xperience of the present campaign
has scarcely justified the early prognostications expressed as to a
great increase in the number and severity of wounds amongst the
combatants.[5] This comparative immunity is to be explained mainly on
two grounds. The increased distance which for the most part separated
the two bodies of men, a feature no doubt accentuated by the mode of
warfare adopted by the Boer, and his strong sense of the folly of close
combat on equal terms, tended to efface one of the chief characters,
velocity of flight, on the part of the projectile. The want of
effectiveness of the small-calibre bullet as an instrument of serious
mischief also kept down the mortality.

Since the year 1889 the calibre of the bullet in our own army has been
reduced from that of the Martini-Henry (.450 in.) to one of .309 in. in
the Lee-Metford, and a consequent reduction in weight from 480 to 215
grains. To allow of the satisfactory assumption of the more complicated
rifling by the more rapidly projected bullet, the lead core has been
ensheathed in a mantle of denser metal. The bullet itself is of an
original calibre (.309 in.) somewhat exceeding the bore of the rifle
barrel (.303 in.), in which way a species of 'choke' is obtained and
deep rifling of the surface ensured. Beyond this the comparative
transverse and longitudinal measurements and shape have been altered in
order to maintain weight, preserve a proper balance during flight, and
increase the power of penetration. These alterations with slight
differences in detail embody the general principles that underlie the
construction of each of the weapons adopted by European nations. It will
be well here to consider the influence of each alteration from the point
of view of the surgeon.

_Calibre._--The effect of the diminution of calibre is (_a_) to reduce
the area of impact of the bullet on the part impinged upon, and hence to
lower the degree of resistance offered by the tissues; this to a certain
extent tends to neutralise the augmented striking force resulting from
the increased velocity of flight. (_b_) To limit considerably the
destructive powers of the bullet, as a smaller area of tissue is exposed
to its action. (_c_) To allow of the production of very 'neat' injuries
and the frequent escape of important structures, also the production of
remarkably prolonged subcutaneous tracks in positions where such would
be regarded as scarcely possible, and in point of fact wer