190 
FIGURE OF MERIT. 
The denominator of the above factor would have to be determined 
for each work from considerations of the natures of the guns and 
mountings and facilities of service, &c., but even so, it would not be 
altogether satisfactory, as a hit from a heavy gun would still only count 
the same towards the figure as one from a lighter gun, supposing more 
than one nature to be mounted in the work. That is, the calibre of 
the gun is still disregarded. 
2. It seems better, therefore, to take some other basis than the act¬ 
ual hits per gun per minute upon which to found the figure of merit. 
Suppose now that the striking energy be taken as the basis; then 
the calibre of the gun is accounted for; and, if the figure be computed 
in a form similar to (A) on previous page, i.e., as the proportion :— 
Actually obtained 
Possible from the work. 
it is clear that the variable factor, “ height of work ” will vanish if the 
components of both numerator and denominator be counted over the 
same ranges. 
The factor, “probable accuracy” need not be considered, for it will 
introduce no unfairness if we assume that each gun in a work should 
hit the target every time.* 
All then that has to be settled in working out the denominator, is 
the maximum rate of fire obtainable from the work in question. 
This will be the greatest rate at which each gun can be loaded, laid 
and firedf independently, and the denominator of the fraction will be 
the sum of the striking energies obtainable by the guns of the work 
if each were loaded, laid and fired as rapidly as possible between the 
limits of the ranges of the practice. 
The numerator of the fraction will be the sum of the striking ener¬ 
gies actually realized by the hits of the company firing. 
The fraction will then stand thus:— 
^ S.E. realized by the hits of the company firing. 
S.E. possible from the work at the ranges and in the time fixed 
for firing. 
The striking energy possible is arrived at from consideration of the 
fixed quantity above mentioned, (maximum rapidity of fire possible 
for each nature of gun), and the usual data as to remaining velocity 
&c., &c. 
In Table I., attached, are given the results of certain practices at 
Malta, in which the Figure of Merit has been worked out by this for¬ 
mula, shewing how they compare with the figures of the same practices 
worked out in the usual way.J 
* For the figure of all companies practicing from the same work will be reduced by the same 
amount, (viz. the proportion the probable accuracy bears to the assumed absolute accuracy) and 
it is shewn later how practice from one work may be directly compared with that from another. 
f This maximum rapidity of fire would have to be laid down as a fixed quantity for each nature 
of gun. 
J “ The shooting of our Coast Artillery, and how to improve it.” by Major-General J. F. Owen, 
R.A., Appendix II., Form A. R.A.I. “ Proceedings” No. 4., Vol. XXVI. 
