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precision of flight. These consist in placing the rocket in a 
V-shaped trough, by which the direction and inclination of 
the rocket is suitably secured previous to commencing its 
flight, and so far holding the rocket fair in the direction of 
the object aimed at. 
Besides this an endeavour is made to give the rocket 
axial rotation during its flight by causing the propulsive 
gases, while issuing at the rear of the rocket, to rush through 
skew holes. This latter arrangement does, to a certain 
extent, give to the rocket axial rotation. But, as axial 
rotation given by such means does not come into effective 
operation until the rocket has proceeded a long way on its 
course, it comes into action too late to have any influence in 
securing precision of flight. 
In order, then, to effect our object I place the rocket 
inside a tube (into which it slides freely); to this tube, 
which serves to secure the aim of the rocket, I give, by 
mechanical means, an axial rotation of some thousands of 
revolutions per minute, which is transmitted to the rocket 
then resting within it. 
The rocket, while thus revolving on its axis at the high 
velocity above named, is then fired, and so rushes forth 
from its guide-tube impressed with all the conditions of a 
perfect rifle projectile, and, as such, with every condition 
present that can secure its reaching the object aimed at. 
Reference to the diagram which accompanies this paper 
will enable the reader to obtain, as I trust, a clear idea of 
the mechanical means and arrangements by which I propose 
to effect the object in question. 
It consists of a suitable iron stand, supporting the rocket 
and its guide tube A, the guide tube resting on loose 
