478 
MINUTES OF PEOCEEDINGS OF 
step by step, from the doubtful experiments of Sir J. Whitworth, and 
to test it in the shape of tubes for 5^-inch or 7-inch guns, and if 
successful, to go still farther; but to advance per saltiim to a com¬ 
plete gun of 35 tons, complicating the question at the same time with 
others of construction, rifling, projectiles, rear-vent, patent cartridges, 
and so forth, would be as mischievous to practical artillery progress as 
it is indefensible on scientific grounds. 
