The Master Gunner's twelve questions: Q1:

[robinghewitt]

Could you have passed the test in 1380?

Question One: Does the fire drive the stone out of the gun or is it the vapours caused by the fire?

NB: They get harder ::

 

[roundball]

If "vapours" is "gas", then it's vapours

 

[Stumpkiller]

None of the above. It is the evil spirits being releafed from the brimstone that hurl the stone through the ether. The stone, being of the element "earth", plummets straight down upon it's release from their clutches.

The element "fire", when applide to the humors of the blackpowdre, caufes the spirits to reveal themfelves and be challanged by the good qualities of ye element "air".

Pardon me for lecturing.

 

[Slowpoke]

The bigger question is whether or not the stone obturates.

:crackup:

 

[Zonie]

Stumpy: Ye caused me ta emit a sizable bunch o them vapors maself! Now even ma dog is walkin outter tha room a lookin back oer his sholder at me!

What with all o them sulphuric smells, Ah gots to go out fer a bit too! :crackup: :crackup: :crackup:

 

[Gary]

Stumpkiller, really? I thought it was magic but now I know better. :master:

 

[musketman]

Does the fire drive the stone out of the gun or is it the vapours caused by the fire?

The stone doesn't exist, at least in the permanent stage as the "Concept" stone does...

Therefore, there is nothing for the fire/vapours to drive out...

 

The REAL question is.........(drumroll please) which came first the egg or the stone?

If you drink beer and eat eggs the vapours will be stronger therefore propelling EVERYONE out of the room at higher velocity. :huh: :youcrazy: :youcrazy:

 

[robinghewitt]

You're not doing badly, you are doing really badly. Y'all will regret your inattention when the French attack and you can't fire the bombard :crackup:

Here's the correct answer...

Generally it is said that the fire has the power to drive the stone ball. But I say that the power comes from the vapours. For example: take one pound of good gunpowder, put it into a wine barrel about one Saum in volume, and close it tightly so no vapours can escape except from the hole through which you want to ignite it. After you have done this, all the powder is completely burnt and it's vapours burst the barrel.

 

[Zonie]

Brilliant Robin, simply Brilliant!! But, speaking "about one Saum" and wine barrels in the same breath is enough to make a person want some, more wine that is.
(I thought it rather good of me not to point out the misspelling of want some). :: :: :crackup:

I do however feel that the vapours derived from mixing beer and eggs in the bowels and it's ability to clear out a whole Pub with one breath (so to speak) is much more impressive than the mere distruction of a wine barrel by some satanic powder and the element fire. :: :crackup: :crackup: :crackup:

Speaking of these Pub clearing vapours, that is what the French shall receive if they should dare to attack! Ah says. ::

 

[robinghewitt]

Hi Zonie

Your course notes should remind you that wine, eggs and vinegar increase the toxic affects of the powder smoke leading to damage in the brain, heart and liver. The liver increasing in size. You can eat moist and cold food without ill effects so I suggest you adjust your diet before the practical :crackup:

best regards

Squire Robin
GHH