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, is considerably the more formidable of the two. This is the more important if it be allowed, as I believe to be the case, that velocity _per se_ is of no practical import in the case of wounds of the soft parts of the body, which after all form the preponderating number of all gunshot injuries. The effect of the higher degrees of velocity differs, however, with the amount of resistance met with on the part of the body; hence its serious import is well exemplified when parts of the osseous skeleton are implicated, although even here considerable variations exist, dependent upon the structure of that part of the bone actually involved. The most obvious ill effect of injuries from bullets travelling at high rates is seen in the case of the various parts of the nervous system, and here it is undeniable. High velocity and striking force are also responsible for the prolonged course sometimes taken by bullets through the body. The actual degree of velocity, as judged by the range of fire at which an injury is received and the resulting injury, is very hard to estimate on account of the many and varying factors which enter into its determination. The mere recital of some of these will suffice to make this evident. 1. Quality of the individual cartridge employed, as to loading, the materials employed, and their condition. 2. The condition of the rifle as to cleanliness, heating, and the state of the grooves of the barrel. 3. The angle of impact of the bullet with the part injured. 4. Resistance dependent on the weight of the whole body of the man struck, or of an isolated limb. 5. Special peculiarities of build in the individual struck, such as thickness and density of the integument and fasciae, strength and thickness of the bones, &c. 6. State of tension of the muscles, fasciae, and ligaments at the moment of impact, and fixity or otherwise of the part of the body struck. 7. The degree of wind, temperature, and hygroscopic conditions of the atmosphere.