But should it now be inquired, what advantages may be derived from Mr. Hutton’s experiments, for the advancement of the art of gunnery, and of philosophy in general? I would reply, that as to the former it may be sufficient to observe, that though the improvements be only such as can be deduced from the force of fired gun-powder; yet they are in a higher, more certain, and in a more general manner, than what resulted from the labours of Mr. Robins; who indeed led the way, but who made, as it were in miniature, those experiments which Mr. Hutton hath executed at large, and which Robins himself wished to have made, as well as others who have considered the subject since his time. Now these experiments, though made by Mr. Hutton with cannon-balls of a small size, may nevertheless form just conclusions when applied to cannon-shot of the largest size. And such conclusions inform us of the real force of powder when fired, either in a cannon or a mortar, impelling a ball or bomb of a given weight; that is, they discover with what velocity a given quantity of powder drives those projectiles in a second, or in any other assigned portion of time. They also shew the law of variation in the velocity arising from different quantities of powder, with the same weight of metal, and likewise that law which takes place upon using balls of different weights. Further, they point out the advantage obtained by diminishing the windage in cannon, and teach us how we may increase the weight of the shot in the same piece, by making it of a cylindrical form, instead of a spherical: by this device, a smaller ship may be enabled to do the execution of a larger one. And experiments of the same kind will also determine the just length of cannon for shooting farthest with the same charge of powder.
Lastly, it is from these experiments, or from others that may be made after the like manner, we are instructed how to answer every question relative to military projectiles, except such as depend on the resistance of the air to bodies moving swiftly in it. This indeed is a consideration which leaves room for greater improvement in the art, and for conferring fresh honours on those, who, like Mr. Hutton, shall have opportunities and abilities for continuing and perfecting this very curious and useful inquiry.
As to the advantages accruing to philosophy from the labours both of Mr. Robins and Mr. Hutton, speak they not for themselves? The sciences of motion and pneumatics are promoted by them; and of what avail their perfection would be for the farther interpretation of nature, you need not be informed. In fine, we have here before us, in these experiments, the surest test of our advancement in true knowledge, which is, the improvement of a liberal art, and the enlargement of the powers of man over the works of creation.
Some however may think, that the objects of this society are the arts of peace alone, not those of war, and that considering how numerous and how keen the instruments of death already are, it would better become us to discourage than to countenance their farther improvement. These naturally will be the first thoughts of the best disposed minds. But when upon a closer examination we find, that since the invention of arms of the quickest execution, neither battles nor sieges have been more frequent nor more destructive, indeed apparently otherwise; may we not thence infer, that such means as have been employed to sharpen the sword, have tended more to diminish than to increase the number of its victims, by shortening contests and making them more decisive. I shall not however insist on maintaining so great a paradox; but only surmise, that whatever State would adopt the Utopian maxims, and proscribe the study of arms, would soon, I fear, become a prey to those who best knew how to use them. For yet, alas! far seem we to be removed from those promised times, when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more!
Here ended the President’s Discourse: after which he turned to Mr. Hutton, and said,
You have heard, Sir, the account I have given of the rise and progress of the theory of gunnery, and of your improvement of it; a recital, which by no means would have done either you or the subject justice, had it been addressed to any other audience than to the present. But as my intention was only briefly to recall to the memory of these gentlemen what they knew of this subject, antecedently to your Paper, and to remind them of the result of your experiments, I flatter myself I have said what was sufficient on the occasion; being now authorized by them to deliver into your hand this medal, as the perpetual memorial of their approbation. And let me add, Sir, that they make you this present with the more cordial affection, as by your other ingenious and valuable communications they are assured, not only of your talents, but of your zeal, for promoting the interests and honour of their Institution.
FOOTNOTES
[1] 2 Chron. xxvi. 15.