This drawing is a design for an illustration in a book about artillery. The book explained, for example, how cannons worked and how to control the direction of a missile. It was written for soldiers who had to operate artillery and who were also on the receiving end of the enemy's fire. It made clear the sheer power of gunpowder. This drawing shows a bomb exploding in a town square.

There are civilians as well as soldiers. The mortar shell shatters in the centre of the drawing, breaking into black segments. More shells are falling from the sky. We can see their white trails. Men and women are stumbling, sheltering and running away. Most throw their arms up in alarm. On the left we can see masonry tumbling from a building.

What do you think this image would have helped the soldiers learn about war?