e impossible
with the older and larger projectiles.

_Length._--The comparative increase in length of the bullet is, from the
surgical point of view, only of material importance in increasing the
weight and therefore the striking power, and in so far as it is a
mechanical necessity for the flight of the projectile on an axis
parallel to its long diameter, and so tends to ensure impact on the
body by the tip of the bullet. This latter is, however, surgically
favourable as ensuring a smaller wound.

_Weight._--The decrease in weight must be regarded on the whole as
altogether to the advantage of the wounded individual, since it cannot
be considered to be entirely compensated for by the resulting increased
velocity of flight, unless the range of fire is moderately close.

_Shape._--The ogival tip and general wedge-like outline, while
decreasing the aerial resistance to and increasing the power of
penetration possessed by the bullet, at the same time allow the escape
of some structures by displacement, while others are saved from complete
destruction by undergoing perforation. Beyond this the sharper the tip,
the smaller is the area of the body primarily impinged upon, the less
the resistance offered to perforation, and to some degree the less the
destruction of surrounding tissues.

_Increased velocity of flight._--This multiplies the striking force, and
compensates in part for decrease in volume and weight of the bullet. It
is customary to speak of the velocity as 'initial' and 'remaining.'
Initial velocity is the term employed to express the velocity at the
time of the escape of the bullet from the barrel; this is also
designated as 'muzzle velocity.' 'Remaining velocity' expresses that
obtaining during any subsequent portion of the flight of the projectile.

The greatest initial velocity is obtained with the use of bullets of the
smallest calibre, but this is not of the practical importance which
might be assumed, since the remaining velocity of flight of such
projectiles falls more rapidly than that of those of slightly greater
mass. Thus, although there may be a difference of a hundred metres per
second in initial velocity between two rifles of calibres varying from
6.5 to 8 millimetres (.303-.314 in.), at the end of 1,000 metres the
discrepancy is greatly reduced, while at 2,000 metres it hardly exists.
Under such circumstances the projectile of greater weight and volume, as
possessing the greater striking force