PREFACE. 
On the publication of this, the first of a series of communications on the 
history of Ancient Cannon in Europe, I have great pleasure in recording the 
obligations which I am under to John Hewitt, Esq. the author of ** Ancient 
Armour and Weapons of Europe,” compiler of the official catalogue of the 
Tower Armouries, See. at whose suggestion the work was first undertaken, and 
to whom I am indebted for many references to MSS. and printed works bearing 
on the subject, for the free use of his collection of unedited drawings, and for 
constant valuable aid and counsel. 
I wish also to thank R. R. Holmes, Esq. E.S.A. of the British Museum, 
and Joseph Burtt, Esq. of the Public Record Office, for the kindness which 
they have shewn me, and the information which they have at all times readily 
given. 
In case I should in any instance have failed to indicate by reference the 
sources from which I have drawn, I must here especially acknowledge the 
assistance derived from the works of the 'Emperor Napoleon III ., 1 Colonel 
Omodei , 2 Mr Hewitt , 3 and Sir Harris Nicolas , 4 and from the pamphlets of 
Mr Burtt , 5 and the Rev. Joseph Hunter . 6 
Royal Military Academy, 
February, 1865. 
HENRY BRACKENBURY, 
* 
1 Etudes sur le pass6 et l’avenir de l’Artillerie. 
2 Dell’ origine della Polvera da Guerra. 
3 Ancient Armour and Weapons of Europe. 
4 History of the Royal Navy, and other works. 
5 On the early use of gunpowder in England, published in the Archeological Journal. 
6 On the use of Gunpowder in the French Campaign of 1346-7, published in Archeologia. 
