A summary of the history, construction and effects in warfare of the projectile-throwing engines of the ancients, with a treatise on the structure, power and management of Turkish and other Oriental bows of mediæval and later times

A concise survey of ancient projectile engines and oriental composite bows that combines historical summary, technical description, and practical assessment. Classical and medieval sources are compared to reconstruct the form, dimensions, and mechanical principles of catapults, balistae, and trebuchets and to evaluate their performance and tactical roles in siege warfare. The appended treatise details the structure, materials, power, and handling of Turkish and other Oriental bows, with observations on construction methods and archery practice. Throughout, the author critiques source reliability and outlines the technological development and operational effects of these weapons.