Wubei Zhi, Volume 153

New Treatise on Military Efficiency, Volume 7: Firearms, Part 2

When the iron rings of the mounting staff mengun: literally "muffled staff," a specialized monopod used to support and steady heavy firearms are locked tight, the gunner should tuck the weapon under his left arm original: "zuo bo," referring to the upper arm or shoulder area used for bracing. By doing so, the cannon will not jump upward upon firing.

If the sight aperture xingmen: "star gate," the aiming mechanism or bead on the firearm is correctly aligned, the weapon will neither jump nor recoil original: "bu tiao bu zuo," meaning it remains stable both vertically and horizontally. The lead ball will then exit level and strike the exact center of the target. How extraordinary this is! What more could possibly be added to such a design?