Espingarda Perfeyta Or The Perfect Gun.

This book was first published in 1718 in Lisbon, dedicated to the King and duly licensed for publication by the authorities who guaranteed that it did not "offend in any way" and that it was "necessary for the Master Craftsman of such a profession to practise their art without fault". Unique in revealing the secrets of the trade, which were always closedly guarded, detailed technical information is set out for the making of the perfect gun from the initial selection of the right type of iron, through the forging and tempering processes, the making of the various styles of locks, choice of woods for the stock down to final advice on taking aim.