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Tue, 16 Dec 1997 13:19:07 -0500 |
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Dana:
There have been several replies on the HISTARCH listserve which will
help the original inquirer, I believe. Don't go to much trouble over
this.
Your observation about the other uses is an appropriate one. I found a
cannonball in a hospital trash pit in Sitka, Alaska, and shortly
thereafter saw a mid-19th century advertisement for cannonballs which
advised wrapping them in leather and rolling them across the abdomen
for relief of constipation!
Cathy
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: cannonball diagnostics
Author: Dana Linck at NP-DSC-EAA
Date: 12/15/97 12:57 PM
Hi Cathy,
Interesting question, about which I'm checking my very limited
references to see if I can help, and also have forwarded it to a couple
people who definitely can help. For some diameters which saw a long
period of use, a "precise" date will not be likely. Sometimes only a
pre-1812 can be said, based upon a coarse casting seam and sprue, and
that should not be useful here.
Another thought: In a mid-19th century "how to" book for the lady of
the house, I have seen an instruction to "First, procure a cannon
ball..." for the purpose of crushing chunks of dye materials. Maybe
this cannon ball reflects something more directly related to housework
than is typically assumed.
Dana
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