this thing, ſquare the diſtance betweene your ſtanding and the baſe of the Tower. Likewiſe ſquare the heigth of the ſaid Tower, and ioyning their ſquares togeather, take the ſquare roote of the totall ſumme for the Hipothenuſall diſtance betweene your ſtanding and the top of the ſaid Tower.

Example.

Square foure pearches the meaſure of the diſtance betweene R your ſtation and T the baſe of the Tower, and the ſquare number therof will be ſixteene. Alſo ſquare three pearches the heigth of the Tower T S, and the ſquare number thereof will be nine. Now adde both thoſe ſquares togeather and thereof will come twentie fiue, whoſe ſquare roote being fiue is the meaſure of pearches in the Hipothenuſall diſtance betweene R your ſtanding, and S the toppe of the ſaid Tower.

depiction of the use of a scaling ladder
The 115 Chapter. How you may meaſure with your Geometricall ſquare an Hipothenuſall diſtance, and an altitude of a Tower or any other thing perpendicularlie erected.

IF the diſtance from your ſtation vnto the altitude of the Tower which ſhall be meaſured be leſſe than the ſame altitude, as for example if your ſtation bee at A, and M N bee the altitude of a Tower which ſhall bee meaſured, ſet your ſquare vpright ſo as his angle X may ſtand vppon A, and his angle Y, may lie directly betweene the ſaide angle A, and N the toppe of the ſaide Tower. This done, lift vp the Index of your ſquare till you may ſee through his ſights N the toppe of the ſaid Tower, and then noting what parte in Y Z (the ſide of your ſquare) is touched with the fiduciall edge of the ſaide Index, which here for example I will ſuppoſe to be twelue, multiplie 1200 the whole number of partes in one ſide of your ſquare by one foote the diſtance betweene the center of your ſquare and thepeece of grounde at the ſaid A and ſo the quotient thereof will be 1200 which being diuided by twelue the number of partes touched with the fiduciall edge of the ſaide Index will yeeld in the quotient 100 feete for the meaſure of the Hipothenuſall diſtance between A your ſtation, and N the toppe of the Tower.

depiction of the use of a gunner's semicircle

After you haue in this maner founde out the ſaid hipothenuſall diſtance ſet your ſquare vpright at A vppon his ſide V X, and moouing the Index of your ſquare vp or downe till you ſhall ſee through his ſightes N the top of the ſaid Tower, note what part of the Index is touched with Z Y the ſide of your ſquare, which here for example I will admitte to bee 1360: then working by the rule of proportion multiplie 1200 the whole number of partes in one ſide of your ſquare by 100 the meaſure of the ſaide hipothenuſall diſtance, and thereof will come 120000, which diuided by 1360 the part of the Index touched with Z Y the ſide of the ſquare, yeeldeth in the quotient 88 feete and 4/17 of a foote for the altitude of the ſaid Tower N M.

The 116 Chapter. How you may artificially meaſure with a Gunners quadrant, and alſo with a gunners Semicircle, the altitude of any thing perpendicularly erected, although you may not goe to it, nor ſee the baſe thereof: and how you may meaſure with the ſame inſtruments the Hipothenuſall diſtance, and Horizontall diſtance of that altitude.

PVt your gunners quadrant to your eye or hang your ſaid quadrant vppon a ſtaffe faſt fixed in the ground, ſo that you may at your pleaſure without ſtirring of the ſaid ſtaffe, lift vp or put downe the quadrant till you haue eſpied through his two ſights A the toppe of that altitude.In the ſcale of the quadrant the 72 partes which ſhall be next vnto your ſights are called the partes of right ſhadow and the 72 parts which ſhall be on the other ſide of that ſcale are called the partes of contrary ſhadowe. Then note vppon what ſide of the ſcale, the line and plummet of the quadrant doth fall. If the ſaid line ſhall happen to fall vppon the partes of contrary ſhadow (as moſt commonly it doth in ſuch kinde of menſurations) note the partes of that ſhadowe touched with the ſaid line, and by the number of thoſe partes diuide 72 (the whole number of partes of one ſide of the ſcale) and reſerue the quotient thereof. As for example, if the line ſhall fall vppon twelue partes, diuide 72 by twelue, and the quotient to bee reſerued will be ſixe. Afterwards remoouing your quadrant, marke the place of your ſtanding, and goe ſo farre as you liſt directly forwardes towardes the deſired altitude, or directlie backwardes from the ſame. Then putting your inſtrument to your eie or hanging your inſtrument again vpon a ſtaffe as you did before, lift vp, or put downe your quadrant til you may eſpie againe through his ſaid ſights A the top of the ſaid altitud, & note aduiſedly vpon how many partes of contrary ſhadowe the ſaid line fell: by which number of partes diuide againe 72, and ſubtract the quotient thereof from the firſt reſerued quotient, and keepe the remainder thereof. As for an example, if at the ſecond ſtanding the ſaide line ſhall fall vppon 36 partes of contrary ſhadowe, diuide 72 (the whole number of partes of one ſide of the ſcale) by the ſaid number of 36, and the quotient thereof will bee two. Thisnumber of two you muſt ſubtract from the other reſerued quotient which was ſixe, and the remainder therof will be foure: this remainder of foure muſt alſo be reſerued. Then meaſure the ſpace betweene the firſt and ſeconde ſtanding with what kinde of meaſure you wil, and the number of that meaſure diuide by foure the remainder which you did laſt reſerue, and to the quotient thereof, adde the heigth of your eie from the grounde, and ſo you may conclude that the totall ſumme thereof is the altitude of the thing ſeene: as for example ſuppoſe the ſpace betweene your two ſtandings to be 156 paces, then diuide 156 by foure, and thereof commeth thirtie nine, to this thirtie nine adde the heigth of your eie from the grounde (which you ſhall alſo ſuppoſe to be two paces) and ſo the total ſumme being fortie one ſheweth the heigth of A B. But to the end this kinde of menſuration may be the better vnderſtood, I will giue you an other example thereof which ſhall differ from the aforeſayde example, and in this example following I will ſuppoſe the ſide of the ſquare to be diuided only into twelue partes.

Suppoſe againe that your firſt ſtanding is in the place marked with C, and that at the ſame ſtanding the ſaid line doth fall vppon the tenth parte of contrarie ſhadowe (as it doth in the figure following) and that at your ſecond ſtanding in the place marked with V, the ſaid line falleth vppon the eight part of contrary ſhadowe (as likewiſe it appeareth to doe in the ſaid figure) and that the ſpace betweene C and V containes 285 feete, and that from your eye to the grounde, that is to ſay from E to C or from X to V there are foure feete. Now diuide twelue (the whole number of partes of one ſide of the ſcale) by 10 the part of contrarie ſhadowe touched with the ſaid line at the firſt ſtation and the quotient will be one and ⅕ the which you muſt reſerue. Then diuide againe the ſaide number of twelue by eight the part of contrary ſhadowe touched with the ſaid line at the ſeconde ſtation, and the quotient will be one and ½. Out of this one and ½ ſubtract that one and ⅕ which was reſerued, and ſo there will remaine 3/20. By this 3/20 diuide 285 which is the number of feete in the diſtance betweene C and V, and the quotient thereof will bee 950. To this 950 adde foure feete for the heigth of your eie from the ground, or for the heigth of E aboue C, or for the heigth of X aboue V, and ſo the totall ſumme thereof being 954 feete is the true meaſure of the altitude A: that is to ſay of the line betweene A and B which B is an inuiſible point by imagination conceiued directly vnder the ſaid A within the ground T.

depiction of the use of a gunner's semicircle

To make a demonſtration hereof, from your eye at the ſecond ſtation, that is to ſay from X to your eye at the firſt ſtation, that is to ſay to E, drawe the line X E, and produce the ſame line in your imagination till it meete with the ſaid line A B within the grounde T, in the point F, which is alſo an inuiſible point conceiued by imagination to bee withinthe ſaid ground, and leuell with your eie, I meane with X and E, And becauſe the triangle A E F, is like vnto the triangle L P Q of the firſt ſtation, ſuch proportion as the line or ſide A F hath vnto the line or ſide E F, the ſame proportion hath the ſide P Q to the ſide Q L. Wherefor (by the 13 and 21 definition of the ſeuenth booke of Euclide) ſo many times as the ſaid P Q is contained in the ſide Q L, ſo many times the ſide A F is contained in the ſide E F. And becauſe the ſide P Q containes ten partes of the one ſide of the ſcale, and the ſide L Q containes twelue of thoſe partes, therefore the ſide L Q containes the ſide P Q once and ⅕ part thereof, and ſo it followeth that the ſide E F containes the ſide A F once and ⅕ part thereof. And now although you be ignorant of the altitude of A F, & of the diſtance betweene E and F, yet you know that the ſaid diſtance E F containes the heigth A F once and ⅕ part thereof. Then reſeruing this 1 and ⅕, go to your ſecond ſtanding where you ſhall finde the triangle X F A, to be like vnto the triangle L P Q of the ſeconde ſtanding, and that ſo many times as the ſide P Q (which is eight partes of the ſcale of contrarie ſhadowe) is in the ſide L Q (which is 12, the whole number of partes of one ſide of the ſcale) ſo many times the heigth A F is contained in the diſtance X F, and becauſe the ſide P Q (that is to ſay 8 parts) is contained once and ½ in the ſide L Q (that is to ſay in 12 partes) therefore the heigth A F is likewiſe contained once and ½ in the diſtance X F. Therfore ſubtracting the diſtance E F from the diſtance X F (that is to ſay 1 and ⅕ from 1 and ½) there will remaine 3/10 for the difference E X, ſo as the ſaid difference E X wil be 3/10 of the ſaid heigth A F. And becauſe the ſaid difference E X is ſuch as is the line V C (by the 34 propoſition of the firſt booke of Euclide) and that the ſaid line V C is ſuppoſed to containe 285 feete, therefore it followeth that there are 285 feete in 3/10 of the heigth A F. By reaſon whereof the whole heigth of A F ſhould be 950 feete, as before hath been ſayd. Then ioyn 4 feete which is ſuppoſed to be the heigth of E C and of X V vnto the ſaid number of 950 feete, and ſo the totall ſumme thereof will be 954 feete which is the whole heigth of A B, becauſe the heigth of F B doth likewiſe containe 4 feete. And therefore as the ſide P Q of the firſt ſtanding is in proportion to the ſide or Hipothenuſal line L P, ſo is the heigth A F to the Hipothenuſall diſtance A E. And becauſe the ſide P Q is in proportion to the ſide or Hipothenuſall line L P (by the 47 propoſition of the firſt booke of Euclide) as 10 is to the nigheſt ſquare roote of 244 (which number of 244 is the ſumme that came by adding the ſquare of 10 to the ſquare of 12) therefore multiplie 950 feete by 15 and 19/30 which is the nigheſt ſquare roote of 244 and diuide the product thereof by 10, and the quotient wil yeeld 1485 feete & two ynches for the Hipothenuſall diſtance A E. And forſomuch as the diſtance betweene E and F is ſo much as the heigth of A F and ⅕ parte more (as before hath been prooued) therefore take ⅕ of the heigth A F that is to ſay ⅕ parte of 950 feete which is 190 and adde the ſame ſumme of 190 to the ſumme of 950 feete the heigth of A F and thereof will come 1140 feet which ſheweth what number of feete are in the Horizontall diſtance that is to ſay betweene E and F and betweene C and B.

And in like ſort you muſt proceede to finde out at the ſecond ſtanding the Hipothenuſall diſtance betweene X and A,An admonition. and the Horizontall diſtance betweene X F, but it behooueth you to note in this kinde of menſurations by two ſtandinges, that ſometimes your eye in one ſtanding will not be ſo high from the grounde as it will be in the other ſtanding, eſpecially when your Inſtrument hangs vpon a thing that ſtandes faſt in the ground. And although that difference is but little, yet many times the ſame will breede great errors, and therefore to auoyd the occaſion of ſuch errors, I exhort you to prouide a line and plummet which may reache from the center of the quadrant to the grounde, and direct you at your firſt ſtanding and alſo at your ſecond ſtanding. Moreouer to auoyde errors, I counſell you to hang your Quadrant ſo as it may turne vppon no other part thereof then vppon his center, but nowe to returne vnto our purpoſe, if by chaunce you ſhall ſtande ſo neare vnto the altitude as that the line and plummet of the quadrant falleth vppon the right ſhadow, you muſt work otherwiſe than you did before, I meane you muſt diuide thoſe parts cut with the ſaid line by 12, & in this caſe the quotient muſt alwaies bee ſet downe like a fraction, the which fraction you muſt reſerue, and after you haue marked the placewhere you ſtoode, goe from thence ſo farre as you liſt in a right line forwardes or backewardes, and then placing your ſaide Inſtrument againe as you did at your firſt ſtanding, lift the ſaid Inſtrument vppe or put it down, till you may through his ſights ſee A the top of the altitude. This done, note aduiſedly vppon what part of right ſhadowe the ſaide line and plummet falleth, and that part diuide by twelue (the whole number of partes of one ſide of the ſcale) and the quotient thereof muſt of neceſsitie bee ſet downe like a fraction: This fraction ſubtract from the other fraction firſt reſerued, or in plainer words, ſubtract the leſſer of thoſe two fractions from the greater, and reſerue the remainder thereof. Then meaſure the ſpace between your firſt and ſecond ſtanding by feete, paces, or any other kind of meaſure that you will, and diuide the number of that meaſure by the remainder which was before reſerued, and adde vnto the quotient of the ſaide diuiſion the heigth betweene the center of the ſaid Inſtrument and the ground, and by ſo doing you may conclude that the totall ſumme thereof is the altitude of the thing ſeene.

For an example hereof, if at the firſt ſtanding the ſayd line and plummet ſhall fall vppon the thirde parte of right ſhadowe, diuide that number of three by twelue (the whole number of partes in one ſide of the ſcale) and the quotient thereof will bee in a fraction ¼. Reſerue this fraction of ¼, and then marke your firſt ſtanding with a ſtaffe ſet vpright vnder the center of your Inſtrument and then goe from thence backwardes in a right line ſo farre as you liſt, and placing there your Inſtrument as you did at your firſt ſtanding, mooue it vp or down till you ſhall againe eſpie through the ſaid ſightes A the toppe of the ſaid altitude. Then looke vppon what part of right ſhadowe the ſaid line and plummet falleth, as if by chaunce it fell vppon the fourth part, diuide that fourth by twelue, and the quotient wil be in a fraction ⅓. Nowe out of ¼ the fraction which was before reſerued, ſubtract the laſt quotient which was ⅓ and ſo /12 will remaine: then hauing likewiſe marked your ſeconde ſtanding with a ſtaffe ſet vpright vnder the center of your Inſtrument, meaſure the ſpace betweene the ſtaffe at your firſt ſtanding, and the ſtaffe at your ſecond ſtanding: which ſpace in this example I ſuppoſe to be eight paces. Now diuide this eight by 1/1 the remainder laſt mentioned, and the quotient thereof will be ninetie ſixe, and adde vnto the ſaide number of ninetie ſixe the heigth betweene the center of the Inſtrument and the grounde (which in this example I will ſuppoſe to bee one paſe) and ſo the totall ſumme amounting to ninetie ſeuen paces ſheweth the heigth of A B. The demonſtration of this worke is to be made by the ſimilitude of triangles and their proportionall ſides as before the other demonſtration hath been made.

In this kinde of menſurations by two ſtandings, you muſt be very circumſpect that the ſtaffe vppon which your quadrant ſhall hang doe ſtande plumbe vpright both at your firſt ſtanding, and alſo at your ſeconde ſtanding. For otherwiſe it will make you not a little to erre: which thing may be eaſily done by the helpe of your ſaid quadrant, or by letting fall a line and plummet cloſe by the ſide of that ſtaffe.

The 117 Chapter. To know by the helpe of a Gunners Semicircle how many miles, paces, yardes, or feete, any ſhippe lying at Rode in the Sea, or Tower, or any other marke vppon the land in ſight, is from you.

To meaſure lengthes ſome ſay we ſhould auoid hilles and deſire plaines, for that otherwiſe great errors will inſue. But in this kinde of menſuration no ſuch matter is required, for here it ſhall bee onely needefull at the time of your meaſuring to haue ground enough to go directly backwardes & ſidewiſe from your firſt ſtanding. This commodititie of ground enough had, whether that grounde be leuell or otherwiſe, worke thus. Lay your Semicircle flat and leuell vppon a ſtoole, or ſome other ſuch thing, and mooue the ſame about till you ſhal eſpie through D E the channell in the ruler A B the ſhip or other thing to which you will me ſure, & (your Semicircle ſo remaining vnmooueable) looke through the ſaide channel E D at ſome other thing lying directly in a right line 200 yardes or feete more or leſſe at your pleaſure, behinde your ſtanding, which thing ſo eſpied ſhall here for an example be marked with the figure of 3. Then (the Semicircle remaining ſtill vnmooueable) look through the channel F G in the ruler B C, at ſome other thing lying ſidewiſe in a right angle 100 yards or feete more or leſſe frō your firſt ſtanding noted for an exāple with the figure of 1, & that thing ſo eſpied ſhall in this place be noted with the figure of 2. After this cōuey your ſelfe and your Semicircle from your firſt ſtanding vnto the ſaid thing which hath here been marked with the figure of 3, and lay your Semicircle there flat and leuell as you did before, but ſo as the end of that channell which is marked with E do lie right ouer the point here marked as aforeſaid with the figure of 3, and that by moouing the Semicircle about, you may at the laſt perceiue through the ſaid channell D E, that 1 the mark at your firſt ſtanding doth lie right between you and the thing to which you meaſure. Now without moouing of your Semicircle looke agayne through the ſaid channel F G at ſome other thing lying ſidewiſe in a right angle from 3 the mark of your 2 ſtanding, and goe in a right line towards the ſame thing laſt eſpied, till the ſaide marke which hath here bin noted with the figure of 2 ſhall ſtand right betweene you and the thing to which you meaſure, and there make a marke which in this example ſhalbe the figure of 4. This done, meaſure exactly the diſtāce betweene the marke 1, and the mark 2, & cal it the firſt diſtance: alſo meaſure exactly the diſtance betweene the marke 1 and the marke 3, & call it the 2 diſtance. Finally, meaſure the diſtance between the mark 3 & the mark 4 & call it the 3 diſtance. Now ſubtract the firſt diſtance from the third, and reſerue the remainder for your diuiſor, then multiplie the 3 diſtance by the ſecond diſtance, & diuide the product by your reſerued diuiſor, and ſo the quotient wil ſhew the true lēgth from the marke 3 vnto the ſhip, tower, or other thing to which you did meaſure.

depiction of the use of a gunner's semicircle

At the figure of fiue there is a ſhippe lying at Rode in the Sea, and from 6, 7, 8, and 9, a platfourme with ordinance vppon the lande, I am required to meaſure vnto the ſaid ſhip, wherefore making my firſt ſtanding at the place 1, I meaſure from thence vnto the place 2 which lyeth ſidewiſe 200 yardes in a right angle from 1. Againe I meaſure from the ſaide place 1, vnto 3 the place of my ſeconde ſtanding which lyeth 300 yardes in aright line with the ſaid ſhippe behind my firſt ſtanding. Alſo I meaſure from the ſaide place marked with the figure of 3 vnto the place 4 lying 240 yardes ſidewiſe in a right angle from 3, and ſcituated ſo as the ſaid place 2 doth lie in a right line betweene it and the ſaid ſhip: then ſubducing 200 from 240 I keepe the remainder which is 40 for my diuiſor, and after this I multiplie 300 by 240 whereof commeth 72000 which diuided by 40 my ſaid reſerued diuiſor yeeldeth in the quotient 1800 yardes for the longitude betweene 3 the place of my ſecond ſtanding and the ſaid ſhippe.

The 118 Chapter. How you may meaſure a ſhort diſtance as the breadth of a towne ditch, or narrow riuer, without any Geometricall Inſtrument, or arithmeticall knowledge.

STanding right vp with your bodie and necke vppon the ſide of a towne ditch, or narrow riuer, put your feete cloſe together, and behold with one eie a graſſe leafe, ſtone, or other marke in the oppoſite ſide of the ſame ditch or riuer, and in ſo doing pull down your hat or cap ouer your eie till you may ſee no other thing beyond the marke ſo eſpied. After this keeping ſtill your body and necke vpright, your feete ioyned together, and your one eie faſt ſhut, turne your ſelfe towards the plaineſt peece of ground that is about you, and marke well that part of ground which you ſhall eſpie vnder your hat or cap moſt fartheſt from your ſtation, for the diſtance betweene the middeſt of your feete and the ſaid fartheſt part of ground, is equall to the breadth of the ſaid riuer.

The 119 Chapter. How you may at one ſtation meaſure vppon an heigth with a Geometricall ſquare a longitude vppon plaine.

SEt your Geometricall ſquare very vpright vppon his ſide or ende X Y ouer the plaine where you will meaſure an vnknowne longitude. This done, mooue the Index of your ſaid ſquare vp or downe till you may eſpie through his ſights the fartheſt ende of the deſired longitude. Then note diligently the partes of the ſquare cut with the fiduciall line of the Index. And if the partes ſo cut be in the contrary ſhadow, multiplie the whole number of partes in one ſide of the ſquare, by the number of feet or yards which are in the heigth betweene the center of your Inſtrument and that part of the plaine which lieth directly vnder the ſame center, and diuide the product thereof by the partes cut in the ſide of your ſquare, and note the quotient for the true meaſure of the deſired longitude. When the partes ſo cut ſhall be in the right ſhadow, multiplie the partes ſo cut in the heigth between the center of your Inſtrument & that part of the plaine which lieth directly vnder the ſame center and hauing diuided the product thereof by the whole number of partes in one ſide of the ſquare, note the quotient for the true meaſure of the deſired longitude. But if the fiducial line of the ſaid Index ſhall lie directly betweene the right ſhadow and the contrary ſhadowe when you eſpie through the ſaid ſights the fartheſt end of the deſired longltude, then the heigth betweene the center of your Inſtrument and the part of the plaine which lyeth vnder the ſame center, is equall to the deſired longitude.

Example.

Admit that B C is an vnkowne longitude between a ſhip & a gallie tying at Rode in the Sea, & that to meaſure the ſame longitude I haue ſet my Geometricall ſquare plumbe vpright vppon his ſide or end X Y in A the maine top of the ſhip directlie ouer B one ende of the ſaid longitude, and that when I ſaw through the ſights vppon the Index the gallie at C the fartheſt end of the deſired longitude, the fiduciall line of the ſaide Index did cut fortie partes of contrary ſhadowe, and that the center of my ſquare is tenne yardes aboue theſaid B, therefore I multiplie 1200 the whole number of partes in one ſide of the ſquare by tenne the meaſure of the heigth betweene the center of my ſquare and B, and the product thereof being 12000 I diuide by fortie the partes cut in contrary ſhadowe, and ſo the quotient yeeldeth three hundred for the number of yardes in the meaſure of the ſaide longitude.

This one example geueth light to the ingenious Reader to worke in menſurations of longitudes when the fiduciall line of the index ſhall cut partes in the right ſhadowe of the ſquare, and alſo when the ſame fiduciall line ſhall lie vppon the ſquare directly betweene the right ſhadowe and the contrary ſhadowe, wherefore I doe omit to ſet downe here more examples in ſo plaine a matter.

depiction of the use of a geometrical square
The 120 Chapter. How you may meaſure with a Geometricall ſquare at two ſtations any longitude in ſight.

TO meaſure at two ſtations an vnknowne longitude which here ſhal be ſuppoſed to be A B, lay your Geometricall ſquare flat and leuell vppon a ſtoole, or vppon a foote made of purpoſe to holde it vp. Then ſetting the fiduciall edge of his Index vppon the line H I which paſſeth directly from H to the beginning of the equal parts marked vpon X Y a ſide of the ſquare turne the ſquare vpō the ſtoole or foote (his Index remaining ſtedfaſt vpō the ſaid line H I) till you may eſpie through the ſights vppon the ſaide Index, B the fartheſt ende of the ſaid vnknowne longitude. This done, the ſquare remaining vnmooueable turne the fiduciall edge of his Index to the line V Z which paſſeth directly from V to the beginning of the equall partes marked vppon Y Z an other ſide of the ſaid ſquare, & then looking againe through the ſaid ſights, note ſome mark a good ſpace from you: the farther this mark is frō you, the better it is for your purpoſe: then pitchinge vp a ſtaffe right vnder the center of your ſquare in A, conueye your ſquare vnto the ſaide marke which heere Iwill call C, and recon to be 40 yardes from A, now the ſquare being layde againe flat and leuell vppon a ſtoole, or vppon a foote, right ouer C as it was before at A, put the fiduciall edge of the Index vppon the ſaide line H I, and turne the ſquare vppon the ſtoole (the Index remayning vnmouable vppon the ſaide line H I) till you may ſee through the ſights vppon the ſame Index the ſtaffe in A. After this the ſquare remayning vnmouable, turne the ſaide Index to and fro till you may ſee through his ſights B the extreame parte of the deſired longitude, and note diligently what parte of contrary ſhadowe is then touched with the fiduciall edge of the Index, for if you will multiplie the whole number of partes in one ſide of the ſquare by the number of yards betweene A and C your two ſtations, and diuide the product thereof by the parte of contrarie ſhadowe touched with the fiduciall edge of the ſaide Index, the quotient will ſhewe you the true meaſure of the ſaide longitude.

Example.

Admitte that at C your ſeconde ſtation the fiduciall edge of the Index did touche the 100 parte of contrary ſhadowe, and that you did then ſee through the ſightes vppon the ſame Index B the extreame parte of the deſired longitude. Then multiplie 1200 the whole number of partes in one ſide of the ſquare by 40 the number of yardes betweene A and C your two ſtations, and diuide the product thereof which is 48000 by 100 the parte of contrary ſhadowe touched with the fiduciall edge of the Index at C your ſeconde ſtation, and ſo the quotient will yeelde 480 yardes for the deſired meaſure of the ſayde longitude A B.

depiction of the use of a geometrical square
The 121 Chapter. How you may meaſure with a Geometricall Square, any diſtance or breadth lying in a plaine & leuel grounde, with your eye or ſtation how ſo euer the ſame breadth or diſtance is ſcituated.

BEing required to tell the diſtance or breadth betweene two Towers which for example may here be named Q and R, meaſure firſt how farre either Tower is from you, which you may doe by ſundrie wayes before taught, and then laying your Geometricall Square flatte and leuell vppon a ſtoole, or vppon a foote made of purpoſe to beare it vp, turne the Square about till you haue ſet H I a line vppon one ſide of the ſaide Square right againſt Q the Tower next vnto you. For if R the other Tower were nearer to you than the Tower Q, you ſhoulde firſt lay the line H K right againſt the ſame Tower R. This done (the Square not being remooued) turne the Index to and fro till you may ſee through his ſightes the ſaide Tower R, which in this example (as before I haue tolde you) is the fardeſt Tower from you. Then opening your compaſſe to ſo many equall partes in the ſide of the Square as there are yards betweene the center of the Square & the tower Q. which I will here ſuppoſe to be an hundred yardes, ſet one foote of your compaſſe in the center of your Square, and with the other foote of your compaſſe make a fine viſible mark at M vppon the line H I, and when you haue ſo done, open your compaſſe againe to ſo many partes in the ſide of the Square as there are yardes betweene the center of your Inſtrument and the ſaide Tower R, which I will likewiſe ſuppoſe to be an hundred and fiftie yardes, and putting one foote of your compaſſe in the ſaide center, make an other fine viſible marke vppon the face of the Square with the other foote of your compaſſe at N, cloſe by the fiduciall edge of the ſaide Index, which ought now to lie in that place where it ſtoode when you did laſt ſee through his ſightes the ſayde Tower R. Moreouer, open your compaſſe to the ſpace betweene thoſe two markes M and N, and lay your compaſſe ſo opened vppon the partes in the ſide of your Square, and ſo you ſhall perceaue how many yardes are betweene the Tower Q and the Tower R. For looke how many equall partes are beetweene the two feete of your compaſſe, ſo many yardes are beetweene the Tower Q and the Tower R, and therefore if ſixty one partes ſhall bee betweene the two feete of your compaſſe, you may boldly affyrme that the diſtance or breadth betweene the Tower Q and the Towre R doth containe ſixty and one yardes.

•… derſtande •… teous rea •… , that M •… ght to ſtand 〈◊〉 this picture 〈◊〉 the ende of 〈◊〉 line which •… tendeth 〈◊〉 the ſide 〈◊〉 the ſquare 〈◊〉 the fiducial •… ge of the •… ex, and N •… ght to ſtand 〈◊〉 that end of 〈◊〉 ſayde line •… ch adioy •… th to the fiduciall edge of the index, H ought to ſtand at the center of the ſquare, and I ought to ſtand at the loweſt •… de of the ſquare where the equall partes begin, and that betweene H M are 100 equall partes, betweene M N 61 •… uall partes, and betweene H N 150 equall partes.

depiction of the use of a geometrical square

The 122 Chapter. How you ſtanding vppon the toppe of a hill or drie ditch may meaſure with a Geometricall Square the deepeneſſe of the ſame hill or ditch, and the breadth of any drie ditch or valley.

TO meaſure the deepeneſſe and breadth of M N O a ditch or valley, meaſure firſt his breadth MN as you may doe by ſundrie wayes before taught, which breadth ſhall here be ſuppoſed to be eighteene yardes. Likewiſe meaſure by the precepts before geuen, the length or depth of M O, which here ſhall be ſuppoſed to be fifteene yardes, this done, ſquare 15 the meaſure of the depth M O, and the product thereof will bee 225. Likewiſe ſquare 9 which is ½ of the meaſure of the breadth M N, and the product thereof will be 81. Then ſubduce the ſquare 81 from the ſaide ſquare 225, and out of the remainder which is 144 extract the Square root, which being 12 ſheweth the number of yardes that are in P O the depth of the ditch or valley. Alſo in this manner if you ſtande vppon the toppe of a hill, you may meaſure the heigth of the ſame hill.

depiction of the use of a geometrical square

The 123 Chapter. How you may drawe a platte of any peece of grounde which ſhall containe the true proportion and Symetrie thereof, in ſuch ſorte that you may tel how farre any place in the platte is diſtante from other.

TO drawe a platte of any peece of ground, prepare an Inſtrument made of mettall, or of Cypreſſe wood like vnto the Figure following. And after you haue ſet it flatte and leuel vppon a foote, or vpon a ſtoole in an high place from whence you may ſee round about many other notable places,Note that the variation of euery compaſſe in England is 11 degrees & ¼ of a degree, and that for the ſame cauſe in euery compaſſe within England, the North poynte lyeth directly againſt the North pole, & the South poynt lieth directly againſt the South pole, when the needle of the compaſſe doth ſtande directly ouer the north and by Eaſt, & South and by Weſt points in the compaſſe. turne this Inſtrument named a Geographicall playne Sphere to and fro vppon his foote, or for lacke of a foote, vppon a ſtoole, till by the ayde of his needle you haue made all his Semidiameters to pointe vnto their proper quarters. This done, the Inſtrument remayning ſtedfaſt, direct the Index with his two ſights to euery place that ſhall be ſet foorth in your platte, taking your markes through the ſaid ſights in the middeſt of euery of them, and note in a Table by it ſelfe the degrees cutte with the ſaid Index in the Circle, which may be called the Angles of poſition, or Angles of ſight, and ſo make a table of your firſt ſtation. Then remoouing your Inſtrument to one of the higheſt places noted in your ſaide Table, pitch your Inſtrument in the high place which you haue choſen for your ſeconde ſtation in all reſpects as you did at your firſt ſtation, and turning the ſaide Index ſo as you may ſee through his ſightes all the places which you did ſee before at your firſt ſtation, Note againe in an other Table the Angles of poſition, or Angles of ſightes, writing the name of euery place and his Angle of ſight by it. After this, at your comming home lay a protractor (which is a circle made of wood or mettalle, diuided into 360 equall partes like vnto C D the Figure following) vppon a ſheete of paper, and making a prick thoroe the center of the ſaide protractor in the ſaide paper, which prick ſhall repreſent the place of your firſt ſtation, write with a cole at the edge of the protractor by euery degree or Angle of ſight his place, and then laying your protractor aſide, drawe with a cole ſtraight lines from the ſaide prick which repreſenteth your firſt ſtation vnto the places ſo noted. Againe putting the center of your protractor right ouer the line which pointeth from your firſt ſtation vnto your ſecond ſtation, and hauing regard to place the prick of your ſecond ſtation from the prick of the firſt ſtation, ſo as the croſsing of like lines may be within the compaſſe of your ſaid paper, turne the protractor to and fro keeping his center vppon the ſaid line, till it doe lie in euery reſpect as it did vppon the pricke of your firſt ſtation, and when you haue ſo done, make thoroe the center of the protractor in the ſaid line a prick, which muſt repreſent the place of your ſecond ſtation, & write with a cole as you did before at the edge of the protractor by euery degree or Angle of ſight his place. After this taking vp the protractor from the paper, draw with a cole ſtraight lines from the pricke of your ſeconde ſtation vnto the noted places, and looking diligentlyvppon the croſsing of euery two like lines, write thereon a figure, ſtarre, or other ſigne, and the name of his place. Now to know how farre euery place is diſtant from other, meaſure by your Inſtrument, or by a wier line the diſtance betweene your two ſtations, and diuide the right line in your paper betweene the pricke of your firſt ſtation and the prick of your ſecond ſtation, into ſo many equall partes as there are feete, yardes, paſes, or perches betweene your two ſtations, and then opening your compaſſe to one of thoſe partes, you may meaſure from place to place, and ſay that there are ſo many feete, yardes, paſes, or perches (according to the denomination of that one parte whereunto you open your Compaſſe) as you finde partes.

Example.

Purpoſing to drawe the platte of a peece of ground which hath vppon it a Beacon, a Tower, a houſe, a church, a windmill, a hill and a mount, I doe firſt ſet my Geographicall plaine Sphere in all reſpectes according to the precepts before declared vpon the hill from whence I may ſee al the aforeſaide places, and then by turning the Index of my Inſtrument to euery of thoſe places, I finde that it cutteh at the middell parte of the Beacon, 80 degrees, at the middle parte of the Tower 95 degrees, at the middle parte of the houſe 110 degrees, at the middle parte of the church 130 degrees and ⅔ of a degree, at the middle parte of the windemill 155 degrees and ½ of a degree, and at that parte of the mount where I will make my ſecond ſtation 180 degrees, whereuppon I make a table of my firſt ſtation after this manner. The Table of my firſt ſtation. The Beacon 80 degrees The tower 95 degrees The houſe 110 degrees The church 130 degrees ⅔ The windemill 155 degrees ½ The mount 180 degrees

This done, I tranſporte my ſaide Inſtrument vnto that parte of the mount which I haue noted for my ſecond ſtation, and placing it there in euery reſpecte according to the precepts before declared, I turne againe the ſaide Index vnto euery of the ſaide noted places, and by ſo doing ſee that it cutteth at the middle parte of the ſaid beacon 40 degrees, at the middle parte of the tower 65 degrees, at the middle parte of the houſe 80 degrees, at the middle parte of the church 100 degrees, at the middle parte of the windemill 120 degrees and ¼, wherefore after I haue meaſured the ſpace betweene my two ſtations, I make an other table of my ſecond ſtation thus. The table of my ſeconde ſtation. The Beacon 40 degrees The tower 65 degrees The houſe 80 degrees The Church 100 degrees The windemill 120 degrees

The ſpace betweene my two ſtations is in meaſure 200 yardes.

diagram of the use of a protractor

Moreouer, I doe lay my portractor vppon a ſheete of paper, and hauing made a pricke in the ſame paper with the poynt of a needle thruſt thorow a little hole in the center of the ſame protractor, I make a poynte with a cole in the edge of the protractor at euery degree and parte of a degree noted in the table of my firſt ſtation, and then taking my protractor vp from the paper, doe drawe ſtraight lines vnto euery of thoſe points, & write with a cole their names. After all this I doe put the center of my protractor right vppon the line which pointeth from my firſt ſtation vnto my ſecond ſtation, in a reaſonable diſtance from the prick that repreſenteth in the paper my firſt ſtation, and making an other pricke in the ſaide line with the pointe of a needle thruſt thorow the hole in the center of the protractor, I doe turne the protractor to and fro keeping his center ouer the prick laſt made, till I haue ſet it in euery reſpect as it did lie before vpon the prick of my firſt ſtation, and hauing made a pointe with a cole in the edge of the protractor at euery degree and parte of a degree noted in the table of my ſecond ſtation, I put the protractor aſide, and drawe ſtraight lines from the prick made for the place of my ſecond ſtation vnto euery of thoſe pointes, noting well the croſsing of like lines. That is to ſay, where the line of the Beacon drawne from the pricke of my firſt ſtation meeteth with the line of the Beacon drawne from the prick of my ſecond ſtation, and where the line of the Tower drawen from the prick of my firſt ſtation meeteth with the line of the Tower drawen from the prick of my ſecond ſtation, and ſo of the reſt: for other interſections or croſsinges in this woorke are not to be regarded.

Alſo to know how farre euery place in this plat is from other, I diuide the ſpace before the prick of my firſt ſtation, and the prick of my ſeconde ſtation into ſo many equall parts as there are yardes, which for example I here ſuppoſe to be 200, & then drawing ſtraightlines from euery one of theſe noted places vnto other, and opening my compaſſe to one of the ſaid equall partes, I meaſure how many times it is contayned in euery of the ſayde lines, and ſay that the number of yardes in the length of them is as this Table following doth ſhewe.

A Table ſhewing the diſtance of euery place from the two ſtations, and alſo the diſtance of euery place from other: and therein this is to be noted that 1 ſignifieth the firſt ſtation, 2 the ſeconde ſtation, 3 the Beacon, 4 the Towre, 5 the houſe, 6 the Church, and 7 the Windemill. FRom 1 to 2, 200 yardes. From 1 to 3, 193 yardes and ¼ of a yarde. From 1 to 4, 350 yardes. From 1 to 5, 375 yardes. From 1 to 6, 425 yardes. From 1 to 7, 395 yardes and of a yarde: From 2 to 3, 300 yardes. From 2 to 4, 391 yardes and ⅔ of a yarde. From 2 to 5, 362 yardes and ½ of a yarde. From 2 to 6, 358 yardes and ⅓ of a yarde. From 2 to 7, 283 yardes and of a yarde. From 3 to 4, 166 yardes and ⅔ of a yarde, From 3 to 5, 218 yardes and 2/11 of a yarde. From 3 to 6, 316 yardes and of a yarde. From 3 to 7, 340 yardes. From 4 to 5, 88 yardes and of a yarde. From 4 to 6, 208 yardes and of a yarde. From 4 to 7, 275 yardes. From 5 to 6, 120 yardes. From 5 to 7, 195 yardes and ⅚ of a yarde. From 6 to 7, 107 yardes and ¾ of a yarde.

In this manner by changing my ſtations I may make diuers plattes expreſsing the true proportion and diſtances of Cities, Townes, Hauens, Caſtles, Fortes, Campes, Mynes, Hilles, and all other notable places within a whole Region.

Laus Deo. Gutta cauat lapidem non vi, ſed ſape cadendo, Sic homo fit ſapiens non vi, ſed ſaepe legendo. The ende of Lucar Appendix.

AT LONDON Printed by Thomas Dawſon, for Iohn Harriſon the elder, at the Signe of the Greyhounde in Paules Churchyarde, And are there to be ſolde. 1588.

blazon or coat of arms IN SPE

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Amendments of faults made in printing Lucar Appendix. Faultes. Page. Line. Amendments. IN ſome other 10 18 into ſome other and doe it vnto 10 26 and doe vnto it that time 10 52 the time. into the flowre 11 11 into flowre in a Cauldron 11 12 in the cauldron and vineger 14 10 or vineger or after 14 11 and after. full of round 15 3 full of litle round their tinder 21 1 the tinder being well wette 21 21 being wett a whole foote 41 23 whole of a foote The 65, Chapter 57 14 the 68. Chapter ſaid pellets 59 45 ſaid pellet next mixture 66 37 mixture next and put 70 23 put peece and cloſe 70 24 peece next and cloſe by it 73 17 by them bloe the forts 93 4 bloe vp the forts before 119 21 betweene