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Ancient Siege Engines
weight to work it. This machine projected a 50 lb. cannon-ball 200 yards,
but was so lightly constructed that its full power could not be safely
applied. In a book on 'Experimental Philosophy,' by J. T. Desaguliers,
1734, a curious and interesting old work on mechanical effects, the author
gives detailed calculation of the power of a trebuchet, together with plans
of the engine as constructed from the writings
of Vitruvius.
Fig. 214. - The Arm of the Trebuchet and Its Counterpoise.
Front and Side View.
These drawings are, however, inaccurate, and though Desaguliers' conclusions
are exact, he only allows the trebuchet a counterpoise of 2,000 Lbs |
