59. The subject of the ancient machines is treated with
great knowledge and ingenuity by the Chevalier Folard
(Polybe, tom. ii. p. 233-290). He prefers them in many
respects to our modern cannon and mortars. We may observe,
that the use of them in the field gradually became more
prevalent, in proportion as personal valour and military
skill declined with the Roman empire. When men were no
longer found, their place was supplied by machines. See
Vegetius, ii. 25. Arrlan.