#franz helm

The Rocket Cat of Ms. Codex 109 is a celebrity in its own right, but here is another fun rendition of its (and Rocket Bird’s) heroics. Godspeed, Rocket Creatures. You will be missed.

Manuscript description and digital images can be found here at OPenn.

If he isn’t the very model of a late-16C Bavarian cannons master! That may not roll off the tongue as readily, but you can imagine coming face-to-face with this fellow on LJS 442 fol. 2r and attempting to convince him that there is the slightest thing wrong with who he is or what he is called. LJS 442 consists of the Buch von den probierten Künsten (Book of the practical arts) of Franz Helm, a manual for the production and use of artillery and explosive weapons. This appears to be identical in content to his Feuer Buech-- the latter being, of course, where the legendary Rocket Cat of UPenn Ms. Codex 109 is housed.

The 102nd Use For A Cat

  Mankind has always been inventive in making plans for war. After all, absent decisive numerical advantage the chances of overcoming your foe is dependent upon tactical or technological edge.

The big game changer in the 16th century was the adoption of gunpowder as a means of enhancing the power and range of your artillery. Gunpowder was invented by the Chinese,  perhaps as early as the Tang…

Rocket power!