Wubei Zhi (Vol. 53)

Page 6

Records of Military Armament, Volume 22

Illustrated Explanations of Firearms, Part 2

The shells are cast from molten pig ironOriginal: "shengtie." In Ming Dynasty metallurgy, brittle pig iron was preferred for explosive shells because it shattered into many sharp, lethal fragments upon detonation, unlike softer wrought iron.. Within these shells are hidden "divine smoke" and specialized gunpowder formulasOriginal: "fayao." Literally "formula medicine" or "ritual powder," referring to specific chemical mixtures designed for various effects like smoke, poison, or intense heat.. Using a mother cannon to launch them into the enemy’s ranks, the fuse ignites and the shell shatters with a roar like a clap of thunder.

Flames burst forth and the iron fragments of the shell fly out, striking with a force as powerful as lead bullets. Both men and horses are wounded by the blast. If one seizes this opportunity to charge, victory is certain. Depending on whether the tactical goal is to capture the enemy alive or to strike them dead, different charges may be used according to the situation.

One variety utilizes Poisonous Fire and Divine Sand original: "duhuo shensha"; likely an incendiary mixed with irritants like arsenic; another uses Blazing Fire and Porcelain Shards original: "liehuo cifeng"; porcelain was often used as cheap, sharp shrapnel; another employs Flying Fire and Divine Smoke; another utilizes Divine Fire and Divine Blades; another uses Ritual Fire and Divine Smoke; and yet another uses Corrosive Fire and Divine Sand original: "lanhuo shensha"; "lan" refers to rotting or burning away, suggesting a caustic chemical effect.