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Crossbow > Chapter 52
> Antiquity of Balistas and Catapults
> p.264
Ancient Siege Engines
The final appearance of the catapult in warfare occurred during the
siege of Gibraltar by the French and Spanish fleets, 1779-82.
Fig. 186. - A Balista for Throwing Large Stones.
Criticism. A balista of this kind, in my opinion,
was never used for throwing stones. This weapon certainly could not do
so unless for a short distance along, the ground. Its bowstring would soon
be cut to pieces and there is no means for projecting the missile upwards.
On this occasion General Melville,1 at the desire of Lord
Heathfield,2 caused a catapult to be made for projecting heavy
stones over the edge of the precipice, so that they might fall on a ledge
of rock frequented by the Spaniards where shells from mortars could not
be aimed to reach them.
1 General Robert Melville, soldier and antiquary,
born 1723, died 1809. He invented the carronade for use on board ships
of war.
2 General George Eliot, created Lord Heathfield,
1787, for his successful defence of Gibraltar against the French and Spanish
fleets, 1779-1782. His portrait by Sir Joshua Reynolds is in the National
Gallery, London.
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