Records of Military Armament, Volume 133

Military Equipment: Fire (Section 8)

Illustrated Explanations of Firearms (Part 2)

Page 9

Light a fuse of two tenths of an inchOriginal: fen (分). In the Ming dynasty, this was approximately 3 millimeters.. It is not necessary for the fuse to penetrate deep into the gun body; it only needs to be aligned with the point where the powder packOriginal: yaobao (藥包). A pre-measured bundle of gunpowder. is bound. Ignite the external fuse so it reaches the powder pack; the pack will then catch fire on its own. This method is both rapid and ensures there are no misfiresOriginal: shiwu (失悞), refers to operational errors or mechanical failures..

Insert one stone ball that fits the mouth of the barrel. This is capable of shattering obstacles and fortifications. On land, this weapon must be used to attack fortified camps; it is designed specifically for striking city walls and stockades. When firing, the distance must not exceed half a mileOriginal: li (里). In this era, half a li was roughly 250 to 300 meters.. It is most effective at a distance of over one hundred pacesOriginal: bu (步). A traditional unit of length roughly equal to 1.5 meters.. If the target is too far, the force of the shot will be weak, and it will seldom hit its mark.

For use on water, use wood to create a small raft-boat and bind the gun securely upon it. Additionally, utilize a sampanOriginal: sanban (三板), literally a "three-plank" boat. or an eight-oared scout-horse boatOriginal: shaoma (哨馬), a fast, maneuverable reconnaissance vessel.. Use a rope one rodOriginal: zhang (丈), approximately 3.2 meters. long to tether the gun-boat to the larger vessel. On one side, prepare a thick slow-match and keep it burning, tied to the tip of a long pole. Use this to ignite the charge and strike enemy vesselsOriginal: zeizhou (賊舟), often referring to pirate or rebel craft..

This device is intended to be fired even when it is settled low in the water. At such times, the distance should not exceed twenty paces; it is particularly effective when within five paces. This is because boats toss upon the water and sails shift with the wind. If the distance is any greater, the boat will have moved during the interval after the fuse is lit. If the aim is off by even a single foot, you cannot hope to hit the target.