Bomb

or Shell, a missile thrown by guns of great size, formerly known as mortars. The old-fashioned bomb of cast iron was hollow, and contained a charge of powder. A time fuse connected with the powder was ignited by the discharge of the gun. It was cut to a proper length to fire the powder within the bomb at the desired moment. The fragments of the bursting bomb were likely to do more damage than a solid ball, especially as it might be thrown upward so as to fall within inclosures and reach those behind a protecting wall. In place of the spherical bomb the elongated shell thrown by a rifled cannon is now in general use. During a bombardment it is customary for all not needed on the walls to man the guns, to seek refuge in underground or bomb-proof retreats. In modern warfare it is considered humane to give twenty-four hours' notice of the intended bombardment of a town, that women, children, and non-combatants may be removed to a place of safety. See Shell