Explore how air resistance shapes projectile motion and why precise timing matters in ballistics.
This volume presents the pioneering work of Francis Bashforth, detailing how his chronograph experiments helped map the resistance of the air to moving projectiles. It illuminates the path from early theories to a practical, experimentally grounded understanding of ballistics.
The book combines historical context with a clear account of experimental methods and their impact on artillery science. It explains how a custom chronograph was built, how tests were designed, and how results were reduced to usable conclusions about air resistance and projectile behavior.
- Learn how experiments measured velocity, resistance, and the effects of different projectile shapes.
- See how a self-made instrument helped overcome early barriers in military research.
- Understand the shift from theoretical models to data-driven conclusions in ballistics.
- Discover the practical questions these experiments addressed for artillery practice.
Ideal for readers of military history and applied mathematics seeking a historically grounded look at early ballistics research.