| Author(s) | Friedrich Engels |
|---|---|
| Written | 27 January 1891 |
TO CARL SCHORLEMMER IN MANCHESTER
London, 27 January 1891
Dear Jollymeier,
In my dictionary of modern Greek I find:
λουμπάρδα, ἡ bombarde, canon
λουμπαρδάρης, bombardier
λουμπαρδάρω, bombarder, etc.
The heavy gun reached the Byzantines from Italy and the earliest generic name for a gun of this kind is bombarda. Since the modern Greek ß = the Italian v, b is denoted by μπ (μπάγκα, banc pour s'asseoir,)[1] μπαζάρι, bazar, marché public[2]. So as to avoid having this dreadful combination twice, the first b appears here as ß.
According to the above, therefore, the fact that λουμπάρδος means bronze used for cannon cannot present any difficulties.
I trust you received Louise's letter and are feeling better. Something to cheer you up will be going off per book post. Regards from Louise and
Your
F.E.