PREFACE

Since my recent book on mediæval archery and ancient weapons was issued,1 I have obtained a considerable amount of information concerning the projectile engines of the Greeks and Romans. I now print a concise account of the history, construction and effects in warfare of these engines.

In this summary the additional notes I have acquired are included.

I also append a treatise fully describing that remarkable weapon the Turkish composite bow, which I only cursorily dealt with in the work referred to.

R. P. G.

Thirkleby Park,
Thirsk:
Dec. 1906.

1 The Crossbow, Mediæval and Modern, Military and Sporting: its Construction, History, and Management. With a Treatise on the Balista and Catapult of the Ancients. 220 illustrations. Messrs. Longmans & Co., 39 Paternoster Row, London.