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