Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [3]

Subjects:

Military Technology, War

    Announces the invention of a portable cannon and discusses other products of the 'portable age'. Believes the invention might be 'giving cold shoulder to the musket, and discusses its impact on such aspects of culture as duelling and portraits of field marshals. Adds that the weapon will make killing so easy that 'persons will be ashamed to lend their hands to it'.