Le "
Firework Book" , conservé en La Tour de Londres à la Medevial Gallery, Ms I, 34, Allemagne du sud, 1450.
http://www.heritage-images.com/An illuminated manuscript showing
the manufacture and use of gunpowder.
An attack on a castle or fortress directed by
the Master Gunner using a cannon
on a two-wheeled adjustable carriage, crossbows, handguns and swords and staff weapons.
The defenders are replying with barrels containing incendiary material and have
lowered an external portcullis over
the main gate. (Folio 85r).
The master gunner directing
the weighing of ingredients and
the preparation of fire-pots,
which appear to be fitted with fuses. (Folio 85v).
An attack on a castle or fortress directed by
the Master Gunner, using a cannon on a four-wheeled carriage
and fire arrows propelled by crossbows. One crossbowman has a belt-hook.
The defenders are removing
the flaming arrows from
the roof with hooked staves and are defending
their walls with crossbows and small cannons or wall guns. (Folio 86r).
The master gunner directing
the weighing and preparation of
the ingredients for making gunpowder. (Folio 86v).
The master gunner supervising
the pounding of
the powder.
An hourglass regulates
the length of time taken for
the operation. (Folio 87r).
The master gunner supervising
the cutting out by a tailor
and
the sewing by women of canvas casings for fire-arrows. (Folio 87v).
Assembling
the fire-arrows using casings previously cut and sewn. (Folio 88r).
The preparation of incendiary devices. (Folio 88v).
The preparation of incendiary devices. (Folio 89r).
An attack on a castle or fortress,
using a rope scaling ladder and protective basket-work shields.
In
the foreground a man is loading a handgun. (Folio 90r).
Attackers approaching a castle or fortress under basket-work shields.
One is treading on a caltrop. (Folio 109v).