The New Science

Furthermore, the way shall also be taught how the said bombardierA soldier or officer in charge of aiming and firing artillery. should conduct himself when a defenseA barrier, breastwork, or fortification intended to shield a target from direct fire. is raised in front of the place where he strikes, should he wish to strike that same spot by another path or elevation, even though he can no longer see that place.

¶ Also, the way shall be given to know how to strike a target continuously in the dark of night, having sighted the location the day before.

¶ In the fifth book, it will be clarified (according to the authority of GalenClaudius Galenus (129–c. 216 AD), a Greek physician whose theories influenced Western medical and natural science for over a thousand years., AvicennaIbn Sina (c. 980–1037), a Persian polymath whose medical encyclopedia was a standard textbook in European universities., and many other most excellent physiciansIn this context, "physicians" refers to natural philosophers who studied the physical properties of substances.) the nature and origin of various species of gums, oils, distilled waters, and also of diverse simple minerals and non-minerals produced by nature and manufactured by art. Some of their particular properties regarding the art of firesThe study of pyrotechnics and incendiary mixtures for use in warfare. shall also be revealed. And similarly, it will be elucidated which materials are suitable and agree with one another, and which do not suit or agree to burn together; consequently, the way to compose various and diverse species of fires will be given, which are most useful not only for the defense of every walled city but also very appropriate in many other circumstances.