Bastable is a term that can refer to a type of firearm, specifically a breech-loading cannon used in the 19th century. These cannons were designed to be loaded from the rear, allowing for quicker reloading and improved accuracy compared to earlier muzzle-loading designs. They played a significant role in military artillery during their time. In a different context, "Bastable" is also a surname associated with various individuals, including characters in literature. One notable example is E. Nesbit's character, The Bastable Children, who appear in a series of children's books. These stories often explore themes of adventure and family dynamics.