A military dictionary

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

74739

Title

A military dictionary

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A comprehensive military reference from 1810 by William Duane, this work explains troop discipline, fortification principles, and tactical improvements for infantry, artillery, and cavalry. Adapted for U.S. military institutions, it includes foreign weights, measures, French war terms, and the 'Pocket Gunner,' aiming to correct ignorance of military science and promote rigorous study over reliance on undisciplined spirit.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in Philadelphia in 1810, William Duane's *A Military Dictionary* serves as a comprehensive reference work designed to address the severe decay of military knowledge prevalent in the United States at the time. As a former Lieutenant Colonel, Duane argues that an army lacking discipline is merely a mob, citing historical examples from Europe and the American Revolution to demonstrate that many victories were achieved not by superior undisciplined troops, but due to enemy incompetence. The text systematically covers the systems of discipline for infantry, artillery, and cavalry, alongside principles of fortification and modern tactical improvements. Duane explicitly critiques earlier works, such as those by Major James or the outdated French dictionary of 1768, insisting that American military education must be based on recent, approved principles rather than obsolete systems. The work includes extensive entries on engineering, detailing bridge construction involving arches, piers, and foundations, as well as military administration. It aims to provide a complete book of reference for those seeking correct knowledge of war. The dictionary is particularly adapted for the use of American military institutions and contains several specialized sections. These include the 'Pocket Gunner' for artillerists, detailed tables on weights, measures, and monies of all nations, and technical terms in French. Duane emphasizes that the art of war requires rigorous study and attention to discipline, countering the prevalent error that American success during the Revolution was solely due to the spirit of undisciplined yeomanry. He contends that such triumphs often resulted from a lack of talent among enemy officers rather than superior American tactics. By compiling this vast body of new information, Duane intended to correct gross errors and provide a competent book of reference necessary for the acquisition of every species of knowledge regarding military science.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Military History
• English Language