12 Introduction. 



engage the attention of the most clever among a generation 

 of able mechanical inventors ; in the manufacture of guns 

 there is expended some of the best skilled labour the century 

 has produced, and whatever its future may prove, none can 

 deny the present achievements of a notable industry. To 

 the historian, firearms, of all weapons, will present master- 

 ful attraction ; the part they have played in the world's 

 history is too great ever to be ignored, even should the 

 part they have yet to play prove to be one of minor 

 importance. 



WIRT GERRARE. 



July 1st, 1894. 



NOTE. 



The author added an "Appendix" bringing the work up to the 

 end of 1895. 



