Other works in 1546 and 1551 represent the first recorded scientific approach to the theory as distinguished from the prevailing rules of thumb. Although in some measure incorrect, his ideas on the trajectory of a roundshot were so far ahead of his day that he justly deserves the title of the first ballistician. Tartaglia was the first to point out that the trajectory was not flat but curved, and that the higher the muzzle velocity the flatter the trajectory. He was also first to prove that the maximum range of a gun is achieved at an elevation of 45°, a statement which remained true until the appearance of 20^th century ordnance capable of putting projectiles into the stratosphere. But he did draw erroneous conclusions; for example, he claimed that if the maximum range of a gun was 2000 yards, and the point blank range was 200, ie the range achieved with the piece level, then equal portions of 45° would achieve equal increments of the remaining 1800, a theory which did not take into account air resistance and gravity. Tartaglia was honest enough to admit his theories did not always work out in practice.

Most other authors on the subject during the 16^th and 17^th centuries based their writings on Tartaglia, although some did dispute certain of his theories. In 1742 Benjamin Robins (1707-51) invented his ballistic pendulum, an instrument designed to measure the velocity of a projectile directed at it.Knowing the weight of the pendulum,H, with target, K, the weight of the shot fired, and the distance the pendulum moved when struck (measured by strap L), it was possible to calculate the velocity of the shot. By performing experiments at various distances Robins was able to determine the loss of velocity as range increased, and therefore the effects of air density and gravity. The instrument had its faults, but at least its design was based upon logical thought, not on rules of thumb or guesswork. Robins published his findings in New Principles of Gunnery 1742. Had more notice been taken of them at the time the technical development of ordnance might have progressed much faster.