Gunnery in 1858: Being a Treatise on Rifles, Cannon, and Sporting Arms / Explaining the Principles of the Science of Gunnery, and Describing the Newest Improvements in Fire-Arms

This work surveys the history, theory, and practice of gunnery, beginning with ancient projectile weapons and tracing developments in gunpowder, firearms mechanisms, and artillery design. It explains scientific principles underlying barrel construction, metallurgy, projectile shapes, and proofing, and describes contemporary rifled and breech-loading systems alongside sporting arms and revolvers. Practical guidance on manufacture, testing, and safety is interwoven with critical commentary on institutional resistance to innovation and the need for systematic experimentation. Numerous illustrations and plates accompany technical explanations to clarify forms and processes.