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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:16:03 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:16:03 -0700 |
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diff --git a/899-h/899-h.htm b/899-h/899-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0559e6a --- /dev/null +++ b/899-h/899-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6225 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta content="pg2html (binary v0.17)" name="linkgenerator" /> + <title> + Wonderful Balloon Ascents, by F. Marion + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Wonderful Balloon Ascents, by Fulgence Marion + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Wonderful Balloon Ascents + or, the Conquest of the Skies + +Author: Fulgence Marion + +Release Date: August 10, 2008 [EBook #899] +Last Updated: November 11, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WONDERFUL BALLOON ASCENTS *** + + + + +Produced by Dianne Bean, and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + WONDERFUL BALLOON ASCENTS + </h1> + <h1> + or, the Conquest of the Skies + </h1> + <h2> + A History of Balloons and Balloon Voyages + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By F. Marion + </h2> + <h3> + 1870 + </h3> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/12darlandes.jpg" alt="12darlandes (107K)" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="14firstaervoy (123K)" src="images/14firstaervoy.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + le <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_LIST"> <big><b>List of Illustrations</b></big> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> <big><b>BALLOONS AND AIR JOURNEYS.</b></big> + </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PART1"> <b>PART I. THE CONQUEST OF THE SKIES.—1783.</b> + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> Chapter I. Introduction. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> Chapter II. Attempts in Ancient Times to Fly in + the Air. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> Chapter III. The Theory of Balloons. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> Chapter IV. First Public Trial of the Balloon. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> Chapter V. Second Experiment. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> Chapter VI. Third Experiment. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> Chapter VII. Fourth Experiment. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> Chapter VIII. Men and Balloons. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> Chapter IX. The First Aerial Voyage—Roziers + and Arlandes. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> Chapter X. The Second Arial Voyage. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PART2"> <b>PART II.The History of Aerostation from the + Year 1783.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> Chapter I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> Chapter II. Experiments and Studies—Blanchard + at Paris—Guyton de Morveau at Dijon. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> Chapter III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> Chapter IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> Chapter V. First Aerial Voyage in England—Blanchard + Crosses the Sea in a Balloon. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> Chapter VI. Zambeccari’s Perilous Trip Across + the Adriatic Sea. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> Chapter VII. Garnerin—Parachutes—Aerostation + at Public Fetes. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> Chapter VIII. Green’s Great Journey Across + Europe. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> Chapter IX. The “Geant” Balloon. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> Chapter X. The Necrology of Aeronautic </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PART3"> <b>PART III. Scientific Experiments—Applications + of Ballooning.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> Chapter I. Experiments of Robertson, Lhoest, + Saccarof, &c. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> Chapter II. Ascent of M. Gay-Lussac Alone—Excursions + of MM. Barral and Bixio. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> Chapter III. Ascents of the Mssrs. Welsh, + Glaisher and Coxwell. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> Chapter IV. Balloons Made Useful in Warfare. + </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> <b>Advertisements in the back of the book</b> + </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="11versailles (107K)" src="images/11versailles.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="21dijon (114K)" src="images/21dijon.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + Many other illustrations may be viewed in the List of Illustrations below + </h5> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + “Let posterity know, and knowing be astonished, that on the fifteenth day + of September, 1784, Vincent Lunardi of Lucca, in Tuscany, the first aerial + traveller in Britain, mounting from the Artillery Ground in London, and + traversing the regions of the air for two hours and fifteen minutes, on + this spot revisited the earth. In this rude monument for ages be recorded + this wondrous enterprise successfully achieved by the powers of chemistry + and the fortitude of man, this improvement in science which the great + Author of all Knowledge, patronising by his Providence the inventions of + mankind, hath graciously permitted, to their benefit and his own eternal + glory.” + </p> + <p> + The stone upon which the above inscription was carved, stands, or stood + recently, near Collier’s End, in the parish of Standon, Hertfordshire; and + it will possibly afford the English reader a more accurate idea of the + feelings with which the world hailed the discovery of the balloon than any + incident or illustration drawn from the annals of a foreign country. + </p> + <p> + The work which we now introduce to our readers does not exaggerate the + case when it declares that no discovery of modern times has aroused so + large an amount of enthusiasm, has excited so many hopes, has appeared to + the human race to open up so many vistas of enterprise and research, as + that for which we are mainly indebted to the Brothers Montgolfier. The + discovery or the invention of the balloon, however, was one of those + efforts of genius and enterprise which have no infancy. It had reached its + full growth when it burst upon the world, and the ninety years which have + since elapsed have witnessed no development of the original idea. The + balloon of to-day—the balloon in which Coxwell and Glaisher have + made their perilous trips into the remote regions of the air—is in + almost every respect the same as the balloon with which “the physician + Charles,” following in the footsteps of the Montgolfiers, astonished Paris + in 1783. There are few more tantalising stories in the annals of invention + than this. So much had been accomplished when Roziers made his first + aerial voyage above the astonished capital of France that all the rest + seemed easy. The new highway appeared to have been thrown open to the + world, and the dullest imagination saw the air thronged with colossal + chariots, bearing travellers in perfect safety, and with more than the + speed of the eagle, from city to city, from country to country, reckless + of all the obstacles—the seas, and rivers, and mountains—which + Nature might have placed in the path of the wayfarer. But from that moment + to the present the prospect which was thus opened up has remained a vision + and nothing more. There are—as those who visited the Crystal Palace + two years ago have reason to know—not a few men who still believe in + the practicability of journeying by air. But, with hardly an exception, + those few have abandoned all idea of utilising the balloon for this + purpose. The graceful “machine” which astonished the world at its birth + remains to this day as beautiful, and as useless for the purposes of + travel, as in the first hour of its history. The day may come when some + one more fortunate than the Montgolfiers may earn the Duke of Sutherland’s + offered reward by a successful flight from the Mall to the top of Stafford + House; but when this comes to pass the balloon will have no share in the + honour of the achievement. Not the less, however, is the story of this + wonderful invention worthy of being recorded. It deserves a place in the + history of human enterprise—if for nothing else—because of the + daring courage which it has in so many cases brought to light. From the + days of Roziers down to those of Coxwell, our aeronauts have fearlessly + tempted dangers not less terrible than those which face the soldier as he + enters the imminent deadly breach; and, as one of the chapters in this + volume mournfully proves, not a few of their number have paid the penalty + of their rash courage with their lives. All the more is it to be regretted + that so little practical good has resulted from their labours and their + sacrifices; and that so many of those who have perished in balloon voyages + have done so whilst serving to better end than the amusement of a holiday + crowd. There is, however, another aspect which makes at least the earlier + history of the balloon well worth preserving. This is the influence which + the invention had upon the generation which witnessed it. As these pages + show, the people of Europe seem to have been absolutely intoxicated by the + success of the Montgolfiers’ discovery. There is something bitterly + suggestive in our knowledge of this fact. Whilst pensions and honours and + popular applause were being showered upon the inventors of the balloon, + Watt was labouring unnoticed at his improvements of the steam-engine—a + very prosaic affair compared with the gilded globe which Montgolfier had + caused to rise from earth amidst the acclamations of a hundred thousand + spectators, but one which had before it a somewhat different history to + that of the more startling invention. England, when it remembers the story + of the steam-engine, has little need to grudge France the honour of + discovering the balloon. After all, however, Great Britain had its share + in that discovery. The early observations of Francis Bacon and Bishop + Wilkins paved the way for the later achievement, whilst it was our own + Cavendish who discovered that hydrogen gas was lighter than air; and Dr. + Black of Edinburgh, who first employed that gas to raise a globe in which + it was contained from the earth. The Scotch professor, we are told, + thought that the discovery which he made when he sent his little + tissue-paper balloon from his lecture-table to the ceiling of his + classroom, was of no use except as affording the means of making an + interesting experiment. Possibly our readers, after they have perused this + volume, may think that Dr Black was not after all so far wrong as people + once imagined. Be this as it may, however, in these pages is the history + of the balloon, and of the most memorable balloon voyages, and we + comprehend the story to our readers not the less cordially that it comes + from the land where the balloon had its birth. + </p> + <p> + London, January, 1870. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_LIST" id="link2H_LIST"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + List of Illustrations + </h2> + <h4> + Click on any of the Illustrations + </h4> +<pre xml:space="preserve"><b> + 01. <a href="images/01lana.jpg">Lana’s Flying Machine</a> + 02. <a href="images/02Guzman.jpg">Laurent de Guzman’s Balloon</a> + 03. <a href="images/03flyingman.jpg">The Flying Man</a> + 04. <a href="images/04inflating.jpg">Inflating Balloon with Hydrogen</a> + 05. <a href="images/05parachute.jpg">The Parachute</a> + 06. <a href="images/06garnerin.jpg">Garnerin’s Descent in a Parachute</a> + 07. <a href="images/07montgolfbros.jpg">The Brothers Montgolfier</a> + 08. <a href="images/08charles.jpg">Charles’s Balloon on its way to the Champ de Mars</a> + 09. <a href="images/09charles.jpg">The Ascent of Charles’s Balloon from the Champ de Mars</a> + 10. <a href="images/10charles.jpg">The Destruction of Charles’s Balloon</a> + 11. <a href="images/11versailles.jpg">Ascent of the 19th September, 1783, at Versailles</a> + 12. <a href="images/12darlandes.jpg">Balloon of the Marquis D’Arlandes</a> + 13. <a href="images/13darlandes.jpg">The Balloon of D’Arlandes crossing Paris</a> + 14. <a href="images/14firstaervoy.jpg">The First Aerial Voyage</a> + 15. <a href="images/15charles.jpg">Monsieur Charles and the Duke of Chartres</a> + 16. <a href="images/16bagnolet.jpg">Bagnolet’s Balloon</a> + 17. <a href="images/17flesselles.jpg">Le Flesselles</a> + 18. <a href="images/18blanchard.jpg">Blanchard’s Balloon</a> + 19. <a href="images/19blanchard.jpg">Blanchard’s Ascent, (Caricature)</a> + 20. <a href="images/20blanchard.jpg">Blanchard’s Descent</a> + 21. <a href="images/21dijon.jpg">Ascent from Dijon, 1784</a> + 22. <a href="images/22chartres.jpg">Ascent of the Duke of Chartres</a> + 23. <a href="images/23minerva.jpg">The “Minerva"</a> + 24. <a href="images/24england.jpg">The First Attempt to Ascend in England</a> + 25. <a href="images/25blanchard.jpg">Blanchard</a> + 26. <a href="images/26jeffries.jpg">Dr. Jeffries</a> + 27. <a href="images/27fete.jpg">Coronation fete at Paris</a> + 28. <a href="images/28geant.jpg">The Wreck of the “Geant"</a> + 29. <a href="images/29roziers.jpg">Pilatre des Roziers</a> + 30. <a href="images/30fleurus.jpg">Employment of a Balloon at the Battle of Fleurus</a></b> +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BALLOONS AND AIR JOURNEYS. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PART1" id="link2H_PART1"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="28geant (126K)" src="images/28geant.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PART I. THE CONQUEST OF THE SKIES.—1783. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter I. Introduction. + </h2> + <p> + The title of our introduction to aeronautics may appear ambitious to + astronomers, and to those who know that the infinite space we call the + heavens is for ever inaccessible to travellers from the earth; but it was + not so considered by those who witnessed the ardent enthusiasm evoked at + the ascension of the first balloon. No discovery, in the whole range of + history, has elicited an equal degree of applause and admiration—never + has the genius of man won a triumph which at first blush seemed more + glorious. The mathematical and physical sciences had in aeronautics + achieved apparently their greatest honours, and inaugurated a new era in + the progress of knowledge. After having subjected the earth to their + power; after having made the waves of the sea stoop in submission under + the keels of their ships; after having caught the lightning of heaven and + made it subservient to the ordinary purposes of life, the genius of man + undertook to conquer the regions of the air. Imagination, intoxicated with + past successes, could descry no limit to human power; the gates of the + infinite seemed to be swinging back before man’s advancing step, and the + last was believed to be the greatest of his achievements. + </p> + <p> + In order to comprehend the frenzy of the enthusiasm which the first + aeronautic triumphs called forth, it is necessary to recall the appearance + of Montgolfier at Versailles, on the 19th of September, 1783, before Louis + XVI, or of the earliest aeronauts at the Tuileries. Paris hailed the first + of these men with the greatest acclaim, “and then, as now,” says a French + writer, “the voice of Paris gave the cue to France, and France to the + world!” Nobles and artisans, scientific men and badauds, great and small, + were moved with one universal impulse. In the streets the praises of the + balloon were sung; in the libraries models of it abounded; and in the + salons the one universal topic was the great “machine.” In anticipation, + the poet delighted himself with bird’s-eye views of the scenery of strange + countries; the prisoner mused on what might be a new way of escape; the + physicist visited the laboratory in which the lightning and the meteors + were manufactured; the geometrician beheld the plans of cities and the + outlines of kingdoms; the general discovered the position of the enemy or + rained shells on the besieged town; the police beheld a new mode in which + to carry on the secret service; Hope heralded a new conquest from the + domain of nature, and the historian registered a new chapter in the annals + of human knowledge. + </p> + <p> + “Scientific discoveries in general,” says Arago, “even those from which + men expect the most advantage, like those of the compass and the + steam-engine, were greeted at first with contempt, or at the best with + indifference. Political events, and the fortunes of armies monopolised + almost entirely the attention of the people. But to this rule there are + two exceptions—the discoveries of America and of aerostatics, the + advents of Columbus and of Montgolfier.” It is not here our duty to + inquire how it happened that the discoveries made by these two personages + are classed together. Air-travelling may be as unproductive of actual good + to society as filling the belly with the “east wind” is to the body, while + every one knows something of the extent to which the discovery of Columbus + has influenced the character, the civilisation, the destinies, in short, + of the human race. We are speaking at present of the known and + well-attested fact, that the discovery of America and the discovery of the + method of traversing space by means of balloons—however they may + differ in respect of results to man—rank equally in this, that of + all other discoveries these two have attracted the greatest amount of + attention, and given, in their respective eras, the greatest impulse to + popular feeling. Let the reader recall the marks of enthusiasm which the + discovery of the islands on the east coast of America excited in + Andalusia, in Catalonia, in Aragon and Castile—let him read the + narrative of the honours paid by town and village, not only to the hero of + the enterprise, but even to his commonest sailors, and then let him search + the records of the epoch for the degree of sensation produced by the + discovery of aeronautics in France, which stands in the same relationship + to this event as that in which Spain stands to the other. The processions + of Seville and Barcelona are the exact prototypes of the fetes of Lyons + and Paris. In France, in 1783, as in Spain two centuries previously, the + popular imagination was so greatly excited by the deeds performed, that it + began to believe in possibilities of the most unlikely description. In + Spain, the conquestadores and their followers believed that in a few days + after they had landed on American soil, they would have gathered as much + gold and precious stones, as were then possessed by the richest European + Sovereigns. In France, each one following his own notions, made out for + himself special benefits to flow from the discovery of balloons. Every + discovery then appeared to be only the precursor of other and greater + discoveries, and nothing after that time seemed to be impossible to him + who attempted the conquest of the atmosphere. This idea clothed itself in + every form. The young embraced it with enthusiasm, the old made it the + subject of endless regrets. When one of the first aeronautic ascents was + made, the old Marechal Villeroi, an octogenarian and an invalid, was + conducted to one of the windows of the Tuileries, almost by force, for he + did not believe in balloons. The balloon, meanwhile, detached itself from + its moorings; the physician Charles, seated in the car, gaily saluted the + public, and was then majestically launched into space in his air-boat; and + at once the old Marechal, beholding this, passed suddenly from unbelief to + perfect faith in aerostatics and in the capacity of the human mind, fell + on his knees, and, with his eyes bathed in tears, moaned out pitifully the + words, “Yes, it is fixed! It is certain! They will find out the secret of + avoiding death; but it will be after I am gone!” + </p> + <p> + If we recall the impressions which the first air-journeys made, we shall + find that, among people of enthusiastic temperament, it was believed that + it was not merely the blue sky above us, not merely the terrestrial + atmosphere, but the vast spaces through which the worlds move, that were + to become the domain of man—the sea of the balloon. The moon, the + mysterious dwelling-place of men unknown, would no longer be an + inaccessible place. Space no longer contained regions which man could not + cross! Indeed, certain expeditions attempted the crossing of the heavens, + and brought back news of the moon. The planets that revolve round the sun, + the far-flying comets, the most distant stars—these formed the field + which from that time was to lie open to the investigations of man. + </p> + <p> + This enthusiasm one can well enough understand. There is in the simple + fact of an aerial ascent something so bold and so astonishing, that the + human spirit cannot fail to be profoundly stirred by it. And if this is + the feeling of men at the present day, when, after having been witnesses + of ascents for the last eighty years, they see men confiding themselves in + a swinging car into the immensities of space, what must have been the + astonishment of those who, for the first time since the commencement of + the world, beheld one of their fellow-creatures rolling in space, without + any other assurance of safety than what his still dim perception of the + laws of nature gave him? + </p> + <p> + Why should we be obliged here to state that the great discovery that + stirred the spirits of men from the one end of Europe to the other, and + gave rise to hopes of such vast discoveries, should have failed in + realising the expectations which seemed so clearly justified by the first + experiments? It is now eighty-six years since the first aerial journey + astonished the world, and yet, in 1870, we are but little more advanced in + the science than we were in 1783. Our age is the most renowned for its + discoveries of any that the world has seen. Man is borne over the surface + of the earth by steam; he is as familiar as the fish with the liquid + element; he transmits his words instantaneously from London to New York; + he draws pictures without pencil or brush, and has made the sun his slave. + The air alone remains to him unsubdued. The proper management of balloons + has not yet been discovered. More than that, it appears that balloons are + unmanageable, and it is to air-vessels, constructed more nearly upon the + model of birds, that we must go to find out the secret of aerial + navigation. At present, as in former times, we are at the mercy of + balloons—globes lighter than the air, and therefore the sport and + the prey of tempests and currents. And aeronauts, instead of showing + themselves now as the benefactors of mankind, exhibit themselves mainly to + gratify a frivolous curiosity, or to crown with eclat a public fete. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter II. Attempts in Ancient Times to Fly in the Air. + </h2> + <p> + Before contemplating the sudden conquest of the aerial kingdom, as + accomplished and proclaimed at the end of the last century, it is at once + curious and instructive to cast a glance backward, and to examine, by the + glimmering of ancient traditions, the attempts which have been made or + imagined by man to enfranchise himself from the attraction of the earth. + </p> + <p> + “The greater number of the arts and sciences can be traced along a + chronological ladder of great length: some, indeed, lose themselves in the + night of time.” The accomplishment of raising oneself in the air, however, + had no actual professors in antiquity, and the discovery of Montgolfier + seems to have come into the world, so to speak, spontaneously. By this it + is to be understood that, unlike Copernicus and Columbus, Montgolfier + could not read in history of any similar discovery, containing the germ of + his own feat. At least, we have no proof that the ancient nations + practiced the art of aerial navigation to any extent whatever. The + attempts which we are about to cite do not strictly belong to the history + of aerostatics. + </p> + <p> + Classic mythology tells us of Daedalus, who, escaping with his son Icarus + from the anger of Minos, in the Isle of Crete, saved himself from the + immediate evil by the aid of wings, which he made for himself and his son, + and by means of which they were enabled to fly in the air. The wings, it + appears, were soldered with wax, and Icarus, flying too high, was struck + by a ray of the sun, which melted the wax. The youth fell into the sea, + which from him derived its name of Icarian. It is possible that this fable + only symbolisms the introduction of sails in navigation. + </p> + <p> + Coming down through ancient history, we note a certain Archytas, of + Tarentum, who, in the fourth century B. C., is said to have launched into + the air the first “flying stag,” and who, according to the Greek writers, + “made a pigeon of wood, which flew, but which could not raise itself again + after having fallen.” Its flight, it is said, “was accomplished by means + of a mechanical contrivance, by the vibrations of which it was sustained + in the air.” + </p> + <p> + In the year 66 A.D., in the time of Nero, Simon, the magician—who + called himself “the mechanician”—made certain experiments at Rome of + flying at a certain height. In the eyes of the early Christians this power + was attributed to the devil, and St. Peter, the namesake of this flying + man, is said to have prayed fervently while Simon was amusing himself in + space. It was possibly in answer to his prayers that the magician failed + in his flight, fell upon the Forum, and broke his neck on the spot. + </p> + <p> + From the summit of the tower of the hippodrome at Constantinople, a + certain Saracen met the same fate as Simon, in the reign of the Emperor + Comnenus. His experiments were conducted on the principle of the inclined + plane. He descended in an oblique course, using the resistance of the air + as a support. His robe, very long and very large, and of which the flaps + were extended on an osier frame, preserved him from suddenly falling. + </p> + <p> + The inclined plane probably suggested to Milton the flight of the angel + Uriel, in “Paradise Lost,” who descended in the morning from heaven to + earth upon a ray of the sun, and ascended in the evening from earth to + heaven by the same means. But we cannot quote here the fancies of pure + imagination, and we will not speak of Medeus the magician, of the + enchantress Armida, of the witches of the Brocken, of the hippogriff of + Zephyrus with the rosy wings, or of the diabolical inventions of the + middle ages, for many of which the stake was the only reward. + </p> + <p> + Roger Bacon, in the thirteenth century, inaugurated a more scientific era. + In his “Treaty of the Admirable Power of Art and Nature,” he puts forth + the idea that it is possible “to make flying-machines in which the man, + being seated or suspended in the middle, might turn some winch or crank, + which would put in motion a suit of wings made to strike the air like + those of a bird.” In the same treatise he sketches a flying-machine, to + which that of Blanchard, who lived in the eighteenth century, bears a + certain resemblance. The monk, Roger Bacon, was worthy of entering the + temple of fame before his great namesake the Lord Chancellor, who in the + seventeenth century inaugurated the era of experimental science. + </p> + <p> + Jean Baptiste Dante, a mathematician of Perugia, who lived in the latter + part of the fifteenth century, constructed artificial wings, by means of + which, when applied to thin bodies, men might raise themselves off the + ground into the air. It is recorded that on many occasions he experimented + with his wings on the Lake Thrasymenus. These experiments, however, had a + sad end. At a fete, given for the celebration of the marriage of + Bartholomew d’Alvani, Dante, who must not be confounded with the poet, + whose flights were of quite another kind—offered to exhibit the + wonder of his wings to the people of Perugia. He managed to raise himself + to a great height, and flew above the square; but the iron with which he + moved one of his wings having been bent, he fell upon the church of the + Virgin, and broke his thigh. + </p> + <p> + A similar accident befell a learned English Benedictine Oliver of + Malmesbury. This ecclesiastic was considered gifted with the power of + foretelling events; but, like other similarly circumstanced, he does not + seem to have beer able to divine the fate which awaited himself. He + constructed wings after the model of those which according to Ovid, + Daedalus made use of. These he attached to his arms and his feet, and, + thus furnished, he threw himself from the height of a tower. But the wings + bore him up for little more than a distance of 120 paces. He fell at the + foot of the tower, broke his legs, and from that moment led a languishing + life. He consoled himself, however, in his misfortune by saying that his + attempt must certainly have succeeded had he only provided himself with a + tail. + </p> + <p> + Before going further, let us take notice that the seventeenth century is, + par excellence, the century distinguished for narratives of imaginary + travels. It was then that astronomy opened up its world of marvels. The + knowledge of observers was vastly increased, and from that time it became + possible to distinguish the surface of the moon and of other celestial + bodies. Thus a new world, as it were, was revealed for human thought and + speculation. We learned that our globe was not, as we had supposed, the + centre of the universe. It was assigned its place far from that centre, + and was known to be no more than a mere atom, lost amid an incalculable + number of other globes. The revelations of the telescope proved that those + who formerly were considered wise actually knew nothing. Quickly following + these discoveries, extraordinary narratives of excursions through space + began to be given to the world. + </p> + <p> + Those scientific romances were simply wild exaggerations, based upon the + thinnest foundation of scientific facts. In order, however, to describe a + journey among the stars, it was necessary to invent some mode of + locomotion in these distant regions. In former times Lucian had been + content with a ship which ascended to the rising moon upon a waterspout; + but it was now necessary to improve upon this very primitive mode, as + people began to know something more of the forces of nature. One of the + first of these travellers in imagination to the moon in modern times was + Godwin (1638), and his plan was more ingenious than that of Lucian. He + trained a great number of the wild swans of St. Helena to fly constantly + upward toward a white object, and, having succeeded in thus training them, + one fine night he threw himself off the Peak of Teneriffe, poised upon a + piece of board, which was borne upward to the white moon by a great team + of the gigantic swans. At the end of twelve days he arrived, according to + his story, at his destination. A little later another writer of this + peculiar kind of fiction, Wilkins, an Englishman, professed to have made + the same ascent, borne up by an eagle. Alexandre Dumas, who recently wrote + a short romance upon the same subject, only made a translation of an + English work by that author. Wilkins’ work is entitled, “The Discovery of + a New World.” One chapter of the book bears the title, “That ‘tis possible + for some of our posterity to find out a conveyance to this other world; + and, if there be inhabitants there, to have commerce with them.” It is + thus that the right reverend philosopher reasons:— + </p> + <p> + “If it be here inquired what means there may be conjectured for our + ascending beyond the sphere of the earth’s mathematical vigour, I answer.—1. + ‘Tis not possible that a man may be able to fly by the application of + wings to his own body, as angels are pictured, as Mercury and Daedalus are + feigned, and as hath been attempted by divers, particularly by a Turk in + Constantinople, a Busbequius relates. 2. If there be such a great duck in + Madagascar as Marcus Polus, the Venetian, mentions, the feathers of whose + wings are twelve feet long, which can scoop up a horse and his rider, or + an elephant, as our kites do a mouse; why, then, ‘Tis but teaching one of + these to carry a man, and he may ride up thither, as Ganymede does upon an + eagle. 3. Or if neither of these ways will serve yet I do seriously, and + upon good grounds, affirm it is possible to make a flying chariot, in + which a man may sit and give such a motion to it as shall convey him + through the air. And this, perhaps, might be made large enough to carry + divers men at the same time, together with food for their viaticum, and + commodities for traffic. It is not the bigness of anything in this kind + that can hinder its motion if the motive faculty be answerable “hereunto. + We see that; great ship swims as well as a small cork, and an eagle flies + in the air as well as a little gnat. This engine may be contrived from the + same principles by which Archytas made a wooden dove, and Regiomontanus a + wooden eagle. I conceive it were no difficult matter (if a man had + leisure) to show more particularly the means of composing it. The + perfecting of such an invention would be of such excellent use that it + were enough, not only to make a man famous but the age wherein he lives. + For, besides the strange discoveries that it might occasion in this other + world, it would be also of inconceivable advantage for travelling, above + any other conveyance that is now in use. So that, notwithstanding all + these seeming impossibilities, it is likely enough that there may be a + means invented of journeying to the moon; and how happy shall they be that + are first successful in this attempt!” + </p> + <p> + Afterwards comes Cyrano of Bergerac, who promulgates five different means + of flying in the air. First, by means of phials filled with dew, which + would attract and cause to mount up. Secondly, by a great bird made of + wood, the wings of which should be kept in motion. Thirdly, by rockets, + which, going off successively, would drive up the balloon by the force of + projection. Fourthly, by an octahedron of glass, heated by the sun, and of + which the lower part should be allowed to penetrate the dense cold air, + which, pressing up against the rarefied hot air, would raise the balloon. + Fifthly, by a car of iron and a ball of magnetised iron, which the + aeronaut would keep throwing up in the air, and which would attract and + draw up the balloon. The wiseacre who invented these modes of flying in + the air seems, some would say, to have been more in want of very strict + confinement on the earth than of the freedom of the skies. + </p> + <p> + In 1670 Francis Lana constructed the flying-machine shown on the next + page. The specific lightness of heated air and of hydrogen gas not having + yet been discovered, his only idea for making his globes rise was to take + all the air out of them. But even supposing that the globes were thus + rendered light enough to rise, they must inevitably have collapsed under + the atmospheric pressure. + </p> + <p> + As for the idea of making use of a sail to direct the balloon, as one + directs a vessel, that also was a delusion; for the whole machine, globes + and sails, being freely thrown into the air, would infallibly follow the + direction of the wind, whatever that might be. When a ship lies in the + sea, and its sails are inflated with the wind, we must remember that there + are two forces in operation—the active force of the wind and the + passive force of the resistance of the water; and in working these forces + the one against the other, the sailor can turn within a point of any + direction he pleases. But when we are subjected wholly to a single force, + and have no point of support by the use of which to turn that force to our + own purposes, as is the case with the aeronaut, we are entirely at the + mercy of that force, and must obey it. + </p> + <p> + After the flying-machine of Lana there was constructed by Galien (who, + like the former, was an ecclesiastic) an air-boat, less chimerical in its + form, looked at in view of the conditions of aerial navigation, but much + more singular. Galien describes his air-boat, in 1755, in his little work + entitled, “The Art of Sailing in the Air.” His project was a most + extraordinary one, and its boldness is only equalled by the seriousness of + the narrative. According to him, the atmosphere is divided into two + horizontal layers, the upper of which is much lighter than the lower. + “But,” says Galien, “a ship keeps its place in the water because it is + full of air, and air is much lighter than water. Suppose, then, that there + was the same difference of weight between the upper and the lower layer of + air as there is between the lower stratum and water; and suppose, also, a + boat which rested upon the lower layer of air, with its bulk in the + lighter upper layer—like a ship which has its keel in the water but + its bulk in the air—the same thing would happen with the air-ship as + with the water-ship—it would float in the denser layer of air.” + </p> + <p> + Galien adds that in the region of hail there was in the air a separation + into two layers, the weights of which respectively are as 1 to 2. “Then,” + says he, “in placing an air-boat in the region of hail, with its sides + rising eighty-three fathoms into the upper region, which is much more + light, one could sail perfectly.” + </p> + <p> + But how to get this enormous air-boat up to the region of hail? This is a + minor detail, respecting which Galien is not clear. + </p> + <p> + From the labours of Lana and Galien, with their impossible flying + machines, the inventor of the balloon could derive no benefit whatever; + nor is his fame to be in the least diminished because many had laboured in + the same field before him. Nor can the story of the ovoador, or flying + man, a legend very confused, and of which there are many versions, have + given to Montgolfier any valuable hints. It appears that a certain Laurent + de Guzman, a monk of Rio Janeiro, performed at Lisbon before the king, + John V., raising himself in a balloon to a considerable height. Other + versions of the story give a different date, and assign the pretended + ascent to 1709. The above engraving, extracted from the “Bibliotheque de + la Rue de Richelieu,” is an exact copy of Guzman’s supposed balloon. + </p> + <p> + In 1678 a mechanician of Salle, in Maine, named Besnier invented a + flying-machine. The machine consisted of four great wings, or paddles, + mounted at the extremities of levers, which rested on the shoulders of the + man who guided it, and who could move them alternately by means of his + hands and feet. The following description of the machine is given in the + Journal de Paris by an eye-witness: + </p> + <p> + “The ‘wings’ are oblong frames, covered with taffeta, and attached to the + ends of two rods, adjusted on the shoulders The wings work up and down. + Those in front are worked by the hands; those behind by the feet, which + are connected with the ends of the rods by strings. The movements were + such that when the right hand made the right wing descend in front, the + left foot made the left wing descend behind; and in like manner the left + hand in front and the right foot behind acted together simultaneously. + This diagonal action appeared very well contrived; it was the action of + most quadrupeds as well as of man when walking; but the contrivance, like + others of the same kind, failed in not being fitted with gearing to enable + the air traveller to proceed in any other direction than that in which the + wind blew him. The inventor first flew down from a stool, then from a + table, afterwards from a window, and finally from a garret, from which he + passed above the houses in the neighbourhood, and then, moderating the + working of his machine, he descended slowly to the earth.” + </p> + <p> + Tradition records that under Louis XIV. a certain rope-dancer, named + Alard, announced that on a certain day he would perform the feat of flying + in the air. We have no description of his wings. It is recorded, however, + that he set out on his adventurous flight; but he had not calculated all + the necessities of the case, and, falling to the ground, he was + dangerously hurt. + </p> + <p> + Leonardo da Vinci might have known the art of flying in the air, and might + even have practiced it. A statement to this effect, at least, is found in + several historians. We have, however, no direct proof of the fact. + </p> + <p> + The Abbe Deforges, of Etampes, announced in the journals in 1772 that he + would perform the great feat. On the appointed day multitudes of the + curious flocked to Etampes. The abbe’s machine was a sort of gondola, + seven feet long and about two feet deep. Gondola conductor, and baggage + weighed in all 213 pounds. The pious man believed that he had provided + against everything. Neither tempest nor rain should mar his flight, and + there was no chance of his being upset; whilst the machine, he had + decided, was to go at the rate of thirty leagues an hour. + </p> + <p> + The great day came, and the abbe, entering his air-boat amidst the + applause of the spectators, began to work the wings with which it was + provided with great rapidity. “But,” says one who witnessed the feat, “the + more he worked, the more his machine cleaved to the earth, as if it were + part and parcel of it.” + </p> + <p> + Retif de la Bretonne, in his work upon this subject, gives the + accompanying picture of a flying man, furnished with very artistically + designed wings, fitting exactly to the shoulders, and carrying a basket of + provisions, suspended from his waist; and the frontispiece of the + “Philosophic sans Pretention” is a view of a flying-machine. In the midst + of a frame of light wood sits the operator, steadying himself with one + hand, and with the other fuming a cremaillere, which appears to give a + very quick rotatory movement to two glass globes revolving upon a vertical + axis. The friction of the globes is supposed to develop electricity to + which his power of ascending is ascribed. + </p> + <p> + To wings, however, aerial adventurers mostly adhered. The Marquis de + Racqueville flew from a window of his hotel, on the banks of the Seine, + and fell into a boat full of washerwomen on the river. All these + unfortunate attempts were lampooned, burlesqued on the stage, and pursued + with the mockery of the public. + </p> + <p> + Up to this time, therefore, the efforts of man to conquer the air had + miscarried. They were conducted on a wrong principle, the machinery + employed being heavier than the air itself But, even before the time of + Montgolfier, the principles of aerostation began to be recognised, though + nothing was actually done in the way of acting upon them. Thus, in 1767, + Professor Black, of Edinburgh, announced in his class that a vessel, + filled with hydrogen, would rise naturally in the air; but he never made + the experiment, regarding the fact as capable of being employed only for + amusement. Finally, Cavallo, in 1782, communicated to the Royal Society of + London the experiments he had made, and which consisted in filling + soap-bubbles with hydrogen. The bubbles rose in the atmosphere, the gas + which filled them being lighter than air. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter III. The Theory of Balloons. + </h2> + <p> + A certain proposition in physics, known as the “Principle of Archimedes,” + runs to the following effect:—“Every body plunged into a liquid + loses a portion of its weight equal to the weight of the fluid which it + displaces.” Everybody has verified this principle, and knows that objects + are much lighter in water than out of it; a body plunged into water being + acted upon by two forces—its own weight, which tends to sink it, and + resistance from below, which tends to bear it up. But this principle + applies to gas as well as to liquids—to air as well as to water. + When we weigh a body in the air, we do not find its absolute weight, but + that weight minus the weight of the air which the body displaces. In order + to know the exact weight of an object, it would be necessary to weigh it + in a vacuum. + </p> + <p> + If an object thrown into the air is heavier than the air which it + displaces, it descends, and falls upon the earth; if it is of equal + weight, it floats without rising or falling; if it is lighter, it rises + until it comes to a stratum of air of less weight or density than itself. + We all know, of course, that the higher you rise from the earth the + density of the air diminishes. The stratum of air that lies upon the + surface of the earth is the heaviest, because it supports the pressure of + all the other strata that lie above. Thus the lightest strata are the + highest. + </p> + <p> + The principle of the construction of balloons is, therefore, in perfect + harmony with physical laws. Balloons are simply globes, made of a light, + air-tight material, filled with hot air or hydrogen gas which rise in the + air because (they are lighter than the air they displace). + </p> + <p> + The application of this principle appeared so simple, that at the time + when the news of the invention of the balloon was spread abroad the + astronomer Lalande wrote—“At this news we all cry, ‘This must be! + Why did we not think of it before?’” It had been thought of before, as we + have seen in the last chapter, but it is often long after an idea is + conceived that it is practically realised. + </p> + <p> + The first balloon, Montgolfier’s, was simply filled with hot air; and it + was because Montgolfier exclusively made use of hot air that balloons so + filled were named Montgolfiers. Of course we see at a glance that hot air + is lighter than cold air, because it has become expanded and occupies more + space—that is to say, a volume of hot air contains actually less air + than a volume of the same size of air that has not been heated. The + difference between the weight of the hot air and the cold which it + displaced was greater than the weight of tire covering of the balloon. + Therefore the balloon mounted. + </p> + <p> + And, seeing that air diminishes in density the higher we ascend, the + balloon can rise only to that stratum of air of the same density as the + air it contains. As the warm air cools it gently descends. Again, as the + atmosphere is always moving in currents more or less strong, the balloon + follows the direction of the current of the stratum of air in which it + finds itself. + </p> + <p> + Thus we see how simply the ascent of Montgolfiers, and their motions, are + explained. It is the same with gas-balloons. A balloon, filled with + hydrogen gas, displaces an equal volume of atmospheric air; but as the gas + is much lighter than the air, it is pushed up by a force equal to the + difference of the density of air and hydrogen gas. The balloon then rises + in the atmosphere to where it reaches layers of air of a density exactly + equal to its own, and when it gets there it remains poised in its place. + In order that it may descend, it is necessary to let out a portion of the + hydrogen gas, and admit an equal quantity of atmospheric air; and the + balloon does not come to the ground till all, or nearly all, the gas has + been expelled and common air taken in. Balloons inflated with hydrogen gas + are almost the only ones in use at the present day. Scarcely ever is a + Montgolfier sent up. There are aeronauts, however, who prefer a journey in + a Montgolfier to one in a gas-balloon. The air voyager in this description + of balloon had formerly many difficulties to contend with. The quantity of + combustible material which he was bound to carry with him; the very little + difference that there is between the density of heated and of cold air; + the necessity of feeding the fire, and watching it without a moment’s + cessation, as it hangs in the rechaud over the middle of the car, rendered + this sort of air travelling subject to many dangers and difficulties. + Recently, M. Eugene Godard has obviated a portion of this difficulty by + fitting a chimney, like that which is found of such incalculable service + in the case of the Davy lamp. It is principally on account of this + improvement that the Montgolfiere has risen so highly in popular esteem. + </p> + <p> + Generally it is not pure hydrogen that is made use of in the inflation of + balloons. Aeronauts content themselves with the gas which we burn in our + streets and houses, and thus it suffices, in inflating the balloon, to + obtain from the nearest gas-works the quantity of gas necessary, and to + lead it, by means of a pipe or tube, from the gasometer to the mouth or + neck of the machine. + </p> + <p> + The balloon is made of long strips of silk, sewn together, and rendered + air-tight by means of a coating of caoutchouc. A valve is fitted to the + top, and by means of it the aeronaut can descend to the earth at will, by + allowing some quantity of the gas to escape. The car in which he sits is + suspended to the balloon by a network, which covers the whole structure. + Sacks of sand are carried in this car as ballast, so that, when + descending, if the aeronaut sees that he is likely to be precipitated into + the sea or into a lake, he throws over the sand, and his air-carriage, + being thus lightened, mounts again and travels away to a more desirable + resting-place. The idea of the valve, as well as that of the sand ballast, + is due to the physician Charles. They enable the aeronaut to ascend or + descend with facility. When he wishes to mount, he throws over his + ballast; when he wants to come down, he lets the gas escape by the valve + at the roof of the balloon. This valve is worked by means of a spring, + having a long rope attached to it, which hangs down through the neck to + the car, where the aeronaut sits. + </p> + <p> + The operation of inflating a balloon with pure hydrogen is represented in + the engraving on the next page. + </p> + <p> + Shavings of iron and zinc, water, and sulphuric acid, occupy a number of + casks, which communicate, by means of tubes, with a central cask, which is + open at the bottom, and is plunged in a copper full of water. The gas is + produced by the action of the water and the sulphuric acid upon the zinc + and the iron this is hydrogen mixed with sulphuric acid. In passing + through the central copper, or vat, full of water, the gas throws off all + impurities, and comes, unalloyed with any other matter, into the balloon + by a long tube, leading from the central vats. In order to facilitate the + entrance of the gas into the balloon two long poles are erected. These are + furnished with pulleys, through which a rope, attached also to a ring at + the top of the balloon, passes. By means of this contrivance the balloon + can be at once lightly raised from the ground, and the gas tubes easily + joined to it. When it is half full it is no longer necessary to suspend + the balloon; on the contrary, it has to be secured, lest it should fly + off. A number of men hold it back by ropes; but as the force of ascension + is every moment increasing, the work of restraining the balloon is most + difficult and exciting. At length, all preparations being complete, the + car is suspended, the aeronaut takes his seat, the words “Let go all!” are + shouted, and away goes the silken globe into space. + </p> + <p> + The balloon is never entirely filled, for the atmospheric pressure + diminishing as it ascends, allows the hydrogen gas to dilate, in virtue of + its expansive force, and, unless there is space for this expansion, the + balloon is sure to explode in the air. + </p> + <p> + An ordinary balloon, with a lifting power sufficient to carry up three + persons, with necessary ballast and materiel, is about fifty feet high, + thirty-five feet in diameter’ and 2,250 cubic feet in capacity. Of such a + balloon, the accessories—the skin, the network, the car—would + weigh about 335 lbs. + </p> + <p> + To find out the height at which he has arrived, the aeronaut consults his + barometer. We know that it is the pressure of the air upon the cup of the + barometer that raises the mercury in the tube. The heavier the air is, the + higher is the barometer. At the level of the sea the column of mercury + stands at 32 inches; at 3,250 feet—the air being at this elevation + lighter—the mercury stands at 28 inches; at 6,500 feet above sea + level it stands at 25 inches; at 10,000 feet it falls to 22 inches; at + 20,000 feet to 15 inches. These, however, are merely the theoretic + results, and are subject to some slight variation, according to locality, + &c. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes the aeronaut makes his descent by means of the parachute, a + separate and distinct contrivance. If, from any cause, it appears + impracticable to effect a descent from the balloon itself, the parachute + may be of the greatest service to the voyager at the present day it is + chiefly used to astonish the public, by showing them the spectacle of a + man who, from a great elevation in the air, precipitates himself into + space, not to escape dangers which threaten him in his balloon, but simply + to exhibit his courage and skill. Nevertheless, parachutes are often of + great actual use, and aeronauts frequently attach them to their balloons + as a precautionary measure before setting out on an aerial excursion. + </p> + <p> + The shape of a parachute, shown on the previous page, very much resembles + that of the well-known all serviceable umbrella. The strips of silk of + which it is formed are sewn together, and are bound at the top around a + circular piece of wood. A number of cords, stretching away from this piece + of wood, support the car in which the aeronaut is carried. At the summit + is contrived an opening, which permits the air compressed by the rapidity + of the descent to escape without causing damage to the parachute from the + stress to which it is subjected. + </p> + <p> + The rapidity of the descent is arrested by the large surface which the + parachute presents to the air. When the aeronaut wishes to descend by the + parachute, all that is required is, after he has slipped down from the car + of the balloon to that of the parachute, to loosen the rope which binds + the latter to the former, which is done by means of a pulley. In an + instant the aeronaut is launched into space with a rapidity in comparison + with which the wild flights of the balloon are but gentle oscillations. + But in a few moments, the air rushing into the folds of the parachute, + forces them open like an umbrella, and immediately, owing to the wide + surface which this contrivance presents to the atmosphere, the violence of + the descent is arrested, and the aeronaut falls gently to the ground, + without receiving too rude a shock. + </p> + <p> + The virtues of the parachute were first tried upon animals. Thus, + Blanchard allowed his dog to fall in one from a height of 6,500 feet. A + gust of wind caught the falling parachute, and swept it away up above the + clouds. Afterwards, the aeronaut in his balloon fell in with the dog in + the parachute, both of them high up in the cloudy reaches of the sky, and + the poor animal manifested by his barking his joy at seeing his master. A + new current separated the aerial voyagers, but the parachute, with its + canine passenger, reached the ground safely a short time after Blanchard + had landed from his balloon. + </p> + <p> + Experience has proved that, in the case of a descending parachute, if the + rapidity of the descent is doubled the resistance of the air is + quadrupled; if the rapidity is triple the resistance is increased + ninefold; or, to speak in language of science, the resistance of the air + is increased by the square of the swiftness of the body in motion. This + resistance increases in proportion as the parachute spreads, and thus the + uniformity of its fall is established a minute after it has been + disengaged from the balloon. We can, therefore, check the descent of a + body by giving it a surface capable of distension by the action of the + air. + </p> + <p> + Garnerin, in the year 1802, conceived the bold design of letting himself + fall from a height of 1,200 feet, and he accomplished the exploit before + the Parisians. When he had reached the height he had fixed beforehand, he + cut the rope which connected the parachute with the balloon. At first the + fall was terribly rapid; but as soon as the parachute spread out the + rapidity was considerably diminished. The machine made, however, enormous + oscillations. The air, gathering end compressed under it, would sometimes + escape by one side sometimes by the other, thus shaking and whirling the + parachute about with a violence which, however great, had happily no + unfortunate effect. + </p> + <p> + The origin of the parachute is more remote than is generally supposed, as + there was a figure of one which appeared among a collection of machines at + Venice, in 1617. + </p> + <p> + Another species of parachute, less perfect, to be sure; than that of + Garnerin, but still a practical machine, was described 189 years before + the great aeronaut’s feat at Paris. We read in the narrative of the + ambassador of Louis XIV at Siam, at the end of the seventeenth century, + the following passage—“A mountebank at the court of the King of Siam + climbed to the top of a high bamboo-tree, and threw himself into the air + without any other support than two parasols. Thus equipped, he abandoned + himself to the winds, which carried him, as by chance, sometimes to the + earth, sometimes on trees or houses, and sometimes into the river, without + any harm happening to him.” + </p> + <p> + Is not this the idea of our parachutes? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter IV. First Public Trial of the Balloon. + </h2> + <h3> + (Montgolfier’s Balloon Annonay, 5th of June of 1783.) + </h3> + <p> + We are accustomed to rank the brothers Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier as + equally distinguished in the field of science. The reason for thus + associating these two names seems to have been the fraternal friendship + which subsisted in an extraordinary degree in the Montgolfier family, + rather than any equality of claim which they had to the notice of + posterity. After special investigation, we find that Joseph Montgolfier + was very superior to his brother, and that it is to him principally, if + not exclusively, that we owe the invention of aerostation. Nevertheless, + we shall not insist upon this fact; and seeing that a sacred amity always + cemented a perfect union in the Montgolfier family, we will regard that + union as unbroken in any sense, and will not insinuate that the brother of + Montgolfier was undeserving of the honoured rank which in his lifetime he + held. + </p> + <p> + In 1783, the sons of Pierre Montgolfier, a rich papermaker at Annonay + department of Ardeche, were already in the prime of life, and it is + related of them that their principal occupation was experimenting in the + physical sciences. Joseph Montgolfier, after being convinced by a number + of minor experiments made in 1782 and 1783, that a heat of 180 degrees + rarefied the air and made it occupy a space of TWICE the extent it + occupied before being heated—or, in other words, that this degree of + heat diminished the weight of air by one half—began to speculate on + what might be the shape and the material of a structure which being filled + with air thus heated, would be able to raise itself from the earth in + spite of the weight of its own covering. + </p> + <p> + His first balloon was a small parallelopiped in very thin taffeta, + containing less than seventy-eight cubic inches of air. He made it rise to + the roof of his apartment in November, 1782—at Avignon, where he + then happened to be. Having returned some little time after to Annonay, + Joseph and his brother performed the same experiment, together in the open + air with perfect success. Certain, then, of the new principle, they made a + balloon of considerable size, containing upwards of sixty-five feet of + heated air. + </p> + <p> + This machine likewise rose, tore away the cords by which it was at first + held down, and mounting in the air to the height of from two to three + hundred feet, fell upon the neighbouring hills after a considerable + flight. The brothers Montgolfier then made a very large and strong + balloon, with which they wished to bring their discovery before the + public. + </p> + <p> + The appointed day was the 5th of June, 1783 and the nobility of the + vicinity were invited to be present at the experiment. Faujas de Saint + Fond, author of “La Description des Experiences de la Machine + Aerostatique,” published the same year, gives the following account of it:— + </p> + <p> + “What,” says Saint Fond, “was the general astonishment when the inventors + of the machine announced that immediately it should be full of gas, which + they had the means of producing at will by the most simple process, it + would raise itself to the clouds. It must be granted that, in spite of the + confidence in the ingenuity and experience of the Montgolfiers, this feat + seemed so incredible to those who came to witness it, that the persons who + knew most about it—who were, at the same time, the most favourably + predisposed in its favour—doubted of its success. + </p> + <p> + “At last the brothers Montgolfier commenced their work. They first of all + began to make the smoke necessary for their experiment. The machine—which + at first seemed only a covering of cloth, lined with paper, a sort of sack + thirty-five feet high—became inflated, and grew large even under the + eyes of the spectator, took consistence, assumed a beautiful form, + stretched itself on all sides, and struggled to escape. Meanwhile, strong + arms were holding it down until the signal was given, when it loosened + itself, and with a rush rose to the height of 1,000 fathoms in less than + ten minutes.” It then described a horizontal line of 7,200 feet, and as it + had lost a considerable amount of gas, it began to descend quietly. It + reached the ground in safety; and this first attempt, crowned with such + decisive success, secured for ever to the brothers Montgolfier the glory + of one of the most astonishing discoveries. + </p> + <p> + “When we reflect for a moment upon the numberless difficulties which such + a bold attempt entailed, upon the bitter criticism to which it would have + exposed its projectors had it failed through any accident, and upon the + sums that must have been spent in carrying it out, we cannot withhold the + highest admiration for the men who conceived the idea and carried it out + to such a successful issue.” + </p> + <p> + Etienne Montgolfier has left us a description of this first balloon. “The + aerostatic machine,” he says, “was constructed of cloth lined with paper, + fastened together on a network of strings fixed to the cloth. It was + spherical; its circumference was 110 feet, and a wooden frame sixteen feet + square held it fixed at the bottom. Its contents were about 22,000 cubic + feet, and it accordingly displaced a volume of air weighing 1,980 1bs. The + weight of the gas was nearly half the weight of the air, for it weighed + 990 lbs., and the machine itself, with the frame, weighed 500: it was, + therefore, impelled upwards with the force of 490 lbs. Two men sufficed to + raise it and to fill it with gas, but it took eight to hold it down till + the signal was given. The different pieces of the covering were fastened + together with buttons and button-holes. It remained ten minutes in the + air, but the loss of gas by the button-holes, and by other imperfections, + did not permit it to continue longer. The wind at the moment of the ascent + was from the north. The machine came down so lightly that no part of it + was broken.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter V. Second Experiment. + </h2> + <h3> + (Charles’s Balloon, Paris, Champ de Mars, 27th of August, 1783.) + </h3> + <p> + The indescribable enthusiasm caused by the ascent of the first balloon at + Annonay, spread in all directions, and excited the wondering curiosity of + the savants of the capital. An official report had been prepared, and sent + to the Academy of Sciences in Paris, and the result was that the Academy + named a commission of inquiry. But fame, more rapid than scientific + commissions, and more enthusiastic than academies, had, at a single + flight, passed from Annonay to Paris, and kindled the anxious ardour of + the lovers of science in that city. The great desire was to rival + Montgolfier, although neither the report nor the letters from Annonay had + made mention of the kind of gas used by that experimenter to inflate his + balloon. By one of the frequent coincidences in the history of the + sciences, hydrogen gas had been discovered six years previously by the + great English physician Cavendish, and it had hardly even been tested in + the laboratories of the chemists when it all at once became famous. A + young man well versed in physics, Professor Charles, assisted by two + practical men, the brothers Robert, threw himself ardently into the + investigation of the modes of inflating balloons with this gas, which was + then called INFLAMMABLE AIR. Guessing that it was much lighter than that + which Montgolfier had been obliged to make use of in his third-rate + provincial town, Charles leagued himself with his two assistants to + constrict a balloon of taffeta, twelve feet in diameter, covered with + india-rubber, and to inflate it with hydrogen. + </p> + <p> + The thing thus arranged, a subscription was opened. The projected + experiment having been talked of all over Paris, every one was struck with + the idea, and subscriptions poured in. Even the most illustrious names are + to be found in the list, which may be called the first national + subscription in France. Nothing had been written of the forthcoming event + in any public paper, yet all Paris seemed to flock to contribute to the + curious experiment. + </p> + <p> + The inflation with hydrogen was effected in a very curious manner. As much + as 1,125 lbs. of iron and 560 lbs. of sulphuric acid were found necessary + to inflate a balloon which had scarcely a lifting power of 22 lbs., and + the process of filling took no less than four hours. At length, however, + at the end of the fourth hour, the balloon, composed of strips of silk, + coated with varnish, floated, two-thirds full, from the workshop of the + brothers Robert. + </p> + <p> + On the morning of the 26th of August, the day before the ascent was to be + made, the balloon was visited at daybreak, and found to be in a promising + state. At two o’clock on the following morning its constructors began to + make preparations to transport it to the Champ de Mars, from which place + it was to be let loose. Skilled workmen were employed in its removal, and + every precaution was taken that the gas with which it was charged should + not be allowed to escape. In the meantime the excitement of the people + about this wonderful structure was rising to the highest pitch. The wagon + on which it was placed for removal was surrounded on all sides by eager + multitudes, and the night-patrols, both of horse and foot, which were set + to guard the avenues leading to where it lay, were quite unable to stem + the tide of human beings that poured along to get a glimpse of it. + </p> + <p> + The conveyance of the balloon to the Champ de Mars was a most singular + spectacle. A vanguard, with lighted torches, preceded it; it was + surrounded by special attendants, and was followed by detachments of + night-patrols on foot and mounted. The size and shape of this structure, + which was escorted with such pomp and precaution—the silence that + prevailed—the unearthly hour, all helped to give an air of mystery + to the proceedings. At last, having passed through the principal + thoroughfares, it arrived at the Champ de Mars, where it was placed in an + enclosure prepared for its reception. + </p> + <p> + When the dawn came, and the balloon had been fixed in its place by cords, + attached around its middle and fixed to iron rings planted in the earth, + the final process of inflation began. + </p> + <p> + The Champ de Mars was guarded by troops, and the avenues were also guarded + on all sides. As the day wore on an immense crowd covered the open space, + and every advantageous spot in the neighborhood was crowded with people. + At five o’clock the report of a cannon announced to the multitudes, and to + scientific men who were posted on elevations to make observations of the + great event, that the grand moment had come. The cords were withdrawn, + and, to the vast delight and wonder of the crowd assembled, the balloon + shot up with such rapidity that in two minutes it had ascended 488 + fathoms. At this height it was lost in a cloud for an instant, and, + reappearing, rose to a great height, and was again lost in higher clouds. + The ascent was a splendid success. The rain that fell damped neither the + balloon nor the ardor of the spectators. + </p> + <p> + This balloon was 12 feet in diameter, 38 feet in circumference, and had a + capacity of 943 cubic feet. The weight of the materials of which it was + constructed was 25 lbs., and the force of ascension was that of 35 lbs. + </p> + <p> + The fall of the balloon was caused by the expansion and consequent + explosion of the hydrogen gas. This event took place some distance out in + the country, close to a number of peasants, whose terror at the sight and + the sound of this strange monster from the skies was beyond description. + The people assembled, and two monks having told them that the burst + balloon was the hide of a monstrous animal, they immediately began to + assail it vigorously with stones, flails, and pitchforks. The cure of the + parish was obliged to walk up to the balloon to reassure his terrified + flock. They finally attached the burst envelope to a horse’s tail, and + dragged it far across the fields. + </p> + <p> + Many drawings and engravings of the period represent the peasants armed + with pitchforks, flails, and scythes, assailing it, a dog snapping at it, + a garde-champetre firing at it, a fat priest preaching at it, and a troop + of young people throwing stones at the unfortunate machine. + </p> + <p> + The news of this fiasco came to Paris, but too late. When search was made + for the covering, scarcely a fragment could be found. + </p> + <p> + A somewhat humorous result of all this was the issue of a communication + from government to the people, entitled, “Warning to the People on + kidnapping Air-balloons.” This document, duly signed and approved of, + describes the ascents at Annonay and at Paris, explains the nature and the + causes of the phenomena, and warns the people not to be alarmed when they + see something like a “black moon” in the sky, nor to give way to fear, as + the seeming monster is nothing more than a bag of silk filled with gas. + </p> + <p> + This first ascent in Paris was an important event. Every one, from the + smallest to the greatest, was deeply interested in it, while to the man of + science it was one of the most exciting of incidents. For the purpose of + observing the altitude to which the balloon rose, and the course it took, + Le Gentil was on the observatory, Prevost was on one of the towers of + Notre Dame, Jeaurat was on La Place Louis XV., and d’Agelet was on the + Champ de Mars. It was only Lalande that frowned as he witnessed the + success of the experiment. He had predicted the year before that + air-navigation was impossible. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VI. Third Experiment. + </h2> + <h3> + (Montgolfier’s Balloon, Paris, Faubourg St. Antoine.) + </h3> + <p> + As we have seen, the triumph of aerostation was sudden and complete. The + young Montgolfier had arrived in Paris prior to the experiment of the 27th + of August, and was present as a simple spectator on that occasion. + immediately afterwards he set to work upon a balloon, which was to be made + use of when the Academy should investigate the phenomenon at Versailles in + presence of the king, Louis XVI. + </p> + <p> + It was at this time (September, 1783) that those small balloons, made of + gold-beaters’ skin, which are used as children’s toys to the present day, + were first made. The whole of Paris amused itself with them, repeating in + little the phenomenon of the great ascent. The sky of the capital found + itself all at once traversed by a multitude of small rosy clouds, formed + by the hand of man. + </p> + <p> + Faujas de Saint Fond says that at first an attempt was made to construct + balloons of fine, light paper; but this material being permeable, and the + gas being inflammable, balloons thus made did not succeed. It was + necessary to seek a material less porous, and, if possible, still lighter. + </p> + <p> + The Journal de Paris, of the 11th of September, 1783, informed the public + that the Baron de Beaumanoir, “who cultivated the sciences and the fine + arts with as much success as zeal,” would send up a balloon eighteen + inches in diameter. At noon of the same day he made this experiment in + presence of a numerous assembly in the garden in front of the Hotel de + Surgeres.. The little balloon mounted freely, but was held in, like a + kite, by means of a silk thread. In the course of the same afternoon, the + baron took down the balloon and filled it anew with hydrogen, and then let + it off. The spectators had the pleasure of seeing it rise to a great + height, and pass away in the direction of Neuilly, and it is said to have + been found at a distance of several leagues, by peasants. + </p> + <p> + However trifling this experiment may appear at first sight, it added a new + fact to the science of aerostation. The material employed by the baron was + lighter and better than paper. It was what is called gold-beaters’ skin. + This skin is simply the interior lining of the large bowel of the ox. It + is carefully prepared, is relieved of the fat, stringy and uneven parts, + is dried, and is afterwards softened. Little balloons of this material + came to be the fashion, and they are still frequently seen. + </p> + <p> + At the same time, Montgolfier was busy constructing, at the request of the + Academy of Sciences, a balloon seventy feet high and forty in diameter, + with which it was proposed to repeat the experiment of Annonay. He took up + his quarters in the magnificent gardens of his friend Reveillon, + proprietor of the royal manufactory of stained paper in the Faubourg St. + Antoine. The new balloon was of a very singular shape: the upper part + represented a prism, twenty-four feet high the top was a pyramid of the + same height; the lower part was a truncated cone, twenty feet in depth. It + was made of packing-cloth, lined with good paper, both inside and out. + </p> + <p> + The gossipping and prolix Faujas de Saint Fond thus describes this + machine:—“It was painted blue, represented a sort of tent, and was + richly ornamented with gold Its height was seventy feet; its weight 1,000 + lbs.; the air which it displaced was 4,500 lbs. in volume, and the vapor + with which it was filled was half the weight of ordinary air. The approach + of the equinox having brought rain, all the conditions under which this + balloon was constructed and exhibited were unfavourable. The structure was + so large that it was impossible to get it together and stitch it, except + in the open air—in the garden, in fact, where Montgolfier commenced + its construction. It was a great labour to turn and fold this heavy + covering, while the liability of the thick paper to crack was an + additional difficulty. Not less than twenty men were required to move it, + and they were obliged to use all their skill, and every precaution, not to + destroy it. No balloon had ever given so much trouble. On the 11th of + September the weather improved, and the balloon was entirely completed and + prepared for the first experiment. In the evening the attempt was made. It + was with admiration that the beholders saw the beautiful machine filling + itself in the short space of nine minutes, swelling out on all sides and + showing the full symmetry of its artistic form. It was firmly held in + hand, or it would have risen to a great height. On the following day the + actual ascent was to take place, and the commissioners of the Academy of + Sciences were invited to be present. In the morning thick clouds covered + the horizon, and a tempest was expected; but as there was an ardent desire + that the ascent should take place without delay, and as all the gearing + was in order, it was resolved to proceed. + </p> + <p> + “Fifty pounds of dry straw were fired in parcels under the balloon, and + upon the fire were thrown at intervals several pounds of wool. This fuel + produced in ten minutes such a volume of smoke that the huge balloon was + speedily filled. It rose, with a weight of 500 lbs. holding it down, to + some height above the ground, and had the ropes by which it was attached + to the ground been cut, it would have mounted to a great height. Meantime + the storm broke, rain descended, and the wind blew with great force. The + most likely means of saving the balloon was to let it fly but as it was to + ascend again on another occasion, at Versailles, the greatest efforts were + made to bring it down, and these, together with the damage caused by the + storm, eventually rent it into numberless fragments and tatters. It + withstood the storm for twenty-four hours; then, however, the paper came + peeling off, and this beautiful structure was a wreck.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VII. Fourth Experiment. + </h2> + <h3> + (Versailles, 19th September, 1783, in presence of Louis of XVI.) + </h3> + <p> + Of course another balloon was wanted for the fete at Versailles. The king + had demanded an ascent for the 19th, a week after the disaster at the + Faubourg St. Antoine. Already the possibility of a man going up with the + balloon was discussed, and people indulged in visions of splendid aerial + trips; but the king would not hear of the proposal. Balloons were + novelties, not offering sufficient security, and he was unwilling that any + of his subjects should risk their lives in attempting the unknown. He + consented, however, to a proposal that animals might be sent up in the + first instance, by way of experiment, suspended in an osier cage attached + to the neck of the balloon. + </p> + <p> + Montgolfier at once began a new balloon. A few days only were at his + disposal; but, assisted by friends, he worked with such ardour and success + that he was able, on the date appointed, to produce a magnificent + spherical balloon, much stronger than the former, constructed of good + strong cotton cloth, and painted in distemper. + </p> + <p> + It is proper here to remark that the first balloons were much more elegant + in appearance than those afterwards made. The coloured prints and + engravings of the period enable us to form an opinion of the splendour of + their ornamentation and the beauty of their design. Sometimes the figures + painted upon them represented scenes from the heathen mythology, and + sometimes historical scenes; while rich embroideries, royal insignia, and + gaily-coloured draperies added much to the general effect. The Versailles + balloon was painted blue, with ornaments of gold, and it presented the + form of a richly decorated tent. It was fifty-seven feet in height, and + sixty-seven in diameter. + </p> + <p> + It was first tried at Paris, and succeeded perfectly. On the morning of + the 19th it was carried to Versailles, where due preparation had been made + for its reception In the great court of the castle a sort of theatre had + been temporarily erected with a scaffolding, covered throughout with + tapestry In the middle was an opening more than fifteen feet in diameter, + in which was spread a banquet for those who had constructed the balloon. A + numerous guard formed a double cordon around the structure. A raised + platform was used for the fire by means of which the balloon was to be + inflated; a covered funnel or chimney of strong cloth, painted, was + suspended over the fire-place, and received the hot smoke as it arose. + Through this funnel the heated air ascended straight up into the balloon. + </p> + <p> + At six in the morning, the road from Paris to Versailles was covered with + carriages. Crowds came from all parts, and at noon the avenues, the square + of the castle, the windows, and even the roofs of the houses, were crowded + with spectators. The noblest, the most illustrious, and most learned men + in France were present, and the splendour of the scene was complete when + their majesties and the royal family entered within the enclosure, and + went forward to inspect the balloon, and to make themselves familiar with + the preparations for the ascent. + </p> + <p> + In a short time the fire was lit, the funnel extended over it, and the + smoke rose inside, while the balloon, unfolding, gradually swelled to its + full size, and then, drawing after it the cage, in which a sheep and some + pigeons were enclosed, rose majestically into the air. Without + interreruption, it ascended to a vast height, where, inclining toward the + north, it seemed to remain stationary for a few seconds, showing all the + beauty of its form, and then, as though possessed of life, it descended + gently upon the wood of Vaucresson, 10,200 feet from the point of its + departure. Its highest elevation, as estimated by the astronomers Le + Gentil and M. Jeaurat, Jeaurat, was about 1,700 feet. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VIII. Men and Balloons. + </h2> + <p> + It is not natural that the human mind should stop upon the way to the + solution of a problem, especially when it seems to be on the point of + arriving at a satisfactory conclusion to its labours. The osier cage of + Versailles very soon transformed itself into a car, bearing human + passengers, and the age of the “Thousand and One Nights” was expected to + come back again. It was resolved to continue experiments, with the direct + object of finding out whether it was impossible or desperately dangerous + for man to travel in balloons. Montgolfier returned from Versailles, and + constructed a new machine in the gardens of the Faubourg St. Antoine. It + was completed on the 10th of October Its form was oval, its height 70 + feet, its diameter 46 feet and its capacity 60,000 cubic feet. The upper + part, embroidered with fleurs-de-lis, was further ornamented with the + twelve signs of the zodiac, worked in gold. The middle part bore the + monogram of the king, alternating with figures of the sun, while the lower + part was garnished with masks, garlands, and spread eagles. A circular + gallery made of osiers and festooned with draperies and other ornaments, + was attached by a set of cords to the bottom of the structure. The gallery + was three feet wide, and was protected by a parapet over three feet in + height. It did not in any way interfere with the opening at the neck of + the balloon, under which was suspended a grating of iron wire upon which + the occupants of the gallery, who were to be provided with dried straw and + wool, could in a few minutes kindle a fire and create fresh smoke, when + that in the balloon began to be exhausted. The machine weighed, in all, + 1,600 lbs. The public had previously been warned, in the Journal de Paris + de Paris, that the approaching experiments were to be of a strictly + scientific character; and as they would be only interesting to savants, + they would not afford amusement for the merely curious. This announcement + was necessary, to abate in some degree the excitement of the people until + some satisfactory results should be obtained; it was also necessary for + those engaged in the work, whose firmness of nerve might have suffered + from the enthusiastic cries of excited spectators. On Wednesday, the 15th + of October, Pilatre des Roziers, who had on other occasions given proofs + of his intelligence and courage in performing dangerous feats, and who had + already signalised himself in connection with balloons, offered to go up + in the new machine. His offer was accepted; the balloon was inflated; + stout ropes, more than eighty feet long, were attached to it, and it rose + from the ground to the height to which this tackle allowed it. At this + elevation it remained four minutes twenty-five seconds; and it is not + surprising to hear that Roziers suffered no inconvenience from the ascent. + What was really the interesting thing in this experiment was, that it + showed how a balloon would fall when the hot air became exhausted, this + being the point which caused the greatest amount of disquietude among men + of science. In this instance the balloon fell gently; its form distended + at the same time, and, after touching the ground, it rose again a foot or + two, when its human passenger had jumped out. + </p> + <p> + On Friday, the 17th of October, this experiment was repeated, and the + excitement of the public on this occasion was unbounded. “All the world” + came to see. Roziers was again lifted up in the balloon, to the height of + eighty feet; but so strong was the wind, and the strain on the ropes was + so great, that the balloon was somewhat unsteady, and the exhibition was + not on the whole such a splendid success as that of the preceding + Wednesday. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday, Montgolfier chose a fine day for the following ascents:—“First + Ascent: On the 19th of October, 1783, at half-past four, in presence of + two thousand spectators, ‘the machine’ was filled with gas in five + minutes, and Roziers, being placed in the gallery with a counterbalancing + weight of 110 lbs. in the other side of the gallery, was carried up to the + height of 200 feet. The machine remained six minutes at this elevation + without any fire in the grating. Second Ascent: The machine carried + Roziers and the counterbalancing weight—fire being in the grating—to + the height of 700 feet. At this height it remained stationary eight and a + half minutes As it was drawn back, a wind from the east bore it against a + tuft of very tall trees in a neighbouring garden, where it got entangled, + without, however, losing its equilibrium. The gas was renewed by Roziers, + and the balloon again rising, extricated itself from among the branches, + and soared majestically into the air, followed by the acclamations of the + public. This second ascent was very instructive, for it had been often + asserted that if ever a balloon fell upon a forest it would be destroyed, + and would place those who travelled in it in the greatest peril. This + experiment proved that the balloon does not FALL it DESCENDS; that it does + not overturn; that it does not destroy itself on trees; that it neither + causes death, nor even damage, to its passengers; that, on the contrary, + the latter, by making new gas, give it the power of detaching itself from + the trees; and that it can resume its course after such an event. The + intrepid Roziers gave in this ascent a further proof of the facility he + had in descending and ascending at will. When the machine had risen to the + height of 200 feet it began to descend lightly, and just before it came to + the earth the aeronaut very cleverly and quickly threw on more fuel and + produced more smoke, at which the balloon, to the astonishment of every + one, suddenly soared away again to its former elevation. Third Ascent: The + balloon rose again with Roziers, accompanied this time by another + aeronaut, Gerond de Villette; and as the cords had been lengthened, the + adventurers were carried up to the height of 324 feet. At this elevation + the balloon rested in perfect equilibrium for nine minutes. It was the + first time that human beings had ever been carried to an equal elevation, + and the spectators were astonished to find that they could remain there + without danger and without alarm. The balloon had a superb effect at this + elevation; it looked down upon the whole town, and was seen from all the + suburbs. Its size seemed hardly diminished in the least, though the men + themselves were barely visible. By the aid of glasses, Roziers could be + seen calmly and industriously making new gas. When the balloon descended + the two men declared that they had not experienced the slightest + inconvenience from the elevation. They received the universal applause + which their zeal and courage so well deserved. The Marquis d’Arlandes, a + major of infantry, afterwards went up with Roziers, and this latter + experiment was as successful as the former.” + </p> + <p> + Some days after these experiments the conductors of the Journal de Paris + who described them, received a letter from Montgolfier, and also one from + Gerond de Villette. The latter only is of interest here. Gerond de + Villette says: “I found myself in the space of a quarter of a minute + raised 400 feet above the surface of the earth. Here we remained six + minutes. My first employment was to watch with admiration my intelligent + companion. His intelligence, his courage and agility in attending to the + fire, enchanted me. Turning round, I could behold the Boulevards, from the + gate of St. Antoine to that of St. Martin, all covered with people, who + seemed to me a flat band of flowers of various colours. Glancing at the + distance, I beheld the summit of Montmartre, which seemed to me much below + our level. I could easily distinguish Neuilly, St. Cloud, Sevres, Issy, + Ivry, Charenton, and Choisy. At once I was convinced that this machine, + though a somewhat expensive one, might be very useful in war to enable one + to discover the position of the enemy, his manoeuvres, and his marches; + and to announce these by signals to one’s own army. 1 believe that at sea + it is equally possible to make use of this machine. These prove the + usefulness of the balloon, which time will perfect for us. All that I + regret is that I did not provide myself with a telescope.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter IX. The First Aerial Voyage—Roziers and Arlandes. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + These experiments had only one aim—the application of + Montgolfier’s discovery to aerial navigation. The knowledge + gained in the Faubourg St. Antoine having led to the most + favourable conclusions, it was resolved that a first aerial + voyage should be attempted. +</pre> + <p> + “If,” says Linguet, “there existed an autograph journal, written by + Columbus, descriptive of his first great voyage with what jealous care it + would be preserved, with what confidence it would be quoted! We should + delight to follow the candid account which he gave of his thoughts, his + hopes, his fears; of the complaints of his followers, of his attempts to + calm them, and, finally, of his joy in the moment which, ratifying his + word and justifying his boldness, declared him the discoverer of a new + world All these details have been transmitted to us, but by stranger + hands; and, however interesting they may be, one cannot help feeling that + this circumstance makes them lose part of their value.” + </p> + <p> + The narrative of the first aerial voyage, written by one of the two first + aeronauts, exists, and we are in a position to place it before our + readers. Such an enterprise certainly demanded great courage in him who + was the first to dare to confide himself to the unknown currents of the + atmosphere It threatened him with dangers, perhaps with death by a fill, + by fire, by cold, or by straying into the mysterious cloud-land. Two men + opposed the first attempt. Montgolfier temporised, the king forbade it, or + rather only gave his permission on the condition that two condemned + criminals should be placed in the balloon! “What!” cried Roziers, in + indignation at the king’s proposal, “allow two vile criminals to have the + first glory of rising into the sky! No, no; that will never do!” Roziers + conjured, supplicated, agitated in a hundred ways for permission to try + the first voyage. He moved the town and the court; he addressed himself to + those who were most in favour at Versailles; he pleaded with the Duchess + de Polignac, who was all-powerful with the king. She warmly supported his + cause before Louis. Roziers dispatched the Marquis d’Arlandes, who had + been up with him, to the king. Arlandes asserted that there was no danger, + and, as proof of his conviction, he offered himself to accompany Roziers. + Solicited on all sides, Louis at last yielded. + </p> + <p> + The gardens of La Muette, near Paris, were fixed upon as the spot from + which this aerial expedition should start. The Dauphin and his suite were + present on the occasion. It was on the 21st of October, 1783, at one + o’clock p.m., that Roziers and Irelands took their leave of the earth for + the first time. The following is Arlandes’ narrative of the expedition, + given in the form of a letter, addressed by the marquis to Faujas de Saint + Fond:—“You wish, my dear Faujas, and I consent most willingly to + your desires, that, owing to the number of questions continually addressed + to me, and for other reasons, I should gratify public curiosity and fix + public opinion upon the subject of our aerial voyage. + </p> + <p> + “I wish to describe as well as I can the first journey which men have + attempted through an element which, prior to the discovery of MM. + Montgolfier, seemed so little fitted to support them. + </p> + <p> + “We went up on the 21st of October, 1783, at near two o’clock, M. Roziers + on the west side of the balloon, I on the east. The wind was nearly + north-west. The machine, say the public, rose with majesty; but really the + position of the balloon altered so that M. Roziers was in the advance of + our position, I in the rear. + </p> + <p> + “I was surprised at the silence and the absence of movement which our + departure caused among the spectators, and believed them to be astonished + and perhaps awed at the strange spectacle; they might well have reassured + themselves I was still gazing, when M. Roziers cried to me— + </p> + <p> + “‘You are doing nothing, and the balloon is scarcely rising a fathom.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Pardon me,’ I answered, as I placed a bundle of straw upon the fire and + slightly stirred it. Then I turned quickly, but already we had passed out + of sight of La Muette. Astonished, I cast a glance towards the river. I + perceived the confluence of the Oise. And naming the principal bends of + the river by the places nearest them, I cried, ‘Passy, St. Germain, St. + Denis, Sevres!’ + </p> + <p> + “‘If you look at the river in that fashion you will be likely to bathe in + it soon,’ cried Roziers. ‘Some fire, my dear friend, some fire!’ + </p> + <p> + “We travelled on; but instead of crossing the river, as our direction + seemed to indicate, we bore towards the Invalides, then returned upon the + principal bed of the river, and travelled to above the barrier of La + Conference, thus dodging about the river, but not crossing it. + </p> + <p> + “‘That river is very difficult to cross,’ I remarked to my companion. + </p> + <p> + “‘So it seems,’ he answered; ‘but you are doing nothing I suppose it is + because you are braver than I, and don’t fear a tumble.’ + </p> + <p> + “I stirred the fire, I seized a truss of straw with my fork; I raised it + and threw it in the midst of the flames. An instant afterwards I felt + myself lifted as it were into the heavens. + </p> + <p> + “‘For once we move,’ said I. + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes, we move,’ answered my companion. + </p> + <p> + “At the same instant I heard from the top of the balloon a sound which + made me believe that it had burst. I watched, yet I saw nothing. My + companion had gone into the interior, no doubt to make some observations. + As my eyes were fixed on the top of the machine I experienced a shock, and + it was the only one I had yet felt. The direction of the movement was from + above downwards I then said— + </p> + <p> + “‘What are you doing? Are you having a dance to yourself?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I’m not moving.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘So much the better. It is only a new current which I hope will carry us + from the river,’ I answered. + </p> + <p> + “I turned to see where we were, and found we were between the Ecole + Militaire and the Invalides. + </p> + <p> + “‘We are getting on.’ said Roziers. + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes, we are travelling.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Let us work, let us work,’ said he. + </p> + <p> + “I now heard another report in the machine, which I believed was produced + by the cracking of a cord. This new intimation made me carefully examine + the inside of our habitation. I saw that the part that was turned towards + the south was full of holes, of which some were of a considerable size. + </p> + <p> + “‘It must descend,’ I then cried. + </p> + <p> + “‘Why?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Look!’ I said. At the same time I took my sponge and quietly + extinguished the little fire that was burning some of the holes within my + reach; but at the same moment I perceived that the bottom of the cloth was + coming away from the circle which surrounded it. + </p> + <p> + “‘We must descend,’ I repeated to my companion. + </p> + <p> + “He looked below. + </p> + <p> + “‘We are upon Paris,’ he said. + </p> + <p> + “‘It does not matter,’ I answered ‘Only look! Is there no danger? Are you + holding on well?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes.’ + </p> + <p> + “I examined from my side, and saw that we had nothing to fear. I then + tried with my sponge the ropes which were within my reach. All of them + held firm. Only two of the cords had broken. + </p> + <p> + “I then said, ‘We can cross Paris.’ + </p> + <p> + “During this operation we were rapidly getting down to the roofs. We made + more fire, and rose again with the greatest ease. I looked down, and it + seemed to me we were going towards the towers of St. Sulpice; but, on + rising, a new current made us quit this direction and bear more to the + south. I looked to the left, and beheld a wood, which I believed to be + that of Luxembourg. We were traversing the boulevard, and I cried all at + once— + </p> + <p> + “‘Get to ground!’ + </p> + <p> + “But the intrepid Roziers, who never lost his head, and who judged more + surely than I, prevented me from attempting to descend. I then threw a + bundle of straw on the fire. We rose again, and another current bore us to + were now close to the ground, between two mills. As soon to the left. We + as we came near the earth I raised myself over the gallery, and leaning + there with my two hands, I felt the balloon pressing softly against my + head. I pushed it back, and leaped down to the ground. Looking round and + expecting to see the balloon still distended, I was astonished to find it + quite empty and flattened. On looking for Roziers I saw him in his + shirt-sleeves creeping out from under the mass of canvas that had fallen + over him. Before attempting to descend he had put off his coat and placed + it in the basket. After a deal of trouble we were at last all right. + </p> + <p> + “As Roziers was without a coat I besought him to go to the nearest house. + On his way thither he encountered the Duke of Chartres, who had followed + us, as we saw, very closely, for I had had the honour of conversing with + him the moment before we set out.” + </p> + <p> + The following report of this first aerial voyage was drawn up by + scientific observers, among other signatures to it being that of Benjamin + Franklin. + </p> + <p> + “Today 21st of October, 1783, at the Chateau de la Muette, an experiment + was made with the aerostatic machine of M. Montgolfier. The sky was + clouded in many parts, clear in others—the wind north-west. At + mid-day a signal was given, which announced that the balloon was being + filled. Soon after, in spite of the wind, it was inflated in all its + parts, and the ascent was made. The Marquis d’Arlandes and M. Pilatre des + Roziers were in the gallery. The first intention was to raise the machine + and pull it back with ropes, to test it, to find out the exact weight + which it could carry, and to see if everything was properly arranged + before the actual ascent was attempted. But the machine, driven by the + wind, far from rising vertically, was directed upon one of the walks of a + garden, and the cords which held it shook with so much force that several + rents were made in the balloon. The machine, being brought back to its + place, was repaired in less than two hours. Being again inflated, it rose + once more, bearing the same persons, and when it had risen to the height + of 250 feet, the intrepid voyagers, bowing their heads, saluted the + spectators. One could not resist a feeling of mingled fear and admiration. + Soon the aeronauts were lost to view, but the balloon itself, displaying + its very beautiful shape, mounted to the height of 3,000 feet, and still + remained visible. The voyagers, satisfied with their experience, and not + wishing to make a longer course, agreed to descend, but, perceiving that + the wind was driving them upon the houses of the Rue de Sevres, preserved + their self-possession, renewed the hot air, rose anew and continued their + course till they had passed Paris. + </p> + <p> + “They then descended tranquilly in the country, beyond the new boulevard, + without having experienced the slightest inconvenience, having still the + greater part of their fuel untouched. They could, had they desired, have + cleared a distance three times as great as that which they traversed. + Their flight was nearly 30,000 feet, and the time it occupied was from + twenty to twenty-five minutes. This machine was 70 feet high, 46 feet in + diameter, and had a capacity of 60,000 cubic feet.” + </p> + <p> + It is reported that Franklin, more illustrious in his humility than the + most brilliant among the lords of the court, when consulted respecting the + possible use of balloons, answered simply, “C’est l’enfant qui vient de + naitre?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter X. The Second Arial Voyage. + </h2> + <h3> + (1st December 1783.—Charles and Robert at the Tuileries.) + </h3> + <p> + The first ascent of Roziers and Arlandes was a feat of hardihood almost + unique. The men’s courage was, so to speak, their only guarantee. Thanks + to the balloon, however, they accomplished one of the most extraordinary + enterprises ever achieved by our race. + </p> + <p> + On the day after the experiment of the Champ de Mars (27th of August), + Professor Charles—who had already acquired celebrity at the Louvre, + by his scientific collection and by his rank as an official instructor—and + the Brothers Robert, mechanicians, were engaged in the construction of a + balloon, to be inflated with hydrogen gas, and destined to carry a car and + one or two passengers. For this ascent Charles may be said to have created + all at once the art of aerostation as now practiced, for he brought it at + one bound to such perfection that since his day scarcely any advance has + been made upon his arrangements. His simple yet complete invention was + that of the valve which gives escape to the hydrogen gas, and thus renders + the descent of the balloon gentle and gradual; the car that carries the + travellers; the ballast of sand, by which the ascent is regulated and the + fall is moderated; the coating of caoutchouc, by means of which the + material of the balloon is rendered airtight and prevents loss of gas; + and, finally, the use of the barometer, which marks at every instant, by + the elevation or the depression of the mercury, the position in which the + aeronaut finds himself in the atmosphere. Charles created all the + contrivances, or, in other words, all the ingenious precautions which make + up the art of aerostation. + </p> + <p> + On the 26th of November, the balloon, fitted with its network, and having + the car attached to it, was sent away from the hall of the Tuileries, + where it had been exhibited. The ascent was fixed for the 1st of December, + 1783, a memorable day for the Parisians. + </p> + <p> + At noon upon that day, the subscribers, who had paid four louis for their + seats, took their places within the enclosure outside the circle, in which + stood the casks employed for making the gas. The humbler subscribers, at + three francs a-head, occupied the rest of the garden. The number of + spectators, as we read underneath the numerous coloured prints which + represent this spectacle, was 600,000; but though, without doubt, the + gardens of the Tuileries are very large, it is probable this figure is a + considerable overstatement, for this number would have been three-fourths + of the whole population of Paris. + </p> + <p> + The roofs and windows of the houses were crowded, whilst the Pont Royal + and the square of Louis XV. were covered by an immense multitude. About + mid-day a rumour was spread to the effect that the king forbade the + ascent. Charles ran to the Chief Minister of State, and plainly told him + that his life was the king’s, but his honour was his own: his word was + pledged to the country and he would ascend. Taking this high ground, the + bold professor gained an unwilling permission to carry out his + undertaking. + </p> + <p> + A little afterwards the sound of cannon was heard. This was the signal + which announced the last arrangements and thus dissipated all doubt as to + the rising of the balloon, There had during the day been considerable + disturbance among the crowd, between the partisans of Charles and + Montgolfier; each party extolled its hero, and did everything possible to + detract from the merits of the rival inventor. But whatever ill-feeling + might have existed was swept away by Professor Charles with a compliment. + When he was ready to ascend, he walked up to Montgolfier, and, with the + true instinct of French politeness, presented him with a little balloon, + saying at the same time— + </p> + <p> + “It is for you, monsieur, to show us the way to the skies.” + </p> + <p> + The exquisite taste and delicacy of this incident touched the bystanders + as with an electric shock, and the place at once rang out with the most + genuine and hearty applause The little balloon thrown up by Montgolfier + sped away to the north-east, its beautiful emerald colour showing to fine + effect in the sun. + </p> + <p> + From this point let us follow the narrative of Professor Charles himself. + </p> + <p> + “The balloon,” he says, “which escaped from the hands of M. Montgolfier, + rose into the air, and seemed to carry with it the testimony of friendship + and regard between that gentleman and myself, while acclamations followed + it. Meanwhile, we hastily prepared for departure. The stormy weather did + not permit us to have at our command all the arrangements which we had + contemplated the previous evening; to do so would have detained us too + long upon the earth. After the balloon and the car were in equilibrium, we + threw over 19 lbs. of ballast, and we rose in the midst of silence, + arising from the emotion and surprise felt on all sides. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing will ever equal that moment of joyous excitement which filled my + whole being when I felt myself flying away from the earth. It was not mere + pleasure; it was perfect bliss. Escaped from the frightful torments of + persecution and of calumny, I felt that I was answering all in rising + above all. + </p> + <p> + “To this sentiment succeeded one more lively still—the admiration of + the majestic spectacle that spread itself out before us. On whatever side + we looked, all was glorious; a cloudless sky above, a most delicious view + around. ‘Oh, my friend,’ said I to M. Robert, ‘how great is our good + fortune! I care not what may be the condition of the earth; it is the sky + that is for me now. What serenity! what a ravishing scene! Would that I + could bring here the last of our detractors, and say to the wretch, Behold + what you would have lost had you arrested the progress of science.’ + </p> + <p> + “Whilst we were rising with a progressively increasing speed, we waved our + bannerets in token of our cheerfulness, and in order to give confidence to + those below who took an interest in our fate. M. Robert made an inventory + of our stores; our friends had stocked our commissariat as for a long + voyage—champagne and other wines, garments of fur and other articles + of clothing. + </p> + <p> + “‘Good,’ I said; ‘throw that out of the window.’ He took a blanket and + launched it into the air, through which it floated down slowly, and fell + upon the dome of l’Assomption. + </p> + <p> + “When the barometer had fallen 26 inches, we ceased to ascend. We were up + at an elevation of 1,800 feet. This was the height to which I had promised + myself to ascend; and, in fact, from this moment to the time when we + disappeared from the eyes of our friends, we always kept a horizontal + course, the barometer registering 26 inches to 26 inches 8 lines. + </p> + <p> + “We required to throw over ballast in proportion as the almost insensible + escape of the hydrogen gas caused us to descend, in order to remain as + nearly as possible at the same elevation. If circumstances had permitted + us to measure the amount of ballast we threw over, our course would have + been almost absolutely horizontal. + </p> + <p> + “After remaining for a few moments stationary, our car I changed its + course, and we were carried on at the will of the wind. Soon we passed the + Seine, between St. Ouen and Asnieres. We traversed the river a second + time, leaving Argenteuil upon the left. We passed Sannois, Franconville, + Eau-Bonne, St. Leu-Taverny, Villiers, and finally, Nesles. This was about + twenty-seven miles from Paris, and we had I reached this distance in two + hours, although there was so little wind that the air scarcely stirred. + </p> + <p> + “During the whole course of this delightful voyage, not the slightest + apprehension for our fate or that of our machine entered my head for a + moment. The globe did not suffer any alteration beyond the successive + changes of dilatation and compression, which enabled us to mount and + descend at will. The thermometer was, during more than an hour, between + ten and twelve degrees above zero; this being to some extent accounted for + by the fact that the interior of the car was warmed by the rays of the + sun. + </p> + <p> + “At the end of fifty-six minutes, we heard the report of the cannon which + informed us that we had, at that moment, disappeared from view at Paris. + We rejoiced that we had escaped, as we were no longer obliged to observe a + horizontal course, and to regulate the balloon for that purpose. + </p> + <p> + “We gave ourselves up to the contemplation of the views which the immense + stretch of country beneath us presented. From that time, though we had no + opportunity of conversing with the inhabitants, we saw them running after + us from all parts; we heard their cries, their exclamations of solicitude, + and knew their alarm and admiration. + </p> + <p> + “We cried, ‘Vive le Roi!’ and the people responded. We heard, very + distinctly—‘My good friends, have you no fear? Are you not sick? How + beautiful it is! Heaven preserve you! Adieu, my friends.’ + </p> + <p> + “I was touched to tears by this tender and true interest which our + appearance had called forth. + </p> + <p> + “We continued to wave our flags without cessation, and we perceived that + these signals greatly increased the cheerfulness and calmed the solicitude + of the people below. Often we descended sufficiently low to hear what they + shouted to us. They asked us where we came from, and at what hour we had + started. + </p> + <p> + “We threw over successively frock-coats, muffs, and habits. Sailing on + above the Ile d’Adam, after having admired the splendid view, we made + signals with our flags, and demanded news of the Prince of Conti. One + cried up to us, in a very powerful voice, that he was at Paris, and that + he was ill. We regretted missing such an opportunity of paying our + respects, for we could have descended into the prince’s gardens, if we had + wished, but we preferred to pursue our course, and we re-ascended. + Finally, we arrived at the plain of Nesles. + </p> + <p> + “We saw from the distance groups of peasants, who ran on before us across + the fields. ‘Let us go,’ I said, and we descended towards a vast meadow. + </p> + <p> + “Some shrubs and trees stood round its border. Our car advanced + majestically in a long inclined plane. On arriving near the trees, I + feared that their branches might damage the car, so I threw over two + pounds of ballast, and we rose again. We ran along more than 120 feet, at + a distance of one or two feet from the ground, and had the appearance of + travelling in a sledge. The peasants ran after us without being able to + catch us, like children pursuing a butterfly in the fields. + </p> + <p> + “Finally, we stopped, and were instantly surrounded. Nothing could equal + the simple and tender regard of the country people, their admiration, and + their lively emotion. + </p> + <p> + “I called at once for the cures and the magistrates. They came round me on + all sides: there was quite a fete on the spot. I prepared a short report, + which the cures and the syndics signed. Then arrived a company of horsemen + at a gallop. These were the Duke of Chartres, the Duke of Fitzjames, and + M. Farrer. By a very singular chance, we had come down close by the + hunting-lodge of the latter. He leaped from his horse and threw himself + into my arms, crying, ‘Monsieur Charles, I was first!’ + </p> + <p> + “Charles adds that they were covered with the caresses of the prince, who + embraced both of them. He briefly narrated to the Duke of Chartres some + incidents of the voyage. + </p> + <p> + “‘But this is not all, monseigneur. I am going away again,’ added Charles. + </p> + <p> + “‘What! Going away!’ exclaimed the duke. + </p> + <p> + “‘Monseigneur, you will see. When do you wish me to come back again?’ I + said. + </p> + <p> + “‘In half an hour.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Very well: be it so. In half an hour I shall be with you again.’ + </p> + <p> + “M. Robert descended from the car, and I was alone in the balloon. + </p> + <p> + “I said to the duke, ‘Monseigneur, I go.’ I said to the peasants who held + down the balloon, ‘My friends, go away, all of you, from the car at the + moment I give the signal.’ I then rose like a bird, and in ten minutes I + was more than 3,000 feet above the ground. I no longer perceived + terrestrial objects; I only saw the great masses of nature. + </p> + <p> + “In going away, Charles had taken his precautions against the possible + explosion of the balloon, and made himself ready to make certain + observations. In order to observe the barometer and the thermometer, + placed at different extremities of the car, without endangering the + equilibrium, he sat down in the middle, a watch and paper in his left + hand, a pen and the cord of the safety-valve in his right. + </p> + <p> + “I waited for what should happen,” continues he. “The balloon, which was + quite flabby and soft when I ascended, was now taut, and fully distended. + Soon the hydrogen gas began to escape in considerable quantities by the + neck of the balloon, and then, from time to time, I pulled open the valve + to give it two issues at once; and I continued thus to mount upwards, all + the time losing the inflammable air, which, rushing past me from the neck + of the balloon, felt like a warm cloud. + </p> + <p> + “I passed in ten minutes from the temperature of spring to that of winter; + the cold was keen and dry, but not insupportable. I examined all my + sensations calmly; <i>I</i> COULD HEAR MYSELF LIVE, so to speak, and I am + certain that at first I experienced nothing disagreeable in this sudden + passage from one temperature to another. + </p> + <p> + “When the barometer ceased to move I noted very exactly eighteen inches + ten lines. This observation is perfectly accurate The mercury did not + suffer any sensible movement. + </p> + <p> + “At the end of some minutes the cold caught my fingers; I could hardly + hold the pen, but I no longer had need to do so. I was stationary, or + rather moved only in a horizontal direction. + </p> + <p> + “I raised myself in the middle of the car, and abandoned myself to the + spectacle before me. At my departure from the meadow the sun had sunk to + the people of the valleys; soon he shone for me alone, and came again to + pour his rays upon the balloon and the car. I was the only creature in the + horizon in sunshine—all the rest of nature was in shade. Ere long, + however, the sun disappeared, and thus I had the pleasure of seeing him + set twice in the same day. I contemplated for some moments the mists and + vapours that rose from the valley and the rivers The clouds seemed to come + forth from the earth, and to accumulate the one upon the other. Their + colour was a monotonous grey—a natural effect, for there was no + light save that of the moon. + </p> + <p> + “I observed that I had tacked round twice, and I felt currents which + called me to my senses. I found with surprise the effect of the wind, and + saw the cloth of my flag: extended horizontally. + </p> + <p> + “In the midst of the inexpressible pleasure of this state of ecstatic + contemplation, I was recalled to myself by a most extraordinary pain which + I felt in the interior of the ears and in the maxillary glands. This I + attributed to the dilation of the air contained in the cellular tissue of + the organ as much as to the cold outside. I was in my vest, with my head + uncovered. I immediately covered my head with a bonnet of wool which was + at my feet, but the pain only disappeared with my descent to the ground. + </p> + <p> + “It was now seven or eight minutes since I had arrived at this elevation, + and I now commenced to descend. I remembered the promise I had made to the + Duke of Chartres, to return in half an hour. I quickened my descent by + opening the valve from time to time. Soon the balloon, empty now to one + half, presented the appearance of a hemisphere. + </p> + <p> + “Arrived at twenty-three fathoms from the earth, I suddenly threw over two + or three pounds of ballast, which arrested my descent, and which I had + carefully kept for this purpose. I then slowly descended upon the ground, + which I had, so to speak, chosen.” + </p> + <p> + Such is the narrative of the second aerial voyage. After such a memorable + ascent one is astonished to learn that Professor Charles never repeated + his experiment. It has been said that, in descending from his car, he had + vowed that he would never again expose himself to such perils, so strong + had been the alarm he felt when the peasants ceasing to hold him down he + shot up into the sky with the rapidity of an arrow. But after him a + thousand others have followed the daring example he set. With this ascent + the memorable year 1783 closed, and the seed which had been sown soon + began to be productive. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PART2" id="link2H_PART2"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PART II. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter I. The History of Aerostation from the Year 1783. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Open Route—Travels and Travellers—Great Increase in + the Number of Air Voyages—Lyons, Ascent of “Le Flesselles— + Milan, Ascent of Adriani—Flight of a Balloon from London— + Lost Balloons in the Chief Towns of Europe +</pre> + <p> + From the year 1783, in which aerostation had its birth, and in which it + was carried to a degree of perfection, beside which the progress of + aeronauts in our days seems small, a new route was opened up for + travellers. The science of Montgolfier, the practical art of Professor + Charles, and the courage of Roziers, subdued the scepticism of those who + had not yet given in their adhesion to the possible value of the great + discovery, and throughout the whole of France a feverish degree of + enthusiasm in the art manifested itself Aerial excursions now became quite + fashionable. Let it be understood that we do not here refer to ascents in + fixed balloons, that is, in balloons which were attached to the earth by + means of ropes more or less long. + </p> + <p> + M. Biot narrates that, in his young days, when aeronautic ascents were + less known than they are in these times, there was in the plain of + Grenelle, at the mill of Javelle, an establishment where balloons were + constantly maintained for the accommodation of amateurs of both sexes who + wished to make ascents in what were called “ballons captifs,” or balloons + anchored, so to speak, to the earth by means of long ropes They were for a + considerable time the rage of fashionable society, and it is not recorded + that any accidents resulted from the practice. Of course it may be easily + understood with these safe balloons the adventurous aeronauts never + ascended to any great height. The reader will find this subject treated + under the chapter of military aerostation. + </p> + <p> + We are at present specially engaged with the narrative of the first + attempts in aerostation—the first experiments in the new discovery. + We have followed with interest the exciting details of the first + adventurous ascents, in which the genius of man first essayed the + unexplored paths of the heavens. Yet a continued record of aerial voyages + would not be of the same interest. The results of subsequent expeditions, + and the impressions of subsequent aeronauts are the same as those already + described, or differ from them only in minor points. No important advance + is recorded in the art. We shall therefore endeavour not to confine + ourselves to the narrative of a dry and monotonous chronology, but to + select from the number of ascents that have taken place within the last + eighty years, only those whose special character renders them worthy of + more detailed and severe investigation. + </p> + <p> + In order to give an idea of the rapid multiplication of aeronautic + experiments, it will suffice to state that the only aeronauts of 1783 are + Roziers, the Marquis d’Arlandes, Professor Charles, his collaborateur the + younger Robert, and a carpenter, named Wilcox, who made ascents at + Philadelphia and London. + </p> + <p> + A number of balloons were remarkable for the beauty and elegance which we + have already spoken of. Among the most beautiful we may mention the + “Flesselles” balloon and Bagnolet’s balloon. + </p> + <p> + Of the ascents which immediately succeeded those that have been treated in + the first part of our volume, and which are the most memorable in the + early annals of aerostation, that of the 17th of January, 1784, is + remarkable. It took place at Lyons. Seven persons went into the car on + this occasion—Joseph Montgolfier, Roziers, the Comte de Laurencin, + the Comte de Dampierre, the Prince Charles de Ligne, the Comte de Laporte + d’Anglifort, and Fontaine, who threw himself into the car when it had + already begun to move. + </p> + <p> + A most minute account of this experiment is given in a letter of Mathon de + la Cour, director of the Academy of Sciences at Lyons:—“After the + experiments of the Champ de Mars and Versailles had become known,” he + says, “the citizens of this town proposed to repeat them and a + subscription was opened for this purpose. On the arrival of the elder + Montgolfier, about the end of September, M. de Flesselles, our director, + always zealous in promoting whatever might be for the welfare of the + province and the advancement of science and art, persuaded him to organise + the subscription. The aim of the experiment proposed by Montgolfier was + not the ascent of any human being in the balloon. The prospectus only + announced that a balloon of a much larger size than any that had been made + would ascend—that it would rise to several thousand feet, and that, + including the animals that it was proposed it should carry, it would weigh + 8,000 lbs. The subscription was fixed at L12, and the number of + subscribers was 360.” + </p> + <p> + It was on these conditions that Montgolfier commenced his balloon of 126 + feet high and 100 feet in diameter, made of a double envelope of cotton + cloth, with a lining of paper between. A strength and consistency was + given to the structure by means of ribbons and cords. + </p> + <p> + The work was nearly finished when Roziers went up in his fire-balloon from + La Muette. Immediately the Comte de Laurencin pressed Montgolfier to allow + him to go up in the new machine. Montgolfier was only too glad of the + opportunity—refused up to this time by the king—of going up + himself. From thirty to forty people made application to go with the + aeronauts; and on the 26th of December, 1678, Roziers, the Comte de + Dampierre, and the Comte de Laporte, arrived in Lyons with the same + intention. Prince Charles also arrived; and as his father had taken one + hundred subscriptions, his claim to go up could not be refused. + </p> + <p> + But while the public papers were full of ascents at Avignon, Marseilles, + and Paris, it is impossible to describe the vexation of Roziers, when he + discovered that Montgolfier’s new balloon was not intended to carry + passengers, and had not been, from the first, constructed with that view. + He suggested a number of alterations, which Montgolfier adopted at once. + </p> + <p> + On the 7th of January, 1784, all the pieces of which the balloon was + composed were carried out to the field called Les Brotteaux, outside the + town, from which the ascent was to be made. This event was announced to + take place on the 10th and at five o’clock on the morning of that day; but + unexpected delays occurred, and in the necessary operations the covering + was torn in many places. + </p> + <p> + On the 15th the balloon was inflated in seventeen minutes, and the gallery + was attached in an hour—the fire from which the heated air was + obtained requiring to be fed at the rate of 5 lbs. of alder-wood per + minute; but the preparations had occupied so much time, that it was found, + when everything was complete, that the afternoon was too far advanced for + the ascent to be made. This machine was destined to suffer from endless + misfortunes. It took fire while being inflated, and, several days + afterwards, it was damaged by snow and rain. Put nothing discouraged + Roziers and his companions. Places had been arranged in the gallery for + six persons. After the balloon was at last inflated, Prince Charles and + the Comes de Laurencin, Dampierre, and Laporte threw themselves into the + gallery. They were all armed, and were determined not to quit their places + to whoever might come. Roziers, who wished at the last to enjoy a high + ascent, proposed to reduce the number to three, and to draw lots for the + purpose. But the gentlemen would not descend. The debate became animated. + The four voyagers cried to cut the ropes. The director of the Academy, to + whom application was made in this emergency, admiring the resolution and + the courage of the four gentlemen, wished to satisfy them in their desire. + Accordingly the ropes were cut; but at that moment M. Montgolfier and + Roziers threw themselves into the gallery. At the same time a certain M. + Fontaine, who had had much to do in the construction of the machine, threw + himself in, although it had not previously been arranged that he should be + of the party. His boldness in jumping in was pardoned, on the ground of + his services and his zeal. + </p> + <p> + In going away the machine turned to the south-west, and bent a little. A + rope which dragged along the ground seemed to retard its ascent; but some + intelligent person having cut this with a hatchet, it began to right + itself and ascend. At a certain height it turned to the north east. The + wind was feeble, and the progress was slow, but the imposing effect was + indescribable. The immense machine rose into the air as by some effect of + magic. Nearly 100,000 spectators were present, and they were greatly + excited at the view. They clapped their hands and stretched their arms + towards the sky; women fainted away, or (for some reasons best known to + themselves) found relief for their excitement in tears; while the men, + uttering cries of joy, waved their handkerchiefs, and threw their hats + into the air. + </p> + <p> + The form of the machine was that of a globe, rising from a reversed and + truncated cone, to which the gallery was attached. The upper part was + white, the lower part grey; and the cone was composed of strips of stuff + of different colours. On the sides of the balloon were two paintings, one + of which represented History, the other Fame. The flag bore the arms of + the director of the Academy, and above it were inscribed the words “Le + Flesselles.” + </p> + <p> + The voyagers observed that they did not consume a fourth of the quantity + of combustibles after they had risen into the air, which they consumed + when attached to the earth. They were in the gayest humour, and they + calculated that the fuel they had would keep them floating till late in + the evening. Unfortunately, however, after throwing more wood on the fire, + in order to get up to a greater altitude, it was discovered that a rent + had been made in the covering, caused by the fire by which the balloon had + been damaged two or three days previously. The rent was four feet in + length; and as the heated air escaped very rapidly by it, the balloon + fell, after having sailed above the earth for barely fifteen minutes. + </p> + <p> + The descent only occupied two or three minutes, and yet the shock was + supportable. It was observed that as soon as the machine had touched the + earth all the cloth became unfolded in a few seconds, which seemed to + confirm the opinion of Montgolfier, who believed that electricity had much + to do in the ascent of balloons. The voyagers were got out of the balloon + without accident, and were greeted with the most enthusiastic applause. + </p> + <p> + On the day of the ascent, the opera of “Iphigenia in Aulis” was given, and + the theatre was thronged by a vast assemblage, attracted thither in the + hope of seeing the illustrious experimentalists. The curtain had risen + when M. and Madame de Flesselles entered their box, accompanied by + Montgolfier and Roziers. At sight of them the enthusiasm of the house rose + to fever pitch. The other voyagers also entered, and were greeted with the + same demonstrations. Cries arose from the pit to begin the opera again, in + honour of the visitors. The curtain then fell, and when it again rose, + after a few moments, the actor who filled the role of Agamemnon advanced + with crowns, which he handed to Madame de Flesselles, who distributed them + to the aeronauts. Roziers placed the crown that had been given to him upon + Montgolfier’s head. + </p> + <p> + When the actress who played the part of Clytemnestra, sung the passage + beginning— + </p> + <p> + “I love to see these flattering honours paid.” + </p> + <p> + The audience at once applied her song to the circumstances, and + re-demanded it, which request the actress complied with, addressing + herself to the box in which the distinguished visitors sat. The + demonstrations of admiration were continued after the opera was over; and + during the whole of the night the gentlemen of the balloon ascent were + serenaded. + </p> + <p> + Two days afterwards, Roziers having appeared at a ball, received further + proofs of admiration and honours; and when, on the 22nd of January, he + departed for Dijon on his return to Paris, he was accompanied as in a + triumph by a numerous cavalcade of the most distinguished young men of the + city. + </p> + <p> + There was, however, at Paris, much discontent with the ascent of “Le + Flesselles;” and the Journal de Paris de Paris, which notices so + enthusiastically the other ascents of that epoch, speaks slightingly of + that at Lyons. + </p> + <p> + The next great ascent took place at Milan, on the 25th of February, 1784, + under the direction of the Chevalier Paul Andriani, who had a balloon + constructed by the Brothers Gerli, at his own expense. We read that this + balloon was 66 feet in diameter, and that the envelope was composed of + cloth, lined in the interior with fine paper. + </p> + <p> + The balloon was not in all respects constructed like that which rose at + Lyons. The grating which supported the fire that kept up the supply of hot + air was placed at the mouth of the opening. It was made of copper, was six + feet in diameter, and was secured by a number of transverse beams of wood. + M. Andriani thought it best to place his fire—contrary to general + usage—a little way above the mouth of the opening, and he found out + that the activity of the fire was in proportion with that of the air which + entered and fed it. + </p> + <p> + In place of making use of a gallery like that employed by Montgolfier, as + much to manage the fire as to carry the traveller and the fuel, he + substituted a wide basket, suspended by cords to the edge of the opening + of the balloon, at such a distance that fuel could be thrown on with the + hand without being inconvenienced by the heat. + </p> + <p> + Everything being in readiness, the machine was carried to Moncuco, the + splendid domain of Andriani, where the first experiments were made; for + this gentlemen knew that as the populace are impatient, they are also + often un-reasonable, and jump to the hastiest and most inconsiderate + conclusion when, in witnessing scientific experiments, any of the + arrangements happen to be imperfect, and the results in any respect prove + unsuccessful. + </p> + <p> + Andriani did not deceive himself, for, sure enough, his first attempt did + not come up to expectation. The reasons for this failure were the too + great quantity of air which the fire drew in, and the unsuitable character + of the fuel used. + </p> + <p> + On the 25th of February, 1784, a second attempt was made. The fire was + lighted under the machine, at first with dry birch-wood and afterwards + with a bituminous composition, ingeniously concocted by one of the + Brothers Gerli. In less than four minutes the balloon was completely + inflated, and the men employed to hold it down with ropes perceived that + it was on the point of rising. The aeronauts then gave the order to let + go. Scarcely was the balloon let off, when it gently rose a short + distance, and then flew in a horizontal direction towards a palace in the + neighbourhood. In order that the structure should not be destroyed on the + walls and the roof of the palace, the voyagers heaped on the fuel, and the + spectators, who had gathered together from the surrounding villages, then + saw this strange vessel of the air rising with rapidity to a surprising + height. Such a phenomenon was so astonishing, that those who beheld it + could hardly believe their own eyes; and when the balloon disappeared from + view, the delight they had manifested was dashed with fear for the fate of + the bold aeronauts. The latter, seeing that the balloon was driving + through the air towards a range of rocky hills in the neighbourhood, and + perceiving, on the other hand, that their stock of combustibles was nearly + exhausted, judged it prudent to descend. They diminished their fire, and + came gradually down, warning the multitude below of their intention by + means of a speaking-trumpet. + </p> + <p> + In the course of the descent the balloon alighted upon a large tree, to + the great peril of the travellers; but as soon as the fire was increased + it again mounted and got clear from the branches while the people below, + grasping the cords that were hung out to them, guided the machine to the + spot which the voyagers indicated. To descend to terra firma was then a + comparatively easy matter, and it was safely accomplished. The fire, which + in the case of the French balloons had dried, calcined, and almost + consumed the upper part of the balloon, had no evil effect upon that of + Andriani, which came down looking as fresh as if it had never been used. + </p> + <p> + The new idea had now passed the frontiers of France, in which it was + originally conceived, and among the other nations, as at first in France, + the power of the inflated balloon came to be tested everywhere by the + construction of small toy globes. + </p> + <p> + It was just about five months after the first experiment at Annonay—viz., + on the 25th of November, 1783—that the first balloon ascended in + London. We are informed, in the History of Aerostation by Tiberius + Cavallo, that an Italian, Count Zambeccari, who was staying in the English + capital, made a balloon of silk, covered with a varnish of oil. Its + diameter was ten feet, and its weight eleven pounds. It was gilded for the + double purpose of enhancing its appearance and preventing the escape of + air. After having been exposed to public inspection for several days, it + was filled three parts full of hydrogen gas, a tin bottle was suspended + from it, containing an address to whoever might find it when it should + fall, and it was let off from the Artillery Ground, in presence of a vast + assembly. + </p> + <p> + On the 11th of December, 1783, a little balloon, made of gold-beaters’ + skin, was let off publicly at Turin. This was an experiment similar to + that which had been tried at Paris in September. The balloon was seen to + penetrate the clouds, then to mount still higher, and finally to disappear + entirely in five minutes fifty-four seconds from the time when it was set + free. + </p> + <p> + It was natural, after the experiments made long before with electric paper + kites, to employ the balloon in the investigation of the electric + conditions of the atmosphere. The first to use it for this purpose was the + Abbe Berthelon de Montpellier. He sent up a number of balloons, to which + he had attached pieces of metal, long and narrow, and terminating in a + cylinder of glass, or other substance suitable for the purpose of + isolation, and he obtained sufficient electricity by these means to + demonstrate the phenomena of attraction and repulsion, as well as electric + sparks. + </p> + <p> + Cavallo mentions an accident which took place in England about this time, + and which served as a warning to all who had to do with balloons filled + with hydrogen gas. A balloon thus inflated had been sent up at Hopton, + near Matlock, and was found by two men near Cheadle, in Staffordshire. + These ingenious persons carried it within doors, and having wished to + fully inflate it—half the gas having by this time escaped—they + applied a pair of bellows to its mouth. By this means they only forced out + the volume of the hydrogen gas that was left; and this gas, coming in + contact with a candle that had been placed too near, exploded. The report + was louder than that of a cannon, and so powerful was the shock that the + men were thrown down, the glass blown out of the windows, and the house + otherwise damaged. The men suffered severely, their hair, beards, and + eyebrows being completely burnt away, and their faces severely scorched. + </p> + <p> + At Grenoble, in Dauphine, De Baron let off a balloon on the 13th of + January, 1784. It rose, and at first took a northern direction; but, + having encountered a current of air, it was carried away in a + south-easterly direction, and after flying a distance of three-quarters of + a mile, it fell, having traversed this distance in fifteen minutes. + </p> + <p> + A society, under the presidency of the Abbe de Mably, having constructed a + balloon thirty-seven feet high and twenty feet in diameter, sent it off + from the court of the Castle of Pisancon, near Romano, on the same day, + the 13th of February. At first it was carried to the south by a strong + north wind, but after it had risen to 1,000 feet above the surface, its + course was changed towards the north. It was calculated that, in less than + five minutes, this balloon rose to the height of 6,000 feet. + </p> + <p> + On the 16th of the same month the Count d’Albon threw off from his gardens + at Franconville a balloon inflated with gas, and made of silk, rendered + air-tight by a solution of gum-arabic. It was oblong, and measured + twenty-five feet in height, and seventeen feet in diameter. To this + balloon a cage, containing two guinea-pigs and a rabbit, was suspended. + The cords were cut, and the inflated globe rose to an enormous height with + the greatest rapidity. Five days afterwards it was found at the distance + of eighteen miles, and it is remarkable that, in spite of the cold of the + season, and particularly of the elevated region through which the balloon + had been passing, the animals were not only living, but in good condition. + </p> + <p> + On the 3rd of February, 1784, the Marquis de Bullion sent up a paper + balloon, of about fifteen feet in diameter. A flat sponge, about a foot + square, placed in a tin dish and drenched with a pint of spirits of wine, + was the only apparatus made use of to create a supply of heated air. It + rose at Paris, and three hours afterwards it was found near Basville, + about thirty miles from the capital. + </p> + <p> + On the 15th of the same month Cellard de Chastelais sent up a paper + balloon. Heated air was supplied on this occasion by a paper roll, + enclosing a sponge, and soaked in oil, spirits of wine, and grease. A + cage, which contained a cat, was attached to this air globe. In + thirty-five minutes it had mounted so high that it looked but like the + smallest star, and in two hours it had flown a distance of forty-six miles + from the place where it was thrown off. The cat was dead, but it was not + discovered from what cause. + </p> + <p> + The first balloon that traversed the English channel was sent off at + Sandwich, in Kent, on the 22nd of February, 1784. It was five feet in + diameter, and was inflated with hydrogen gas. It rose rapidly, and was + carried toward France by a north-west wind. Two hours and a half after it + had been let off it was found in a field about nine miles from Lille. The + balloon carried a letter, instructing the finder of the balloon to + communicate with William Boys, Esq., Sandwich, and to state where and at + what time it was found. This request was complied with. + </p> + <p> + On the 19th of February a similar balloon, five feet in diameter, was sent + up from Queen’s College, Oxford. It was spherical, and was made of Persian + silk, coated with varnish. It was the first balloon sent up from that + city. + </p> + <p> + De Saussure makes mention, in a letter dated from Geneva, the 26th of + March, 1784, of certain experiments made in that town with the electricity + of the atmosphere by means of fixed balloons—i.e., balloons attached + to the earth by ropes, which gave forth sparks and positive electricity. + </p> + <p> + Mention is also made of a certain M. Argand, of Geneva, who had the honour + of making balloon experiments at Windsor in the presence of King George + III., Queen Charlotte, and the royal family. About this time (1784) + balloons became “the fashion,” and frequent instances occur of their being + raised by day and night, by means of spirit-lamps, to the great delight of + multitudes of spectators. + </p> + <p> + A letter from Watt to Dr. Lind, of Windsor, dated from Birmingham, 25th + December, 1784, narrates an experiment made the summer preceding with a + balloon inflated with hydrogen. The balloon was made of fine paper covered + with a varnish of oil and filled two-thirds with hydrogen gas, and + one-third common air. To the neck of the balloon was attached a sort of + squib two feet long, the fuse of which was ignited when the balloon was + inflated. The night was calm and dark, and a great multitude was assembled + to witness the ascent, which was accomplished with a success that gave + delight to all; for, at the end of six minutes the fuse communicated with + the squib, and the explosion was like the sound of thunder. The men who + saw it from a distance, but were not present at its ascent, took it for a + meteor. “Our intention,” says Watt, “was, if possible, to discover whether + the reverberating sound of thunder was due to echoes or to successive + explosions. The sound occasioned by the detonation of the hydrogen gas of + the balloon in this experiment, does not enable us to form a definite + judgment; all that we can do is to refer to those who were near the + balloon, and-who affirm that the sound was like that of thunder.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter II. Experiments and Studies—Blanchard at Paris—Guyton + de Morveau at Dijon. + </h2> + <p> + The most popular name in aerostation during the Revolution and the + Consulate in France is, without doubt, that of Blanchard. We have already + referred to him in the chapter which treats of experiments made prior to + the discovery of Montgolfier, and we now have to speak of his famous + ascent from the Champ de Mars, on the 2nd of March 1784, and of the + ascents which followed. + </p> + <p> + We have seen that he constructed a sort of flying boat, a machine + furnished with oars and rigging, with which he managed to sustain himself + some moments in the air at the height of eighty feet. This curious machine + was exhibited in 1782 in the gardens of the great hotel of the Rue + Taranne. But a little time afterwards Montgolfier’s discoveries quite + altered the conditions under which the aerostatic art was to be pursued. + It had no sooner become known than it became public property. The idea was + too simple in its grandeur, and was of too easy a kind not to call up a + host of imitators. Of these Blanchard was one of the first; but this + mechanician was anxious to incorporate his own invention with that of + Montgolfier, and he arranged that on the 2nd of March, 1784, he should + make an ascent in what he still called his “flying vessel,” which he + furnished with four wings. + </p> + <p> + Blanchard and his companion, Pesch, a Benedictine priest, were prevented + from going up in the balloon, as represented in our illustration, which + was drawn before the event it was intended to commemorate. A certain + Dupont de Chambon persisted in accompanying the voyagers. Pushed back by + them, he drew his sword, leaped into the car or boat, wounded Blanchard, + cut the rigging, and broke the oars or wings. The aeronaut was + consequently compelled to have his machine partly re-fitted in great + haste, and in the course of a few hours he made the ascent alone in the + usual way. Blanchard should have known the uselessness of oars, though he + did not abandon their employment in subsequent ascents. The Brothers + Montgolfier had dreamed of the employment of oars as a means of guidance, + but had ultimately rejected the idea. Joseph wrote to his brother Etienne, + about the end of the year 1783: + </p> + <p> + “For my sake, my good friend, reflect; calculate well before you employ + oars. Oars must either be great or small; if great, they will be heavy; if + small, it will be necessary to move them with great rapidity. I know no + sufficient means of guidance, except in the knowledge of the different + currents of air, of which it is necessary to make a study; and these are + generally regulated by the elevation.” The two brothers often recurred to + this idea. + </p> + <p> + The pictures of the first ascent of Blanchard from the Champ de Mars on + the 2nd of March, 1784, in the presence of a vast multitude, show us the + oars and the mechanism of his flying-machine fitted to a balloon. The + design which we here give seems to us deserving of being considered only + as one of the caricatures of the time, especially when we look at the + personage dressed in the fool’s head-gear, who sits behind and accompanies + the triumphant ascent of the aeronaut with music. + </p> + <p> + It was not with this apparatus that Blanchard effected his ascent, for we + have seen that the gearing of his vessel was broken by the infuriated + Dupont de Chambon. Yet the aeronaut pretends to have been, to some extent, + assisted by his mechanical contrivances. The following is his narrative:— + </p> + <p> + “I rose to a certain height over Plassy, and perceiving Villette, which I + did not despair of reaching in spite of the misfortune that had happened + to me, I attached a rope of my rigging to my leg, not being able to make + use of my left hand, which I had wrapped in my handkerchief on account of + the sword-wound it had received. I fixed up a piece of cloth, and thus + made a sort of sail with which I hugged the wind. But the rays of the sun + had so heated and rarefied the inflammable air that soon I forgot my + rigging in thinking of the terrible danger that threatened me.” + </p> + <p> + Going on to narrate the dangers that beset him, Blanchard describes a + number of most extraordinary experiences, which would be better worthy of + a place here if they were more like the truth. His curious narrative is + thus brought to a close:— + </p> + <p> + “Escaped from these impetuous and contrary winds, during which I had felt + a great degree of cold, I mounted perpendicularly. The cold became + excessive. Being hungry I ate a morsel of cake. I wished to drink, but in + searching the car nothing was to be seen but the debris of bottles and + glasses, which my assailant had left behind him when we were about to + depart. Afterwards all was so calm that nothing could be seen or heard. + The silence became appalling, and to add to my alarm I began to lose + consciousness. I now wished to take snuff, but found I had left my box + behind me. I changed my seat many times; I went from prow to stern, but + the drowsiness only ceased to assail me when I was struck by two furious + winds, which compressed my balloon to such an extent that its size became + sensibly diminished to the eye. I was not sorry when I began to descend + rapidly upon the river, which at first seemed to me a white thread, + afterwards a ribbon, and then a piece of cloth. As I followed the course + of the river, the fear that I should have to descend into it, made me + agitate the oars very rapidly. I believe that it is to these movements + that I owe my being able to cross the river transversely, and get above + dry land. When I saw myself upon the plain of Billancourt, I recognised + the bridge of Sevres, and the road to Versailles. I was then about as high + as the towers above the plain, and I could hear the words and the cries of + joy of the people who were following me below. At length I came to a plain + about 200 feet in extent. The people then assisted me and brought my + vessel to anchor. Immediately I was surrounded by gentlemen and foot + passengers who had run together from all parts.” + </p> + <p> + This voyage lasted one hour and a quarter. The most important incident of + it was that the balloon was very nearly burst by the expansion of the + hydrogen gas. No balloon, as we have already seen, should be entirely + inflated at the beginning of a journey. Blanchard had a narrow escape from + being the victim of his ignorance of physics, and it is a wonder he was + not left to the mercy of fate in a burst balloon, at several thousand feet + above the earth. + </p> + <p> + Biot, the savant, who had watched the experiment, declared that Blanchard + did not stir himself, and that the variations of his course are alone to + be attributed to the currents of air that he encountered. As he had + inscribed upon his flags, his balloons, and his entrance tickets, from + which he realised a considerable sum, the ambitious legend, Sic itur ad + astra, the following epigram was produced respecting him:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + From the Field of Mars he took his flight: + In a field close by he tumbled; + But our money having taken + He smiled though sadly shaken, + As Sic itur ad astra he mumbled. +</pre> + <p> + What is most important to examine in each of the great aerial voyages that + have been made, is the special character which distinguishes them from + average experiments. All our great voyages are rendered special and + particular by the ideas of the men who undertook them, and the aims which + they severally meant to achieve by them. The early ascents of Montgolfier + had for their aim the establishment of the fact that any body lighter than + the volume of air which it displaces will rise in the atmosphere; those of + Roziers were undertaken to prove that man can apply this principle for the + purpose of making actual aerial voyages; those of Robertson, Gay-Lussac, + &c., were undertaken for the purpose of ascertaining certain + meteorological phenomena; those of Conte Coutelle applied aerostation to + military uses. A considerable number were made with the view of organising + a system of aerial navigation analogous to that of the sea-steerage in a + certain direction by means of oars or sails—in a word, to + investigate the possibility of sailing through the air to any point fixed + upon. It was with this object that the experiments at Dijon took place, + and these were the most serious attempts down to our times that have been + made to steer balloons. + </p> + <p> + At the middle of the globe of the balloon were placed four oars, two + sails, and a helm and these were under the management of the voyagers, who + sat in the car and worked them by means of ropes. The car was also + furnished with oars. The report of Guyton de Morveau to the Academy at + Dijon informs us that these different paraphernalia were not altogether + useless. The following extracts are from this report:— + </p> + <p> + “The very strong wind which arose immediately before our departure, had + driven us down to tee ground many times, making us fear for the safety of + our oars, &c., when we resolved to throw over as much ballast as would + enable us to rise against the wind. The ballast, including from 70 to 80 + lbs. of provisions, was thrown over, and then we rose so rapidly that all + the objects around were instantly passed and were very soon lost to view. + The swelling form of our balloon told us that the gas inside had expanded + under the heat of the sun and the lessening density of the surrounding + air. We opened the two valves, but even this outlet was insufficient, and + we had to cut a hole about seven or eight inches long in the lower part of + the balloon, through which the gas might escape. At five minutes past five + we passed above a village which we did not know, and here we let fall a + bag filled with bran, and carrying with it a flag and a written message to + the effect that we were all well, and that the barometer was recording 20 + inches 9 lines, and the thermometer one degree and a half below zero.” + </p> + <p> + Very keen cold attacked the ears, but this was the only inconvenience + experienced, until the voyagers were lost in a sea of clouds that shut + them out from the view of the earth. The sun at length began to descend, + and they then perceived, by a slackening in the lower part of the balloon, + that it was time for them to think of returning to the earth. Judging from + the compass that they were not far from the town of Auxonne, they resolved + to use all their endeavours to reach that place. The sailing appliances + had been considerably damaged by the rough weather at starting. The + rigging being disarranged, one of the oars had got broken, another had + become entangled in the rigging, so that there remained only two of the + four oars, and these, being on the same side, were absolutely useless + during the greatest part of the voyage. The adventurers, however, assert + that they made them work from eight to nine minutes with the greatest + ease, making use of them to tack to the south-east. + </p> + <p> + “We hoped then to be able to descend near where we judged Auxonne to be,” + the writer continues, “but we lost much gas by the opening in the balloon, + and descended more rapidly than we expected or wished. We looked to our + small stock of ballast with anxiety, but there was no need of it, and we + came very softly down upon a slope.” + </p> + <p> + When the aeronauts arrived at Magny-les-Auxonne, the inhabitants gazed + upon them in terror, and two men and three women fell down on their knees + before them. + </p> + <p> + Here is an extract from the report of the experiment of the 12th of June, + the principal object of which was the attempt to discover the means of + steering in a certain direction:— + </p> + <p> + “M. de Verley and myself mounted in the balloon,” says Guyton de Morveau, + “at seven o’clock. We rose rapidly and in an almost perpendicular + direction. The fall of the mercury in the barometer was scarcely + perceptible when the dilation of the hydrogen gas in the balloon had + become considerable. The globe swelled out, and a light vapour around the + mouth announced to us that the gas was commencing to escape by the + safety-valve. We assisted its escape by pulling the valve-string. + </p> + <p> + “Having reduced the dilation sufficiently for our purposes, we resolved to + attempt the working of the balloon before the whole town and to turn it + from the east to the north. We saw with pleasure that our machinery + answered By the working of the helm, the prow of our air-boat was turned + in the direction we desired. The oars, working only on one side, supported + the helm, and altogether we got on as we wished. We described a curve, + crossing the road from Dijon to Langres. The mercury had descended to 24 + inches 8 lines, which announced that we were gradually rising. We + attempted for some time to follow the route to I Langres, but the wind + drove us off our course in spite of all our efforts. At nine o’clock our + barometer informed us that we had ascended to the height of 6,000 feet. M. + de Verley took advantage of this elevation to put some touch wood to a + burning-glass 18 lines in diameter, and the touch wood lighted + immediately.” + </p> + <p> + The aeronauts decided to direct their course for Dijon. After re-setting + the helm with this intention, they worked their oars, and proceeded in + that direction more than 1,000 feet. But heat and fatigue obliged them to + suspend their endeavours, and the current drove them upon Mirebeau, where, + throwing out the last of their ballast and regulating their descent, they + came softly down upon a corn-field. + </p> + <p> + The adventurers were cordially welcomed by the ecclesiastics and the + magistrates of the place, and after a time they, with their balloon, were + carried back on men’s shoulders to Dijon. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Experiment in Montgolfiers—Roziers and Proust—The Duke of + Chartres—The Comte d’Artois—Voyage of the Abbe Carnus to + Rodez. +</pre> + <p> + The longest course travelled by Montgolfiere balloons, and the highest + elevation reached by them, were achieved by Roziers and Proust with the + Montgolfiere la Marie Antoinette, at Versailles, on the 23rd of June, + 1784. Roziers himself has left us a picturesque narrative of this + excursion from Versailles to Compiegne. He says:— + </p> + <p> + “The Montgolfiere rose at first very gently in a diagonal line, presenting + an imposing spectacle. Like a vessel which has just been precipitated from + the stocks, this astonishing machine hung balanced in the air for some + time, and seemed to have got beyond human control. These irregular + movements intimidated a portion of the spectators, who, fearing that, + should there be a fall, their lives would be in danger, scattered away + with great speed from under us. After having fed my fire, I saluted the + people, who answered me in the most cordial manner. I had time to remark + some faces, in which there was a mixed expression of apprehension and joy. + In continuing our upward progress, I perceived that an upper current of + air made the Montgolfiere bend, but on increasing the heat, we rose above + the current. The size of objects on the earth now began perceptibly to + diminish, which gave us an idea of the distance at which we were from + them. It was then that we became visible to Paris and its suburbs, and so + great was our elevation that many in the capital thought we were directly + over their heads. + </p> + <p> + “When we had arrived among the clouds, the earth disappeared from our + view. Now a thick mist would envelop us, then a clear space showed us + where we were, and again we rose through a mass of snow, portions of which + stuck to our gallery. Curious to know how high we could ascend, we + resolved to increase our fire and raise the heat to the highest degree, by + raising our grating, and holding up our fagots suspended on the ends of + our forks. + </p> + <p> + “Having gained these snowy elevations, and not being able to mount higher, + we wandered about for some time in regions which we felt were now visited + by man for the first time. Isolated and separated entirely from nature, we + perceived beneath us only enormous masses of snow, which, reflecting the + sunshine, filled the firmament with a glorious light. We remained eight + minutes at this elevation, 11,732 feet above the earth. This situation, + however agreeable it might have been to the painter or the poet, promised + little to the man of science in the way of acquiring knowledge; and so we + determined, eighteen minutes after our departure, to return through the + clouds to the earth. We had hardly left this snowy abyss, when the most + pleasant scene succeeded the most dreary one. The broad plains appeared + before our view in all their magnificence. No snow, no clouds were now to + be seen, except around the horizon, where a few clouds seemed to rest on + the earth. We passed in a minute from winter to spring. We saw the + immeasurable earth covered with towns and villages, which at that distance + appeared only so many isolated mansions surrounded with gardens. The + rivers which wound about in all directions seemed no more than rills for + the adornment of these mansions; the largest forests looked mere clumps or + groves, and the meadows and broad fields seemed no more than garden plots. + These marvellous tableaux, which no painter could render, reminded us of + the fairy metamorphoses; only with this difference, that we were beholding + upon a mighty scale what imagination could only picture in little. It is + in such a situation that the soul rises to the loftiest height, that the + thoughts are exalted and succeed each other with the greatest rapidity. + Travelling at this elevation, our fire did not demand continual attention, + and we could easily walk about the gallery. We were as much at peace upon + our lofty balcony as we should have been upon the terrace of a mansion, + enjoying all the pictures which unrolled themselves before us continually, + without experiencing any of the giddiness which has disturbed so many + persons. Having broken my fork in my exertions to raise the balloon, I + went to obtain another one. On my way to get it, I encountered my + companion, M. Proust. We ought never to have been on the same side of the + balloon, for a capsize and the escape of all our hydrogen gas might have + been the result. As it was, so well was the machine ballasted, that the + only effect of our being on the one side made the balloon incline a little + in that direction. The winds, although very considerable, caused us no + uneasiness, and we only knew the swiftness of our progress through the air + by the rapidity with which the villages seemed to fly away from under our + feet; so that it seemed, from the tranquillity with which we moved, that + we were borne along by the diurnal movement of the globe. Often we wished + to descend, in order to learn what the people were crying to us the + simplicity of our arrangements enabled us to rise, to descend, to move in + horizontal or oblique lines, as we pleased and as often as we considered + necessary, without altogether landing.” + </p> + <p> + When they came to Luzarche, the delighted aeronauts resolved to land. + Already the people were testifying their pleasure at seeing them. Men came + running together from all directions, while all the animals rushed away + with equal precipitation, no doubt taking the balloon for some wild beast. + Finding that their course would lead them straight against certain houses, + the aeronauts again increased their fire, and, slightly rising, escaped + the buildings that had been in their way. Shortly afterwards they safely + landed forty miles from the spot from which they had started. + </p> + <p> + It was not only the man of science or the mechanician that devoted himself + to the task of taking possession of the new empire, but the nobles gave + their hands to the aeronauts, and humbly asked the favour of an ascent. + The king had addressed letters to the Brothers Montgolfier, and the + marvellous invention had become an affair of state. The princes of the + blood and the nobles of the court considered it an honour to count among + the number of their friends a celebrated aeronaut. + </p> + <p> + The Count d’Artois, afterwards Charles X., and the Duke de Chartres, + father of Louis Philippe, made experiments in aerial navigation. The + chemists Alban and Vallet made a magnificent balloon for the Count, who + went up many times in it, with several persons of all ranks. + </p> + <p> + Already at St. Cloud, the Duke of Chartres, afterwards Philippe Egalite, + had, on the 15th of July, 1784, made, with the Brothers Robert, an ascent + which put their courage to terrible tests. The hydrogen gas balloon was + oblong, sixty feet high and forty feet in diameter, and it had been + constructed upon a plan supplied by Meunier. In order to obviate the use + of the valve, he had placed inside the balloon a smaller globe, filled + with ordinary air. This was done on the supposition that, when the balloon + rose high, the hydrogen being rarefied would compress the little globe + within, and press out of it a quantity of ordinary air equal to the amount + of its dilation. + </p> + <p> + At eight o’clock, the Brothers Robert—Collin and Hullin—and + the Duke of Chartres, ascended in presence of an immense multitude. The + nearest ranks kneeled down to allow those behind to have a view of the + departure of the balloon, which disappeared among the clouds amid the + acclamations of the prostrate multitude. The machine, obedient to the + stormy and contrary winds which it met, turned several times completely + round. The helm, which had been fitted to the machine, and the two oars, + gave such a purchase to the winds that the voyagers, already surrounded by + the clouds, cut them away. But the oscillations continued, and the little + globe inside not being suspended with cords, fell down in such an + unfortunate manner as to close up the opening of the large balloon, by + means of which provision had been made for the egress of the gas now + dilated by the heat of the sun, which poured down its rays, a sudden gust + having cleared the space of the clouds. It was feared that the case of the + balloon would crack, and the whole thing collapse, in spite of the efforts + of the aeronauts to push back the smaller balloon from the opening. Then + the Duke of Chartres seized one of the flags they carried, and with the + lance-head pierced the balloon in two places. A rent of about nine feet + was the consequence, and the balloon began to descend with amazing + rapidity. They would have fallen into a lake had they not thrown over 60 + lbs. of ballast, which caused them to rise a little, and pass over to the + shore, where they got safely to the earth. + </p> + <p> + The expedition lasted only a few minutes. The Duke of Chartres was rallied + by his enemies, who accused him of cowardice; and Monjoie, his historian, + making allusion to the combat of Ouessant, says that he had given proofs + of his cowardice in the three elements—earth, air, and water. + </p> + <p> + M. Gray, professor at the seminary of Rodez, presented us some years ago + with the following letter from the Abbe Carnus, upon the aerial voyage + which he undertook, August 6th, 1784:— + </p> + <p> + “The progress of the Montgolfiere was so sudden that one might almost have + believed that it arose all inflated and furnished out of some chasm in the + earth The air was calm, the sky without clouds, the sun very strong. Our + fuel and instruments were put into the gallery, my companion, M. Louchet, + was at his post, and I took mine. At twenty minutes past eight the cords + were loosened, we waved a farewell to the spectators, and while two + cannon-shots announced our departure, we were already high above the + loftiest buildings. + </p> + <p> + “To the general acclamations of the crowd succeeded a profound silence. + The spectators, half in fear, half in admiration, stood motionless, with + eyes fixed, and gazing eagerly at the superb machine, which rose almost + vertically with rapidity and also with grandeur. Some women, and even some + men, fainted away; others raised their hands to heaven; others shed tears; + all grew pale at the sight of our bright fire. + </p> + <p> + “‘We have quitted the earth,’ said I to my companion. + </p> + <p> + “‘I compliment you on the fact,’ he answered; ‘keep up the fire!’ + </p> + <p> + “A truss of hay, steeped in spirits of wine accelerated the swiftness of + our ascent. I cast my glance upon the town, which seemed to flee rapidly + from under our feet. Terrestrial objects had already lost their shape and + size. The burning heat which I felt at first now gave place to a + temperature of the most agreeable kind, and the air which we breathed + seemed to contain healthful elements unknown to dwellers on the lower + earth. + </p> + <p> + “‘How well I am!’ I said to Louchet; ‘how are you?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘As well as can be. Would that I could dispatch a message to the earth!’ + </p> + <p> + “Immediately I threw over a roll of paper on which I had written the + words, ‘All well on board the City of Rodez.’ + </p> + <p> + “At thirty-two minutes past eight our elevation was at least 6,000 feet + above sea level. A flame from our fire, rising from eighteen to twenty + feet, sent us up another 1,000 feet. It was then that our machine was seen + by every spectator within a circuit of nine miles, and it appeared to be + right over the heads of all of them. + </p> + <p> + “‘Send us up out of sight,’ said my adventurous confrere. + </p> + <p> + “I had to moderate his ardour—a larger fire would have burnt our + balloon. + </p> + <p> + “From our moving observatory the most splendid view developed itself. The + boundaries of the horizon were vastly extended. The capital of the + Rouergue appeared to be no more than a group of stones, one of which + seemed to rise to the height of two or three feet. This was no other than + the superb tower of the cathedral. Fertile slopes, agreeable valleys, + lofty precipices, waste lands, ancient castles perched upon frowning + rocks, these form the endlessly varied spectacle which the Rouergue and + the neighbouring provinces present to the view of those who traverse the + surface of the earth. But how different is the scene to the aerial + voyager! We could perceive only a vast country, perfectly round, and + seemingly a little elevated in the middle, irregularly marked with + verdure, but without inhabitants, without towns, valleys, rivers, or + mountains. Living beings no longer existed for us; the forests were + changed into what looked like grassy plains; the ranges of the Cantal and + the Cevennes had disappeared; we looked in vain for the Mediterranean, and + the Pyrenees seemed only a long series of piles of snow, connected at + their bases. Our own balloon, which from Rodez appeared about the size of + a marble, was the only object that for us retained its natural dimensions. + What wonderful sensations then arose within us! I had often reflected upon + the works of nature; their magnificence had always filled me with + admiration. In this soul-stirring moment how beautiful did nature seem—how + grand! With what majesty did it strike my imagination. Never did man + appear to me before such an excellent being His latest triumph over the + elements recalled to my mind his other conquests of nature. My companion + was animated with the same sentiments, and more than once we cried out, + ‘Vive Montgolfier! Vive Roziers! Vivent ceux qui ont du courage et de la + constance!’ + </p> + <p> + “In the meantime our fuel was getting near the end. In eighteen minutes we + had run a distance of 12,000 feet. ‘Make your observations while I attend + to the fire,’ said my companion to me. I examined the barometer, the + thermometer, and the compass, and having sealed up a small bottle of the + air at this elevation, I asked my companion to reduce the fire. We + descended 1,800 feet, and at this height I filled another bottle with air. + </p> + <p> + “Afterwards we felt the refreshing breath of a slight breeze, which + carried us gently toward the south-east. In six minutes we had run 18,000 + feet. Then, having only sufficient fuel to enable us to choose the place + of our descent, we considered whether we should not bring our aerial + voyage to a termination. We had neither lake nor forest to fear, and we + were secure against danger from fire, as we could detach the grating at + some distance from the earth. At fifty-eight minutes past eight all our + fuel was exhausted, except two bundles of straw, of four pounds each, + which we reserved for our descent. The balloon came gradually down, and + terrestrial objects began again to resume their proper forms and + dimensions. The animals fled at the sight of our balloon, which seemed + likely to crush them in its fall. Horsemen were obliged to dismount and + lead their frightened horses. Terrified by such an unwonted sight, the + labourers in the fields abandoned their work. We were not more than 600 + feet from the earth. We threw on the two bundles of straw, but still + gradually descended. The grating was then detached, and I had no + difficulty in leaping to the ground. But now a most surprising and + unlooked-for event happened. M. Louchet had not been able to descend at + the same moment as myself, and the balloon, now free from my weight, + immediately re-ascended with the speed of a bird, bearing away my + companion. I followed him with my eyes, and it was to my agreeable + surprise that I heard him crying to me, ‘All is well; fear not!’ though it + was not without a species of jealousy that I saw him mounting up to the + height of 1,400 or 1,500 feet. The balloon, after having run a distance of + 3,600 feet in a horizontal direction, began gently to descend at four + minutes past nine, at the village of Inieres, after having travelled + 42,000 feet from the point of departure. When it had touched the ground it + bumped up again two or three feet. M. Louchet jumped out, and seized one + of the ropes, but had much difficulty in holding the balloon in hand. He + cried to the frightened peasants to come and help him. But they seemed to + regard him as a dangerous magician, or as a monster, and they feared to + touch the ropes lest they might be swallowed up by the balloon. Soon + afterwards I came to the rescue. The balloon was in as thorough repair as + when we began our journey. We then pressed out the hot air, folded up the + envelope, placed it upon a small cart drawn by two oxen, and drove off + with it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Serio-Comic Aspect of the Subject—The Public Duped—The + Abbes Miolan and Janninet at the Luxembourg—Caricatures— + The “Minerva” of Robertson, and its Voyage Round the World. +</pre> + <p> + The discovery like that of balloons could not be made public in France + without being travestied, and without offering some comic side for the + amusement of the wits of the day. Under some old coloured prints, designed + with the intention of satirising such unfortunate aeronauts as had + collected their money from the spectators, but had failed in inflating + their balloons, is written, “The Infallible Means of Raising Balloons”—the + infallible means consisting of ropes and pulleys. + </p> + <p> + While caricature was thus turning its irony upon the efforts of believers + in the new idea, serious pamphlets were being written and published with + the same object. One of these declares that the discovery is IMMORAL, I. + Because since God has not given wings to man, it is impious to try to + improve his works, and to encroach upon his rights as a Creator; 2. + Because honour and virtue would be in continual danger, if balloons were + permitted to descend, at all hours of the night, into gardens and close to + windows; 3. Because, if the highway of the air were to remain open to all + and sundry, the frontiers of nations would vanish, and property national + and personal would be invaded, &c. We do not wish to gather together + here the stones which critics threw against the new discovery, unaware all + the time that these stones were falling upon their own heads. + </p> + <p> + It is only fair to state that after the first ascents the public were + often duped by pretending aeronauts, whose single aim was to sell their + tickets, and who disappeared when the time came for ascending. The result + of these frauds was that sometimes honest men were made to suffer as + rogues. Even in our own day, when an ascent, seriously intended, fails to + succeed, owing to some unforeseen circumstances, the public frequently + manifests a decided ill-will to the aeronaut, who is perfectly honest, and + only unfortunate. + </p> + <p> + The famous ascent of the Abbes Miolan and Janninet, at the Luxembourg, may + be cited as among the failures which suffered most from the satire of the + time. Their immense balloon, constructed at great expense at the + observatory, was expected to rise beyond the clouds, and a multitude, each + of whom had paid dearly for his ticket, had assembled at the Luxembourg. + The morning had been occupied in removing the balloon from the observatory + to the place of ascent, and at midday the inflation of it began. The rays + of a burning July sun—and one knows what that is in the Luxembourg + in Paris—streamed down on the heads of the thousands of spectators. + From six in the morning till four in the evening they had waited to see + the unheard-of wonder; the ascent, however, was to be so imposing, that + nothing could be lost by waiting for it. + </p> + <p> + But at five in the afternoon the heavy machine was still motionless—inert + upon the ground. We need not attempt to describe the scene which took + place as the impatience of the multitude increased. Sneers of derision + made themselves heard on all sides. A universal murmur, rapidly developing + into a clamour, arose amongst the multitude; then, wild with + disappointment, the frenzied populace threw themselves upon the barricade, + broke it, attacked the gallery of the balloon, the instruments, the + apparatus, trampling them under foot, and smashing them in bits. They then + rushed upon the balloon and fired it. There was then a general melee. Far + from fleeing the fire, every one struggled to seize and carry off a bit of + the balloon, to preserve as a relic. The two abbes escaped as they best + could, under protection of a number of friends. + </p> + <p> + After this there fell a perfect shower of lampoons and caricatures. The + Abbe Miolan was represented as a cat with a band round its neck, while + Janninet appeared as a donkey; and in a coloured print the cat and the ass + are shown arriving in triumph upon their famous balloon at the Academy of + Montmartre, and are received at the hill of Moulins-a-Vent by a solemn + assembly of turkey-cocks and geese in different attitudes. Numerous songs + and epigrams, of which the unfortunate abbes were the subjects, also + appeared at this time. The letters which composed the words “l’Abbe + Miolan” were found to form the anagram, Ballon abime—“the balloon + swallowed up.” + </p> + <p> + The most extravagant balloon project was that of Robertson, who published + a scheme for making a tour of the world. He called it “La Minerva, an + aerial vessel destined for discoveries, and proposed to all the Academies + of Europe, by Robertson, physicist” (Vienna, 1804; reprinted at Paris, + 1820), Robertson dedicated his project to Volta, and in his dedication he + does not scruple to say: “In our age, my friendship seeks only one + gratification, that we should both live a sufficiently long time together + to enable you to calculate and utilise the results of this great machine, + while I take the practical direction of it.” The following is this + aeronaut’s prospectus:— + </p> + <p> + “There is no limit to the sciences and the arts, which cultivation does + not overstep. We have everything to hope and to expect from time, from + chance, and from the genius of man. The difference which there is between + the canoe of the savage and the man-of-war of 124 guns is perhaps as great + as that of balloons as they now are and as they will be in the course of a + century. If you ask of an aeronaut why he cannot command the motions of + his balloon, he will ask of you in his turn why the inventor of the canoe + did not immediately afterwards construct a man-of-war. It must be + recollected that there have not yet elapsed forty years since the + discovery of the balloon, and that to perfect it would be a work of + difficulty, as much from the increased knowledge which such a work would + demand, as from the pecuniary sacrifices and the personal devotion which + it would involve. + </p> + <p> + “Thus this invention, after having at first electrified all savants from + the one end of the world to the other, has suffered the fate of all + discoveries—it was all at once arrested. Did not astronomy wait long + for Newton, and chemistry for Lavoisier, to raise them to something like + the splendour they now enjoy? Was not the magnet a long time a toy in the + hands of the Chinese, without giving birth to the idea of the compass? The + electric fluid was known in the time of Thales, but how many ages did we + wait for the discovery of galvanism? Yet these sciences, which may be + studied in silent retreats, were more likely to yield fruit to the + discoverer than aerostatics, which demand courage and skill, and of which + the experiments, which are always public, are attended with great cost.” + </p> + <p> + Robertson’s proposed machine was to be 150 feet in diameter, and would be + capable of carrying 150,000 lbs. Every precaution was to be taken in order + to make the great structure perfect. It was to accommodate sixty persons + to be chosen by the academics, who should stay in it for several months + should rise to all possible elevations, pass through all climates in all + seasons, make scientific observations, &c. This balloon, penetrating + deserts inaccessible by other means of travel, and visiting places which + travellers have never penetrated, would be of immense use in the science + of geography: and when under the line, if the heat near the earth should + be inconvenient, the aeronauts would, of course, easily rise to elevations + where the temperature is equal and agreeable. When their observations, + their needs, or their pleasures demanded it, they could descend to within + a short distance of the earth, say ninety feet, and fix themselves in + their position by means of an anchor. It might, perhaps, be possible, by + taking the advantage of favourable winds, to make the tour of the world. + “Experience will perhaps demonstrate that aerial navigation presents less + inconvenience and less dangers than the navigation of the seas.” + </p> + <p> + The immensity of the seas seemed to be the only source of insurmountable + difficulties; “but,” says Robertson, “over what a vast space might not one + travel in six months with a balloon fully furnished with the necessaries + of life, and all the appliances necessary for safety? Besides, if, through + the natural imperfection attaching to all the works of man, or either + through accident or age, the balloon, borne above the sea, became + incapable of sustaining the travellers, it is provided with a boat, which + can withstand the waters and guarantee the return of the voyagers.” + </p> + <p> + Such were the ideas promulgated regarding the “Minerva.” The following is + the serious description given of the machine. The numbers correspond with + those on the illustration. + </p> + <p> + “The cock (3) is the symbol of watchfulness; it is also the highest point + of the balloon. An observer, getting up through the interior to the point + at which the watchful fowl is placed, will be able to command the best + view to be had in the ‘Minerva.’ The wings at the side (1 and 2) are to be + regarded as ornamental. The balloon will be 150 feet in diameter, made + expressly at Lyons of unbleached silk, coated within and without with + indict-rubber. This globe sustains a ship, which contains or has attached + to it all the things necessary for the convenience, the observations, and + even the pleasures of the voyagers. + </p> + <p> + “(a) A small boat, in which the passengers might take refuge in case of + necessity, in the event of the larger vessel falling on the sea in a + disabled state. + </p> + <p> + “(b) A large store for keeping the water, wine, and all the provisions of + the expedition. + </p> + <p> + “(cc) Ladders of silk, to enable the passengers to go to all parts of the + balloon. + </p> + <p> + “(e) Closets. + </p> + <p> + “(h) Pilot’s room. + </p> + <p> + “(1) An observatory, containing the compasses and other scientific + instruments for taking the latitude. + </p> + <p> + “(g) A room fitted up for recreations, walking, and gymnastics. + </p> + <p> + “(m) The kitchen, far removed from the balloon. It is the only place where + a fire shall be permitted. + </p> + <p> + “(p) Medicine room. + </p> + <p> + “(v) A theatre, music room, &c. + </p> + <p> + “—The study. + </p> + <p> + “(x) The tents of the air-marines, &c. &c.” + </p> + <p> + This balloon is certainly the most marvellous that has ever been imagined—quite + a town, with its forts, ramparts, cannon, boulevards, and galleries. One + can understand the many squibs and satires which so Utopian a notion + provoked. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter V. First Aerial Voyage in England—Blanchard Crosses the Sea + in a Balloon. + </h2> + <p> + In spite of their known powers of industry and perseverance, the English + did not throw themselves with any great ardour into the exploration of the + atmosphere. From one cause or another it is the French and the Italians + that have chiefly distinguished themselves in this art. The English + historian of aerostation gives some details of the first aerial voyage + made in this country by the Italian, Vincent Lunardy. + </p> + <p> + The balloon was made of silk covered with a varnish of oil, and painted in + alternate stripes—blue and red. It was three feet in diameter. Cords + fixed upon it hung down and were attached to a hoop at the bottom, from + which a gallery was suspended. This balloon had no safety-valve—its + neck was the only opening by which the hydrogen gas was introduced, and by + which it was allowed to escape. + </p> + <p> + In September, 1784, it was carried to the Artillery Ground and filled with + gas. After being two-thirds filled, the gallery was attached with its two + oars or wings, and Lunardy, accompanied by Biggin and Madame Sage, took + his place; but it was found that the balloon had not sufficient lifting + power to carry up the whole three, and Lunardy went up alone, with the + exception of the pigeon, the cat, and the dog, that were with him. + </p> + <p> + The balloon rose to the height of about twenty feet, then followed a + horizontal line, and descended. But the gallery had no sooner touched the + earth than Lunardy threw over the sand that served as ballast, and mounted + triumphantly, amid the applause of a considerable multitude of spectators. + After a time he descended upon a common, where he left the cat nearly dead + with cold, ascended, and continued his voyage. He says, in the narrative + which he has left, that he descended by means of the one oar which was + left to him, the other having fallen over; but, as he states that, in + order to rise again, he threw over the remainder of his ballast, it is + natural to believe that the descent of the balloon was caused by the loss + of gas, because, if he descended by the use of the oar, he must have + re-ascended when he stopped using it. He landed in the parish of Standon, + where he was assisted by the peasants. + </p> + <p> + He assures us again that he came down the second time by means of the oar. + He says:—“I took my oar to descend, and in from fifteen to twenty + minutes I arrived at the earth after much fatigue, my strength being + nearly exhausted. My chief desire was to escape a shock on reaching the + earth, and fortune favoured me.” The fear of a concussion seems to + indicate that he descended more because of the weight of the balloon than + by the action of the oar. + </p> + <p> + It appears that the only scientific instrument he had was a thermometer + which fell to 29 degrees. The drops of water which had attached themselves + to the balloon were frozen. + </p> + <p> + The second aerial journey in England was undertaken by Blanchard and + Sheldon. The latter, a professor of anatomy in the Royal Academy, is the + first Englishman who ever went up in a balloon. This ascent was made from + Chelsea on the 16th October, 1784. + </p> + <p> + The same balloon which Blanchard had used in France served him on this + occasion, with the difference that the hoop which went round the middle of + it, and the parasol above the car, were dispensed with. At the extremity + of his car he had fitted a sort of ventilator, which he was able to move + about by means of a winch. This ventilator, together with the wings and + the helm, were to serve especially the purpose of steering at will, which + he had often said was quite practicable as soon as a certain elevation had + been reached. + </p> + <p> + The two aeronauts ascended, having with them a number of scientific and + musical instruments, some refreshments, ballast, &c. Twice the ascent + failed, and eventually Sheldon got out, and Blanchard went up again alone. + </p> + <p> + Blanchard says that, on this second ascent, he was carried first + north-east, then east-south-east of Sunbury in Middlesex. He rose so high + that he had great difficulty in breathing, the pigeon he had with him + escaped, but could hardly maintain itself in the rarefied air of such an + elevated region, and finding no place to rest, came back and perched on + the side of the car. After a time, the cold becoming excessive, Blanchard + descended until he could distinguish men on the earth, and hear their + shouting. After many vicissitudes he landed upon a plain in Hampshire, + about seventy-five miles from the point of departure. It was observed + that, so long as he could be clearly seen, he executed none of the feats + with his wings, ventilator, &c., which he had promised to exhibit. + </p> + <p> + Enthusiasm about aerial voyages was now at its climax; the most wonderful + deeds were spoken of as commonplace, and the word “impossible” was erased + from the language. Emboldened by his success, Blanchard one day announced + in the newspapers that he would cross from England to France in a balloon—a + marvellous journey, the success of which depended altogether upon the + course of the wind, to the mercy of which the bold aeronaut committed + himself. + </p> + <p> + A certain Dr. Jeffries offered to accompany Blanchard. On the 7th of + January the sky was calm, in consequence of a strong frost during the + preceding night, the wind which was very light, being from the + north-north-west. The arranged meets were made above the cliffs of Dover. + When the balloon rose, there were only three sacks of sand of 10 lbs. each + in it. They had not been long above ground when the barometer sank from + 29.7 to 27.3. Dr. Jeffries, in a letter addressed to the president of the + Royal Society, describes with enthusiasm the spectacle spread out before + him: the broad country lying behind Dover, sown with numerous towns and + villages, formed a charming view; while the rocks on the other side, + against which the waves dashed, offered a prospect that was rather trying. + </p> + <p> + They had already passed one-third of the distance across the Channel when + the balloon descended for the second time, and they threw over the last of + their ballast; and that not sufficing, they threw over some books, and + found themselves rising again. After having got more than half way, they + found to their dismay, from the rising of the barometer, that they were + again descending, and the remainder of their books were thrown over. At + twenty-five minutes past two o’clock they had passed three-quarters of + their journey, and they perceived ahead the inviting coasts of France. + But, in consequence either of the loss or the condensation of the + inflammable gas, they found themselves once more descending. They then + threw over their provisions, the wings of the car, and other objects. “We + were obliged,” says Jeffries, “to throw out the only bottle we had, which + fell on the water with a loud sound, and sent up spray like smoke.” + </p> + <p> + They were now near the water themselves, and certain death seemed to stare + them in the face. It is said that at this critical moment Jeffries offered + to throw himself into the sea, in order to save the life of his companion. + </p> + <p> + “We are lost, both of us,” said he; “and if you believe that it will save + you to be lightened of my weight, I am willing to sacrifice my life.” + </p> + <p> + This story has certainly the appearance of romance, and belief in it is + not positively demanded. + </p> + <p> + One desperate resource only remained—they could detach the car and + hang on themselves to the ropes of the balloon. They were preparing to + carry out this idea, when they imagined they felt themselves beginning to + ascend again. It was indeed so. The balloon mounted once more; they were + only four miles from the coast of France, and their progress through the + air was rapid. All fear was now banished. Their exciting situation, and + the idea that they were the first who had ever traversed the Channel in + such a manner, rendered them careless about the want of certain articles + of dress which they had discarded. At three o’clock they passed over the + shore half-way between Cape Blanc and Calais. Then the balloon, rising + rapidly, described a great arc, and they found themselves at a greater + elevation than at any part of their course. The wind increased in + strength, and changed a little in its direction. Having descended to the + tops of the trees of the forest of Guines, Dr. Jeffries seized a branch, + and by this means arrested their advance. The valve was then opened, the + gas rushed out, and the aeronauts safely reached the ground after the + successful accomplishment of this daring and memorable enterprise. + </p> + <p> + A number of horsemen, who had watched the recent course of the balloon, + now rode up, and gave the adventurers the most cordial reception. On the + following day a splendid fete was celebrated in their honour at Calais. + Blanchard was presented with the freedom of the city in a box of gold, and + the municipal body purchased the balloon, with the intention of placing it + in one of the churches as a memorial of this experiment, it being also + resolved to erect a marble monument on the spot where the famous aeronauts + landed. + </p> + <p> + Some days afterwards Blanchard was summoned before the king, who conferred + upon him an annual pension of 1,200 livres. The queen, who was at play at + the gambling table, placed a sum for him upon a card, and presented him + with the purse which she won. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VI. Zambeccari’s Perilous Trip Across the Adriatic Sea. + </h2> + <p> + There is not in the whole annals of aerostation a more moving catastrophe + than that of the unfortunate Comte Zambeccari, who, during an aerial + journey on October the 7th, 1804, was cast away on the waves of the + Adriatic. + </p> + <p> + The history of Zambeccari is dramatic throughout. After having been taken + by the Turks and thrown into the Bay of Constantinople, from which he with + difficulty escaped, he devoted himself to the study and practice of aerial + navigation. He fancied he could make use of a lamp supplied with spirits + of wine, the flame of which he could direct at will, in the hope of thus + being able to steer the balloon in whatever direction he chose. One day + his balloon damaged itself against a tree at Boulogne, and the spirits of + wine set his clothes on fire. The flames with which the aeronaut was + covered only served to increase the ascending power of the balloon, and + the frightened spectators, among whom were Zambeccari’s young wife and + children, saw him carried up into the clouds out of sight. He succeeded, + however, in extinguishing the fire which surrounded him. + </p> + <p> + In 1804, he organised a series of experiments at Milan, for which he + received, in advance, the sum of 8,000 crowns; but the experiments failed, + in consequence of the inclemency of the weather, the treachery of his + assistants, and the malice of his rivals. + </p> + <p> + At length, on the 7th of October, after a fall of rain which lasted + forty-eight hours, and which had delayed the announced ascent, he + resolved, whatever might happen, to carry it out, though all the chances + were against him. Eight young men whom he had instructed, and who had + promised him their assistance in filling the balloon, failed him at the + critical moment. Still, however, he continued his labours, with the help + of two companions, Andreoli and Grassetti. Wearied with his long-continued + efforts, dis-appointed and hungry, he took his place in the car. + </p> + <p> + The two companions whom we have named went with him. They rose gently at + first, and hovered over the town of Bologna. Zambeccari says, “The lamp, + which was intended to increase our ascending force, became useless. We + could not observe the state of the barometer by the feeble light of a + lantern. The insupportable cold that prevailed in the high region to which + we had ascended, the weariness and hunger arising from my having neglected + to take nourishment for twenty-four hours, the vexation that embittered my + spirit—all these combined produced in me a total prostration, and I + fell upon the floor of the gallery in a profound sleep that was like + death. ‘The same misfortune overtook my companion Grassetti. Andreoli was + the only one who remained awake and able for duty—no doubt because + he had taken plenty of food and a large quantity of rum. Still he suffered + from the cold, which was excessive, and his endeavours to wake me were for + a long time vain. Finally, however, he succeeded in getting me to my feet, + but my ideas were confused, and I demanded of him, like one newly awaking + from a dream, ‘What is the news? Where are we? What time is it? How is the + wind?’ + </p> + <p> + “It was two o’clock. The compass had been broken, and was useless; the wax + light in the lantern would not burn in such a rarefied atmosphere. We + descended gently across a thick layer of whitish clouds, and when we had + got below them, Andreoli heard a sound, muffled and almost inaudible, + which he immediately recognised as the breaking of waves in the distance. + Instantly he announced to me this new and fearful danger. I listened, and + had not long to wait before I was convinced that he was speaking the + truth. It was necessary to have light to examine the state of the + barometer, and thus ascertain what was our elevation above the sea level, + and to take our measures in consequence. Andreoli broke five phosphoric + matches, without getting a spark of fire. Nevertheless, we succeeded, + after very great difficulty, by the help of the flint and steel, in + lighting the lantern. It was now three o’clock in the morning—we had + started at midnight. The sound of the waves, tossing with wild uproar, + became louder and louder, and I suddenly saw the surface of the sea + violently agitated just below us. I immediately seized a large sack of + sand, but had not time to throw it over before we were all in the water, + gallery and all. In the first moment of fright, we threw into the sea + everything that would lighten the balloon—our ballast, all our + instruments, a portion of our clothing, our money, and the oars. As, in + spite of all this, the balloon did not rise, we threw over our lamp also. + After having torn and cut away everything that did not appear to us to be + of indispensable necessity, the balloon, thus very much lightened, rose + all at once, but with such rapidity and to such a prodigious elevation, + that we had difficulty in hearing each other, even when shouting at the + top of our voices. I was ill, and vomited severely. Grassetti was bleeding + at the nose; we were both breathing short and hard, and felt oppression on + the chest. As we were thrown upon our backs at the moment when the balloon + took such a sudden start out of the water and bore us with such swiftness + to those high regions, the cold seized us suddenly, and we found ourselves + covered all at once with a coating of ice. I could not account for the + reason why the moon, which was in its last quarter, appeared on a parallel + line with us, and looked red as blood. + </p> + <p> + “After having traversed these regions for half an hour, at an immeasurable + elevation, the balloon slowly began to descend, and at last we fell again + into the sea, at about four in the morning I cannot determine at what + distance we were from land when we fell the second time. The night was + very dark, the sea rolling heavily, and we were in no condition to make + observations. But it must have been in the middle of the Adriatic that we + fell. Although we descended gently, the gallery was sunk, and we were + often entirely covered with water. The balloon being now more than half + empty, in consequence of the vicissitudes through, which we had passed, + gave a purchase to the wind, which pressed against it as against a sail, + so that by means of it we were dragged and beaten about at the mercy of + the storm and the waves. At daybreak we looked out and found ourselves + opposite Pesaro, four miles from the shore. We were comforting ourselves + with the prospect of a safe landing, when a wind from the land drove us + with violence away over the open sea. It was now full day, but all we + could see were the sea, the sky, and the death that threatened us. + Certainly some boats happened to come within sight; but no sooner did they + see the balloon floating and striping upon the water than they made all + sail to get away from it. No hope was then left to us but the very small + one of making the coasts of Dalmatia, which were opposite, but at a great + distance from us. Without the slightest doubt we should have been drowned + if heaven had not mercifully directed towards us a navigator who, better + informed than those we had seen before, recognised our machine to be a + balloon and quickly sent his long-boat to our rescue. The sailors threw us + a stout cable, which we attached to the gallery, and by means of which + they rescued us when fainting with exposure. The balloon thus lightened, + immediately rose into the air, in spite of all the efforts of the sailors + who wished to capture it. The long boat received a severe shock from its + escape, as the rope was still attached to it, and the sailors hastened to + cut themselves free. At once the balloon mounted with incredible rapidity, + and was lost in the clouds, where it disappeared for ever from our view. + It was eight in the morning when we got on board. Grassetti was so ill + that he hardly showed any signs of life. His hands were sadly mutilated. + Cold, hunger, and the dreadful anxiety had completely prostrated me. The + brave captain of the vessel did everything in his power to restore us. He + conducted us safely to Ferrara, whence we were carried to Pola, where we + were received with the greatest kindness, and where I was compelled to + have my fingers amputated.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VII. Garnerin—Parachutes—Aerostation at Public Fetes. + </h2> + <p> + “On the 22nd October, 1797,” says the astronomer Lalande, “at twenty-eight + minutes past five, Citizen Garnerin rose in a balloon from the park of + Monceau. Silence reigned in the assembly, anxiety and fear being painted + on the visages of all. When he had ascended upwards of 2,000 feet, he cut + the cord that connected his parachute and car with the balloon. The latter + exploded, and Garnerin descended in his parachute very rapidly. He made a + dreadful lurch in the air, that forced a sudden cry of fear from the whole + multitude, and made a number of women faint. Meanwhile Citizen Garnerin + descended into the plain of Monceau; he mounted his horse upon the spot, + and rode back to the park, attended by an immense multitude, who gave vent + to their admiration for the skill and talent of the young aeronaut. + Garnerin was the first to undertake this most daring and dangerous + venture. He had conceived the idea of this feat while lying a prisoner of + state in Buda, Hungary.” Lalande adds that he went and announced his + success at the Institute National, which was assembled at the time, and + which listened to him with the greatest interest. + </p> + <p> + Robertson conducted an experiment of descending by means of a parachute at + Vienna, in 1804, in which he received all the glory, without partaking of + any of the danger. He made the public preparations for an ascent in the + balloon, his pupil, Michaud, however, took his place in the car, and made + the ascent. + </p> + <p> + Robertson says that on this occasion he yielded to the entreaties of a + young man who was his pupil, and had begged to be allowed to make his + debut before such a great multitude. In this case a slight improvement was + made in the parachute. The car was surrounded by a cloth of silk, which, + when the aeronaut cut himself away from the balloon, spread itself out in + such a way as to form a second parachute. + </p> + <p> + Robertson made all the preparations, and Michaud had no more to do than + place himself in the car. Loud applause arose on all sides. Michaud had + ascended 900 feet above the earth when the signal for his cutting himself + clear of the balloon was given, by the firing of a cannon. He at once cut + the two strings, and the balloon soared away into the upper regions, + whilst he was left for one terrible moment to fate. The fall was at first + rapid, but the two parachutes soon opened themselves simultaneously, and + presented a majestic appearance. In a few seconds the aeronaut had + traversed the space that intervened between him and the assembly, and + found himself safely landed on the ground, at a short distance from the + place whence he had set out, while the whole air was rent with shouts of + applause. This experiment was deemed a most extraordinary one. Compliments + were showered upon Robertson from all sides, and the court presented him + with rich presents. + </p> + <p> + Balloons have always formed a prominent feature at the fetes of Paris, for + the celebration of the chief events of the Revolution, the Consulate, and + the Empire—the first of these epochs being that in which these + aerial vessels were held in highest esteem. + </p> + <p> + Jacques Garnerin had played a brilliant role as aeronaut under the + Directory, the Consulate, and the Empire; and it was he who after the + coronation of the Emperor Napoleon I., was charged with the raising of a + monster balloon, which was arranged to ascend, with the accompaniment of + fireworks, on the evening of the 16th of December, 1804. + </p> + <p> + An uncommon incident connected with this event serves to show us the + spirit of fatalism with which the character of Napoleon I. was infected. + “The Man of Destiny” believed in the destiny of man; he had faith in his + star alone; and from the height of his greatness the new ruler, + consecrated emperor and king by the Pope, beheld a presage of misfortune + in a chance circumstance, insignificant to all but himself, in the + experiment of which we are about to recount the history. + </p> + <p> + The fete given by the city of Paris to their majesties embraced the whole + town, from the Champs Elysees to the Barriere du Trone, on the square of + the Hotel de Ville. Upon the river throughout its length between the Isle + of St. Louis and the bridge of Notre Dame, an immense display of fireworks + was to take place. The scene to be represented was the passage of Mont St. + Bernard. Garnerin was stationed with his balloon in front of the gate of + the church of Notre Dame. At eleven o’clock in the evening, at the moment + when the first discharge of fireworks made the air luminous with a hundred + thousand stars, Garnerin threw off his immense balloon. The chief feature + of it was the device of a crown, designed in coloured lanterns arranged + round the globe. It rose splendidly, and with the most perfect success. + </p> + <p> + On the following morning the inhabitants of Rome were astounded to behold + advancing toward them from the horizon a luminous globe, which threatened + to descend upon their city. The excitement was intense. The balloon passed + the cupola of St. Peter’s and the Vatican; then descending, it touched the + ground, but rose again, and finally it sank into the wafers of Lake + Bracciano. + </p> + <p> + It was drawn from the water, and the following inscription, emblazoned in + letters of gold upon its vast circumference, was printed, published, and + read throughout the whole of Italy—“Paris, 25eme Primaire, an XIII., + couronnement de l’empereur Napoleon, 1er par S.S. Pie VII.” + </p> + <p> + In touching the earth, the balloon happened to strike against the tomb of + the Emperor Nero, and, owing to the concussion, a portion of the crown was + left upon this ancient monument. The Italian journals, which were not so + strictly under the supervision of the government as were the journals of + France, gave the full particulars of these minor events; and certain of + them, connecting the names of Nero and Napoleon, indulged in malicious + remarks at the expense of the French emperor. These facts came to the ear + of the great general, who manifested much indignation, dismissed the + innocent Garnerin from his post, and appointed Madame Blanchard to the + supervision of all the balloon ascents which took place at the public + fetes. + </p> + <p> + The balloon was preserved in the vaults of the Vatican in Rome, + accompanied with an inscription narrating its travels and wonderful + descent—minus the circumstance of the tomb. It was removed, as might + be supposed, in 1814. From this time the ascents of balloons took place + for the most part only on the occasions of coronations and other great + public fetes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VIII. Green’s Great Journey Across Europe. + </h2> + <p> + It is probable that at the origin of navigation, man, before he had + invented oars and sails, made use of trunks of trees upon which he trusted + himself, leaving the rest to the winds and the currents of the water, + whether these were known or unknown. There is some analogy between such + rude rafts, the first discovered means of navigation on water, and + balloons, the first discovered means of navigation in air. But + unquestionably the advantage is with the latter. No means have yet been + found of directly steering balloons, but by allowing the gas to escape the + aeronaut can descend at will, and by lightening his car of part of the + ballast he carries he can ascend as readily. It must also be remembered + that the currents of air vary in their directions, according to their + elevation, and were the aeronaut perfectly acquainted with aerial + currents, he might, by raising or lowering himself, find a wind blowing in + the direction in which he wished to proceed, and the last problem of + aerostation would be solved. That any such knowledge can ever be acquired + it is impossible to say; but this much may with safety be advanced, that + distant journeys may frequently be taken with balloons for useful + purposes. + </p> + <p> + One of the most remarkable excursions of this kind was that superintended + by Green, in 1836, from London to Germany. This journey, 1,200 miles in + length, is the longest that has been yet accomplished. Green set out from + London on the 7th of November, 1836, accompanied by two friends—Monk-Mason, + the historian of the journey, and a gentleman named Molland. Not knowing + to what quarter of the globe he might be blown, Green provided himself + with passports to all the states of Europe, and with a quantity of + provisions sufficient to last him for some time, should he be driven by + the wind over the sea. Shortly after mid-day the balloon rose with great + grandeur, and, urged by a light breeze, floated to the south-east, over + the plains of Kent. At four o’clock the voyagers sighted the sea. + </p> + <p> + “It was forty-eight minutes past four,” says Monk-Mason, “that we first + saw the line of waves breaking on the shores beneath us. It would have + been impossible to have remained unmoved by the grandeur of the spectacle + that spread out before us. Behind us were the coasts of England, with + their white cliffs half lost in the coming darkness. Beneath us on both + sides the ocean spread out far end wide to where the darkness closed in + the scene. Opposite us a barrier of thick clouds like a wall, surmounted + all along its line with projections like so many towers, bastions, and + battlements, rose up from the sea as if to stop our advance. A few minutes + afterwards we were in the midst of this cloudy barrier, surrounded with + darkness, which the vapours of the night increased. We heard no sound. The + noise of the waves breaking on the shores of England had ceased, and our + position had for some time cut us off from all the sounds of earth.” + </p> + <p> + In an hour the Straits of Dover were cleared, the lights of Calais shone + out toward the voyagers, and the sound of the town drums rose up toward + them. “Darkness was now complete,” continues the writer, “and it was only + by the lights, sometimes isolated, sometimes seen in masses, and showing + themselves far down on the earth beneath us, that we could form a guess of + the countries we traversed, or of the towns and villages which appeared + before us every moment. The whole surface of the earth for many leagues + round showed nothing but scattered lights, and the face of the earth + seemed to rival the vault of heaven with starry fires. Every moment in the + earlier part of the night before men had betaken themselves to repose, + clusters of lights appeared indicating large centres of population. + </p> + <p> + “Those on the horizon gave us the notion of a distant conflagration. In + proportion as we approached them, these masses of lights appeared to + increase, and to cover a greater space, until, when right over them, they + seemed to divide themselves into different parts, to stretch out in long + streets, and to shine in starry quadrangles round the squares, so that we + could see the exact plan of each city, given as on a small map. It would + be difficult to give an idea of what sort of effect such a scene in such + circumstances produces. To find oneself transported in the darkness of + night, in the midst of vast solitudes of air, unknown, unperceived, in + secret and in silence, exploring territories, traversing kingdoms, + watching towns which come into view, and pass out of it before one can + examine them in detail—these circumstances are enough in themselves + to render sublime a science which, independent of these adjuncts, would be + so interesting. If you add to this the uncertainty which, increasing as we + went on into the night, began to assail us respecting our voyage, our + ignorance of where we were, and what were the objects we were attempting + to discover, you may form some idea of our singular position.” + </p> + <p> + About midnight, the travellers found themselves above Liege. Situated in + the midst of a thickly-peopled country, full of foundries, smelting works, + and forges, this town was quite a blaze of light. The gas-lamps with which + this town is so well lighted, clearly marked out for our travellers the + main streets, the squares, and the public buildings. But after midnight, + at which time the lamps in continental towns are mostly put out, the whole + of the under world disappeared from the view of the aeronauts. + </p> + <p> + “After the turn of the night,” says Mason, “the moon did not show itself, + and the heavens, always more sombre when regarded from great altitudes, + seemed to us to intensify the natural darkness. On the other hand, by a + singular contrast, the stars shone out with unusual brilliancy, and seemed + like living sparks sown upon the ebony vault that surrounded us. In fact, + nothing could exceed the intensity of the night which prevailed during + this part of our voyage. A black profound abyss surrounded us on all + sides, and, as we attempted to penetrate into the mysterious deeps, it was + with difficulty we could beat back the idea and the apprehension that we + were making a passage through an immense mass of black marble, in which we + were enclosed, and which, solid to within a few inches of us, appeared to + open up at our approach.” + </p> + <p> + Until three o’clock the voyagers were in this state. The height of the + balloon, as calculated by the barometer, was 2,000 feet. They had not then + anything to fear from a disastrous encounter, when all at once a sudden + explosion was heard, the silk of the balloon quivered, the car received a + violent shock, and seemed to be shot suddenly into the gloomy abyss. A + second explosion and a third succeeded, accompanied each time by this + fearful shock to the car. The travellers soon found out that, owing to the + great altitude, the gas had expanded, and the rope which surrounded it, + saturated with water, and frozen with the intense cold, had yielded to the + pressure, in jerks which caused the report and the shock. + </p> + <p> + “From time to time,” continues Mason, “vast masses of clouds covered the + lower regions of the atmosphere, and spread a thick, whitish veil over the + earth, intercepting our view, and leaving us for some time uncertain if + this was not a continuation of the same plains covered with snow which we + had already noticed. From these masses of vapour, there seemed more than + once during the night to come a sound as of a great fall of water, or the + contending waves of the sea; and it required all the force of our reason, + joined to our knowledge—such as it was—of the direction of our + route, to repress the idea that we were approaching the sea, and that, + driven by the wind, we had, been carried along the coasts of the North Sea + or the Baltic. As the day advanced these apprehensions disappeared. In + place of the unbroken surface of the sea, we gradually made out the varied + features of a cultivated country, in the midst of which flowed a majestic + river, which lost itself, at both extremities, in the mist that still lay + on the horizon.” + </p> + <p> + This river was the Rhine, and as the neighbourhood seemed suitable for a + descent, and as the travellers did not wish to be carried too far into the + heart of Europe, they allowed a portion of the gas to escape, came + gradually down, and dropped their anchor. + </p> + <p> + It was then half-past seven in the morning. It was only then that the + inhabitants, who had hitherto held themselves aloof, watching the + movements of the strangers from under the brushwood, began to assemble + from all sides. A few words in German spoken from the balloon dissipated + their fears, and, recovering from their mistrust, they hastened + immediately to lend assistance to the aeronauts The latter were now + informed that the place they had selected for their descent was in the + Duchy of Nassau. The town of Wiberg, where Blanchard had descended, after + his ascent at Frankfort in 1785 was, by a singular chance, only two + leagues distant. The three aeronauts received a most flattering reception, + and, in memory of the event, they placed the flag which they had borne in + their car during their adventurous excursion in the ducal palace, side by + side with that of Blanchard. + </p> + <p> + “Thus,” says Mason, “terminated an expedition which, whether we regard the + extent of the journey, the length of time occupied in it, or the results + which were the objects of the experiment, may justly be considered as one + of the most interesting and most important ever undertaken. The best + answer which one could give to those who would be disposed to criticise + the employment of the peculiar means which we made use of, or to doubt + their efficiency, would be to state that, after having traversed without + hindrance, without either danger or difficulty, so large a portion of the + European continent, we arrived at our destination still in possession of + as much force as, had we wished it, might have carried us round the whole + world.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter IX. The “Geant” Balloon. + </h2> + <p> + Not a few of our readers will remember the ascent of Nadar’s colossal + balloon from Paris, on Sunday, the 18th of October, 1863. This balloon was + remarkable as having attached to it a regular two-story house for a car. + Its ascent was witnessed by nearly half a million of persons. The balloon, + after passing over the eastern part of France, Belgium, and Holland, + suffered a disastrous descent in Hanover the day after it started on its + perilous journey. It was a fool-hardy enterprise to construct such a + gigantic and unmanageable balloon, presenting such an immense surface to + the atmosphere, and being so susceptible to adverse aerial currents as to + become the helpless prey of the elements; and it was still more fool-hardy + to place the lives of its passengers at the mercy of such terrible and + ungovernable forces. A large section of the public laboured under the + delusion that Nadar’s balloon was one capable of being steered. In + reality, however, the ‘Geant’ was unquestionably the most rebellious and + unruly specimen of its class that has been made since the days of + Montgolfier. The object in view when this formidable monster was designed + and constructed was to create the means to collect sufficient funds to + form a “Free Association for Aerial Navigation by means of MACHINES + HEAVIER THAN AIR,” and for the construction of machines on this principle. + The receipts from the exhibition of the “Geant” were intended to form the + first capital of the association. The hopes, however, of the promoters + have not been realised in this respect; for while the expenses of the + construction of the balloon have amounted, directly and indirectly, to the + sum of L8,300, its two ascents in Paris and its exhibition in London + produced only L3,300. + </p> + <p> + Space forbids us to enter at length on the various stages of the idea of + aerial navigation by means of an apparatus heavier than the atmosphere. + The idea is not, however, by any means so absurd as it appears at first + sight. Those who, like Arago, declare that the word “impossible” does not + exist, except in the higher mathematics, and those who look hopefully to + the future instead of resting content with the past, will join in + applauding the spirit which dictated the manifesto of aerial locomotion to + the founder of the association which we are about to describe. M. Babinet, + speaking on this subject before the French Polytechnic Association, said: + “It is absurd to talk of guiding balloons. How will you set about it? How + is it possible that a balloon—say, for instance, like the + Flesselles, whose diameter measures 120 feet—can resist and + manoeuvre against opposing winds or currents of air? It would require a + power equal to 400 horses for the sails of a ship to struggle on equal + terms with the wind. Suppose an impossibility, namely, that a balloon + could carry with it a force equal to 400 horse-power; this result would be + of little use, for under the immense weight the fragile covering of the + balloon would instantly collapse. If all the horses of a regiment were + harnessed to the car of a balloon by means of a long rope, the result + would be that the balloon would fly into shivers, being too fragile to + withstand these two opposing forces. Man must seek to raise himself in the + air by another mode of operation altogether, if he wish to guide himself + at the same time. Some time ago I bought a play thing, very much in vogue + at that time, called a Stropheor. This toy was composed of a small + rotating screw propeller, which revolved on its own support when the piece + of string wound round it was pulled sharply. The screw was rather heavy, + weighing nearly a quarter of a pound, and the wings were of tin, very + broad and thick. This machine, however, was rather too eccentric for + parlour use, for its flight was so violent that it was continually + breaking the pier glass, if there was one in the room; and, failing this, + it next attacked the windows. The ascending force of this machine is so + great that I have seen one of them fly over Antwerp Cathedral, which is + one of the highest edifices in the world. The air from underneath the + machine is exhausted by the action of the screw, which, passing under the + wings, causes a vacuum, while the air above it replenishes and fills this + void, and under the influence of these two causes the apparatus mounts + from the earth. But the problem is not solved by means of this plaything, + whose motive power is exterior to it. Messrs. Nadar, Ponton, D’Amecourt, + and De la Landelle teach us better than this, although the wings of their + different models are entirely unworthy of men who desire to demonstrate a + truth to short-lived mortals. We have only arrived as yet at the infancy + of the process, but we have made a good beginning, for, having once proved + that a machine capable of raising itself in the air, wholly unaided from + without, can be made, we have overcome with this apparently small result + the whole difficulty. The principle of propulsion by means of a screw is + by no means a novelty. It was first utilised in windmills, whose sails are + nothing more nor less than an immense screw which is turned by the action + of the wind on its surface. In the case of turbine water-wheels, where + perhaps 970 cubic feet of water are utilised by means of a mechanism not + larger than a hat, we see another illustration of it, with this + difference, that water takes the place of wind as the motive power. + </p> + <p> + “The aerial screw is beset with great difficulties, but if we can succeed + through its agency in raising even the smallest weight, we may be + confident of being able to raise a heavier one, for a large machine is + always more powerful in proportion to its size than a small one. + </p> + <p> + “Mlle. Garnerin once made a bet that she would guide herself in her + descent from a considerable altitude towards a fixed spot on the earth at + some distance, with no other help than the parachute; and she was really + able to guide herself to within a few feet of the specified spot, by + simply altering the inclination of the parachute. + </p> + <p> + “From observations in mountainous districts, where large birds of prey may + be seen to the best advantage hovering with outstretched wings, I have + come to the conclusion that they first of all attain the requisite height + and then, extending their wings in the form of a parachute, let themselves + glide gradually towards the desired spot. Marshal Niel confirms this + opinion by his experience in the mountains of Algeria. It is, therefore, + clear from these examples that we should possess the power of transporting + ourselves from place to place if we could only discover a means of raising + a weight perpendicularly in the air, which would then act as a capital of + power, only requiring to be expended at will.” + </p> + <p> + From the foregoing remarks we may gather an idea of the importance which + may be attached to aerial locomotion notwithstanding the successive + failures of all those who have hitherto taken up the subject. We come now + to the description of the memorable ascent of the ‘Geant.’ + </p> + <p> + We learn from the very interesting account of the ‘Geant,’ published at + the time, all the mishaps and adventures it outlived from the time of the + first stitch in its covering to its final inflation with gas. We must, + however, be content to take up the narrative at the point at which the + ‘Geant,’ with thirteen passengers on board, had, in obedience to the order + to “let go,” been released from the bonds which held it to the earth. The + narrative is, as our readers will perceive, written in somewhat + exaggerated language:— + </p> + <p> + “The ‘Geant’ gave an almost imperceptible shake on finding itself free, + and then commenced to rise. The ascent was slow and gradual at first—the + monster seemed to be feeling its way. An immense shout rose with it from + the assembled multitude. We ascended grandly, whilst the deafening clamour + of two hundred thousand voices seemed to increase. We leant over the edge + of the car, and gazed at the thousands of faces which were turned towards + us from every point of the vast plain, in every conceivable angle of which + we were the common apex. We still ascended. The summits of the double row + of trees which surround the Champ de Mars were already under us. We + reached the level of the cupola of the Military School. The tremendous + uproar still reached us. We glided over Paris in an easterly direction, at + the height of about six hundred feet. Every one took up the best possible + position on the six light cane stools, and on the two long bunks at either + end of the car, and contemplated the marvellous panorama spread out under + us, of which we never grew weary. + </p> + <p> + “There is never any dizziness in a balloon, as is often erroneously + supposed, for in it you are the only point in space without any + possibility of comparison with another, and therefore the means of + becoming giddy are not at hand.” + </p> + <p> + A very experienced aeronaut, who numbers his ascents by hundreds, has + assured me that he never knew of a single case of dizziness. + </p> + <p> + “The earth seems to unfold itself to our view like an immense and + variegated map, the predominant colour of which is green in all its shades + and tints. The irregular division of the country into fields made it + resemble a patchwork counterpane. The size of the houses, churches, + fortresses, was so considerably diminished as to make them resemble + nothing so much as those playthings manufactured at Carlsruhe. This was + the effect produced by a microscopic train, which whistled very faintly to + attract our attention, and which seemed to creep along at a snail’s pace, + though doubtless going at the rate of thirty miles an hour, and was + enveloped in a minute cloud of smoke. What a lasting impression this + microscopic neatness makes on us! What is that white puff I see down + there? the smoke of a cigar? No: it is a cloud of mist. It must be a + perfect plain that we are looking at, for we cannot distinguish between + the different altitudes of a bramble-bush and an oak a hundred years old! + </p> + <p> + “It is one of the delights of an aeronaut to gaze on the familiar scenes + of earth from the immense height of the car of a balloon! What earthly + pleasure can compare with this! Free, calm, silent, roving through this + immense and hospitable space, where no human form can harm me, I despise + every evil power; I can feel the pleasure of existence for the first time, + for I am in full possession, as on no other occasion, of perfect health of + mind and body. The aeronauts of the ‘Geant’ will scarcely condescend to + pity those miserable mortals whom they can only faintly recognise by their + gigantic works, which appear to them not more dignified than ant-hills! + </p> + <p> + “The sun had already set behind the purple horizon in our rear. The + atmosphere was still quite clear round the ‘Geant,’ although there was a + thick haze underneath, through which we could occasionally see lights + glimmering from the earth. We had attained a sufficient altitude to be + only just able to hear noises from villages that we left beneath us, and + were beginning to enjoy the delicious calm and repose peculiar to aerial + ascents. + </p> + <p> + “There is, however, a talk about dinner, or rather supper, and night is + now fast approaching. Every one eats with the best possible appetite. + Hams, fowls and dessert only appear to disappear with an equal + promptitude, and we quench our thirst with bordeaux and champagne. I + remind our companions of the pigeons we brought with us, and which are + hanging in a cage outside the railing. I knew there was no danger of their + flying away, so fearlessly opened the cage. The three or four birds I had + put in the car seemed struck with terror. They flew awkwardly towards the + centre of our party, tumbling among the plates and dishes and under our + feet. It was not a case of hunger with them, and I ought to have + remembered that their feeding time was long since past. I replaced them in + their cage. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile, the sun has left us for some time. Our longing gaze followed + it behind the dark clouds in the horizon, whose edges it tipped with a + glorious purple. Its last rays shone on us, and then came a bluish-grey + twilight. Suddenly we are enveloped in a dense fog. We look around, above + us. Everything has disappeared in the mist. The balloon itself is no + longer visible. We can see nothing except the ropes which suspend us, and + these are only visible for a few feet above our heads, when they lose + themselves in the fog. We are alone with our wickerwork house in an + unfathomable vault. + </p> + <p> + “We still ascend, however, through the compact and terrible fog, which is + so solid-looking as to seem capable of being carved into forms with a + knife. As we were without a moon, and had no light at all, in fact, we + were unable to distinguish nicely the different shades of colour in these + thick clouds. Now and then, when the clouds seemed to be lighter, they had + a bluish tinge; but the thicker ones were dirty and muddy-looking. Dante + must have seen some like these. + </p> + <p> + “Water trickled down our faces, hands, and clothes, and the ropes and + sides of our car. + </p> + <p> + “The water did not fall in rain-drops or in flakes, as it sometimes does + in the tropics; but we were as completely saturated by this heavy, + penetrating mist as if we had been under a waterfall. We still continued + to traverse these rainy regions. The thick fog which the balloon dislodged + in forcing a passage closed immediately after it. At one moment I thought + I felt something press against my cheek, which could only be compared to + the points of a thousand needles, or to floating particles of ice. We were + all of us too much absorbed with our situation to think of the hour or of + the height to which we had attained. Suddenly the Prince of Wittgenstein, + who was standing at my left hand, cried out under his breath— + </p> + <p> + “‘Look at the balloon, sir! look at the balloon!’ + </p> + <p> + “I raised my eyes, in company with several others, and shall never forget + the magnificent sight which awaited them. I saw the balloon, for which I + had been searching in vain a few minutes before. It had undergone a + transformation. It looked now as if coated with silver, and floating in a + pale phosphorescent glimmer. All the ropes and cords seemed to be of new, + bright, and liquid silver, like mercury, caused by the mist which had + rested on them becoming suddenly congealed. Two luminous arcs intervened + between us, in a sea of mother-of-pearl and opal, the lower one being the + colour of red ochre and the upper one orange. Both of them, blinding in + their brilliancy, seemed about to embrace one another. + </p> + <p> + “‘How far are they off?’ thought I to myself. ‘Can I touch them with my + hand, or are they separated from me by an immense space?’ We are not + capable of forming ideas of perspective, floating as we are in the midst + of such a glimmering splendour. + </p> + <p> + “Above and around us are nothing but thick fogs and enormous black clouds, + whose ragged edges and backs are relieved by a pale silver coating. They + undulate ceaselessly to and fro, and either usurp quietly the place of + others, or disappear only to be superseded by more formidable ones. But + the last ray of reflected light has died out, and we plunge into this + chaos of dreadful forms. Monsters seem to wish to approach us, and to + envelop us in their dark embraces. One of them, on my right hand, looks + like a deformed human arm in a menacing attitude, writhing its jagged top + like a blind serpent feeling its way. The vague monster has disappeared; + but the momentary splendour being followed by the original gloom, we + plunge once more into a darkness that can be felt. + </p> + <p> + “The water which had collected on the balloon during its ascent now began + to take effect, and caused it to descend with such rapidity into the dark + abyss that the ballast, which was immediately thrown overboard, was + overtaken in its descent and fell on our heads again. + </p> + <p> + “I hear exclamations and voices near me. My companions are evidently + agitated, and with good reason, too; for the lights which we could see a + long way below us approach with terrible rapidity. We reached the earth + rather quicker than we left it. + </p> + <p> + “Suddenly we feel a dreadful shock, followed by ominous crackings. The car + has grounded. The ‘Geant’ has made its descent. But in what part of the + habitable globe, and under what zone? At Meaux!” + </p> + <p> + To employ an expression of M. Nadar’s it seems that these gentlemen never + before experienced such a “knock-down blow.” + </p> + <p> + After all these preparations, all this trouble, all the energy employed in + the undertaking—sufficient, indeed, wherewith to attempt to cross + the Atlantic—to “descend at Meaux!” + </p> + <p> + The ‘Geant,’ however, had its revenge. Its second ascent gave it this + revenge. We shall be as brief as possible in relating this voyage; but the + details are all so very interesting that we regret extremely our being + unable to give more than extracts from the narrative. + </p> + <p> + Our travellers committed themselves again to the mercy of the air. The + Emperor, following the example of a former King of France, took + considerable interest in the construction of this aerial monster, and + wished the aeronaut “Bon voyage” at starting. The passengers endeavoured + to pass the night as comfortably as possible, having first instituted a + four hours’ watch, as on board ship. + </p> + <p> + The aerial vessel glided rapidly through the air. “We repeatedly,” said + Nadar, “passed over some manufacturing centre, whose lights were not yet + extinguished. I either hailed them with my speaking-trumpet or rang our + two bells. Sometimes we received a reply from below, in the shape of a + shout, for, although we still had no moon, the night was occasionally + clear enough for people to distinguish us; and sometimes we heard a peal + of laughter from out of the atmosphere in which we were travelling. It was + another party of aeronauts in a smaller balloon, who left at the same time + as we did, and who would persist in keeping the ‘Geant’ company. We are + passing over a small town; we hear the usual shouting and the report of a + gun. Our first thoughts are—Was it loaded with shot or ball? The + inhuman brute who fired will say, ‘Certainly not;’ but as balloons have + often been damaged in this way, we may be confident there was more than + powder in this one. It would be satisfactory, at any rate, if the name of + the person could be ascertained who favoured us with this welcome. But it + is rather late to make inquiries on this subject. It was between a quarter + and half-past nine o’clock when this occurred. ‘The sea!’ cried Jules; + ‘look at the revolving lights of the lighthouses. There: one has just + disappeared: it will flash out again in a moment!’ But what is this? + Before us, as far as our eyes can reach, we distinguish faint lights, + which in this case are neither lamps nor torches. As we continue to draw + nearer we get a better view of these numerous, violent, and smoking + furnaces. Loud and ringing sounds strike on our ear at the same time. Am I + right in my conjectures? Is this not that splendid country I love more + than ever now? It must be Erquelines! And the dignified Custom-house + official, had it been possible, would have added thereto ‘Belgium!’ + </p> + <p> + “We still continue to pass over fires, forges, tall chimneys, and coal + mines at frequent intervals. Not long after we distinguish a large town on + our right hand, which, by its size and brilliant lighting by gas, we + recognise as Brussels. There could be no mistake, for close by, more + modest in size and appearance, we see Catholic Malines. We have left it + behind us. + </p> + <p> + “Onward! Onward! Behind us the fires fade gradually away, and disappear + one after another. Before us nothing at present visible. We seemed to + drift on for about one hundred or one hundred and fifty yards more. We + cannot distinguish a single point in front of us on which to fix our gaze. + But we still continue our course in silence. + </p> + <p> + “This mournful darkness, this endless shroud, in which we can discover + neither rent nor spangle, still continues. Where are we? Over what strange + country, possessing neither cities, towns, nor villages, are we hovering + in the tomb-like silence of this interminable darkness? We seem, indeed, + to have been carried by a puff of wind towards the west. + </p> + <p> + “But something seems to approach us. What are those pale rays of light + which we can faintly see a long, long way before us—rays pale and + soft, quite unlike those flaming fires we have left behind us? Surely + these do not denote the presence of human activity! As we continue to + advance, these pale flakes of light—resembling nothing so much in + appearance as molten lead—which at first were scanty and isolated, + gradually expand, and leave only narrow strips of darkness to divide them + into fantastic shapes. By their help we discovered we were passing over + the immense marshes of Holland, which extended to and lost themselves in + the hazy horizon. On our right hand we hear a deep moan, still distant, + but rapidly approaching every moment. It is undoubtedly the rushing of the + wind. A fresh breeze for five minutes would bring us to the sea. + </p> + <p> + “We experienced another shock not less formidable than the first. The + ‘Geant’ is trembling from its effects. The cable of our first anchor has + just broken like a piece of thread. We could not hope for a better result. + The violence of the wind which is carrying us along seems to be redoubled. + A bump: another and another—then shock after shock. + </p> + <p> + “‘The second dead men!’ + </p> + <p> + “Our swift pace was shock after shock. + </p> + <p> + “‘The anchor is lost,’ cries Jules; ‘we are all dead men! + </p> + <p> + “This truth is too palpable to all of us to require expressing in so many + words, for we are just commencing that furious, tearing course called + ‘trailing.’ + </p> + <p> + “Our swift pace was considerably accelerated by the lower part of the + balloon, which—limp, empty, and forming nearly a third of the whole—had + been set free at the first shock, and flapped against the distended part, + acting as a sail. The shocks continued to multiply so fast that it was + impossible to count them. The car continued to rebound from these shocks + to the height of five, ten, sometimes thirty, forty, and even fifty feet, + for all the world like an India-rubber ball from the hands of an + indefatigable player. Unfortunately, all our human freight, terror + stricken and without advice, had crowded into one side of the car; and as + this happened to be the side on which we invariably bumped, we experienced + all the worst effects of the joltings. + </p> + <p> + “What a dizzy whirl! What a succession of breathless shocks! What a strain + on both muscles and nerves! By the least negligence or slip, or by the + loss of presence of mind for one moment, we should have been thrown out + and dashed to atoms. + </p> + <p> + “Every collision tries our muscles and strains our wrists or our + shoulders; and every rebound dashes us one against the other, constituting + each individual a tormentor and victim at the same time. Our flight is so + rapid that we can only distinguish an occasional glimpse of anything. Far, + far in the distance we distinguish an isolated tree. We approach it like + lightning, and we break it as though it were a straw. + </p> + <p> + “Two terrified horses, with manes and tails erect, endeavour to fly from + us. But we consume distances; we leave them behind immediately. We skip + over a flock of affrighted sheep in one of our bounds. But now comes the + real danger. + </p> + <p> + “At this moment, when we were perfectly benumbed with fear, and had lost + all power of articulation, we saw a locomotive, drawing two carriages, + running along an embankment at right angles to our course. A few more + revolutions of the wheels, and it will be all over with us, for we seem to + be fated to meet with geometrical precision at one spot! + </p> + <p> + “What will happen? + </p> + <p> + “Travelling at our present hurricane pace, we shall undoubtedly lift up + and overturn the machine and what it is drawing. But shall we not be + crushed ourselves? A few paces still intervene between us and our foe, and + we give vent to a shout of terror. + </p> + <p> + “It is heard, and the locomotive answers it by a whistle, then slackens + its pace, and after seeming to hesitate an instant backs quickly and only + just in time to give us a free passage, whilst the driver, waving his cap, + salutes us with— + </p> + <p> + “‘Look out for the wires!’ + </p> + <p> + “The caution was well timed, for we had not noticed the four telegraph + wires which we rapidly approached. We energetically ducked our heads on + seeing them, but fortunately we escaped any more damage than having two or + three of our ropes cut. These we continued to drag after us like the tail + of a ragged comet, having the telegraph-wires and the posts which lately + supported them attached to us.” + </p> + <p> + After having been dragged thus for some time at the mercy of a hurricane + which they ought to have been able to avoid, these aerial navigators at + last got entangled in the outskirts of a wood near Rethem, in Hanover. A + few broken arms and legs paid for their temerity in meddling with this + monster, and one and all of the passengers have reason to be thankful that + it will be unnecessary for us to proclaim their virtues and their fate in + our next chapter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter X. The Necrology of Aeronautic + </h2> + <p> + We will conclude this second part by giving a brief notice of some of + those who, in the early days of aerostation, fell martyrs to their + devotion to the new cause, and sometimes victims to their own want of + foresight and their inexperience. + </p> + <p> + First among these is Pilatre des Roziers, with whose courage and ingenuity + our readers are already familiar. After the passage of Blanchard from + England over to France this hero, who was the first to trust himself to + the wide space of the sky, resolved to undertake the return voyage from + France to England—a more difficult feat, owing to the generally + adverse character of the winds and currents. In vain did Roziers’ friends + attempt to make him understand the perils to which this enterprise must + expose him; his only reply was that he had discovered a new balloon which + united in itself all the necessary conditions of security, and would + permit the voyager to remain an unusually long time in the air. He asked + and obtained from government the sum of 40,000 livres, in order to + construct his machine. It then became clear what sort of balloon he had + contrived. He united in one machine the two modes previously made use of + in aerostation. Underneath a balloon filled with hydrogen gas, he + suspended a Montgolfiere, or a balloon filled with hot air from a fire. It + is difficult to understand what was his precise object in making this + combination, for his ideas seem to have been confused upon the subject. It + is probable that, by the addition of a Montgolfiere, he wished to free + himself from the necessity of having to throw over ballast when he wished + to ascend and to let off this gas when he wished to descend. The fire of + the Montgolfiere might, he probably supposed, be so regulated as to enable + him to rise or fall at will. + </p> + <p> + This mixed system has been justly blamed. It was simply “putting fire + beside powder,” said Professor Charles to Roziers; but the latter would + not listen, and depended for everything on his own intrepidity and + scientific skill of which he had already given so many proofs. There were, + perhaps, other reasons for his unyielding obstinacy. The court that had + furnished him with the funds for the construction of the balloon pressed + him, and he himself was most ambitious to equal the achievement of + Blanchard, who was the first to cross the Channel, on the 7th of January, + 1785. + </p> + <p> + The fact was that at this time the prevailing fear in France was, that + Great Britain should bear off all the honours and profits of aerostation + before any of these had been won by France. It was thus that with an + untried machine, and under conditions the most unfavourable for his + enterprise, Roziers prepared to risk his life in this undertaking, which + was equally dangerous and useless. + </p> + <p> + The double balloon was alternately inflated and emptied. While under cover + it was assailed by the rats that gnawed holes in it, and when brought out + of its place it was exposed to the tempests, so that the longer the + experiment was delayed, the worse chance there was of getting through it + successfully. At length Roziers went to Boulogne, and announced the day of + his departure; but, as if by a special Providence, his attempt was delayed + by unfavourable weather. For many weeks in succession the little trial + balloons thrown up to show the course of the wind were driven back upon + the shores of France. During all these trials the impatient Roziers + continued to chafe and torment himself. + </p> + <p> + At last, on the 13th and 14th of June, 1785, the Aero-Montgolfiere + remained inflated, waiting a favourable moment for departure. On the 15th + at four in the morning, a little pilot balloon that had been thrown up + fell back on the spot from which it had been thrown free, thus showing + that there was no wind. Seven hours later Roziers, accompanied by his + brother Romain, one of the constructors of the balloon, appeared in the + gallery. A nobleman present threw a purse of 200 louis into the car, and + was preparing to follow it and join in the adventure. Roziers forbade him + to enter, gently but firmly. + </p> + <p> + “The experiment is too unsafe,” he said, “for me to expose to danger the + life of another.” + </p> + <p> + “Finally,” says a narrative of the time, “the Aero-Montgolfiere rose in an + imposing manner. The sound of cannon signalised the departure, the + voyagers saluted the crowd, who responded with loud shouts. The balloon + advanced until it began to traverse the sea, and every one with eyes fixed + upon the fragile machine, regarded it with fear. It had traversed upwards + of a league of its journey, and had reached the height of 700 feet above + sea level, when a wind from the west drove it back toward the shore, after + having been twenty-seven minutes in the air. + </p> + <p> + “At this moment the crowd beneath perceived that the voyagers were showing + signs of alarm. They seemed suddenly to lower the grating of the + Montgolfiere. But it was too late. A violet flame appeared at the top of + the balloon, then spread over the whole globe, and enveloped the + Montgolfiere and the voyagers. “The unfortunate men were suddenly + precipitated from the clouds to the earth, in front of the Tour de Croy, + upwards of a league from Boulogne, and 300 feet from the sea beach. + </p> + <p> + “The dead body of Roziers was found burnt in the gallery, many of the + bones being broken. His brother was still breathing, but he was not able + to speak, and in a few minutes he expired.” + </p> + <p> + De Maisonfort, who, against his own will, was left on the earth, was + witness of this sad event. He has given the following explanation of it:— + </p> + <p> + “Some minutes after their departure the voyagers were assailed by contrary + winds, which drove them back again upon the land. It is probable that + then, in order to descend and seek a more favourable current of air, which + would take them out again to sea, Roziers opened the valve of the gas + balloon; but the cord attached to this valve was very long, it worked with + difficulty, and the friction which it occasioned tore the valve. The stuff + of the balloon, which had suffered much from many preliminary attempts, + and from other causes, was torn to the extent of several yards, and the + valve fell down inside the balloon, which at once emptied itself.” + </p> + <p> + According to this narrative, there was no conflagration of the gas in the + middle of the atmosphere, nor is it stated precisely whether the grating + of the Montgolfiere was lighted. + </p> + <p> + Maisonfort ran to the spot when the travellers fell, found them covered + with the cloth of the balloon, and occupying the same positions which they + had taken up on departing. + </p> + <p> + By a sad chance, that seems like irony, they were thrown down only a few + paces from the monument which marks the spot where Blanchard descended. At + the present day Frenchmen going to England via Calais do not fail to visit + at the forest of Guines the monument consecrated to the expedition of + Blanchard. A few paces from this monument the cicerone will point out with + his finger the spot where his rivals expired. + </p> + <p> + “Such was the end of the first of aeronauts, and the most courageous of + men,” says a contemporaneous historian. “He died a martyr to honour and to + zeal. His kindness, amiability, and modesty endeared him to all who knew + him. She who was dearest to him—a young English lady, who boarded at + a convent at Boulogne, and whom he had first met only a few days prior to + his last ascent—could not support the news of his death. Horrible + convulsions seized her and she expired, it is said, eight days after the + dreadful catastrophe. Roziers died at the age of twenty-eight and a half + years.” + </p> + <p> + Olivari perished at Orleans on the 25th of November, 1802. He had ascended + in a Montgolfiere made of paper, strengthened only by some bands of cloth. + His car, made of osiers, and loaded with combustible matter, was suspended + below the grating; and when at a great elevation it became the prey of the + flames. The aeronaut, thus deprived of his support, fell, at the distance + of a league from the spot from which he had risen. + </p> + <p> + Mosment made his last ascent at Lille on the 7th of April, 1806. His + balloon was made of silk, and was filled with hydrogen gas. Ten minutes + after his departure he threw into the air a parachute with which he had + provided himself. It is supposed that the oscillations consequent on the + throwing off of the parachute were the cause of they aeronaut’s fall. Some + pretend that Mosment had foretold his death, and that it was caused by a + willful carelessness. However this may be, the balloon continued its + flight alone, and the body of the aeronaut was found partly buried in the + sand of the fosse which surrounds the town. + </p> + <p> + Bittorff made a great many successful ascents. He never used any machine + but the Montgolfiere. At Manheim, on the 17th of July, the day of his + death his balloon, which was of paper, sixteen metres in diameter, and + twenty in height, took fire in the air, and the aeronaut was thrown down + upon the town. His fall was mortal. + </p> + <p> + Harris, an old officer of the English navy, together with another English + aeronaut, named Graham, had made a great many ascents. He conceived the + idea of constructing a balloon upon an original plan; but his alterations + do not seem to have been improvements. In May, 1824, he attempted an + ascent from London, which had much apparent success, but which terminated + fatally. When at a great elevation, it seems, the aeronaut, wishing to + descend, opened the valve. It had not been well constructed, and after + being opened it would not close again. The consequent loss of gas brought + the balloon down with great force. Harris lost his life with the fall; but + the young lady who had accompanied him received only a trifling wound. + </p> + <p> + Sadler, a celebrated English aeronaut, who, in one of his many + experiments, had crossed the Irish Channel between Dublin and Holyhead, + lost his life miserably near Bolton, on the 28th of September, 1824. + Deprived of his ballast, in consequence of his long sojourn in the air, + and forced at last to descend, at a late hour, upon a number of high + buildings, the wind drove him violently against a chimney. The force of + the shock threw him out of his car, and he fell to the earth and died. His + prudence and knowledge were unquestionable, and his death is to be + ascribed alone to accident. It was an aerial shipwreck. + </p> + <p> + Cocking had gone up twice in Mr. Green’s balloon as a simple amateur. He + took it into his head to go up a third time. He wished to attempt a + descent in a parachute of his own construction, which he believed was + vastly superior to the ordinary one. He altered the form altogether, + though that form had been proved to be satisfactory. In place of a concave + surface, supporting itself on a volume of air, Cocking used an inverted + cone, of an elaborate construction, which, instead of supporting him in + the air, only accelerated his fall. Unhappily, Green participated in this + experiment. The two made an ascent from Vauxhall, on the 27th of + September, 1836, Green having suspended Cocking’s wretched contrivance + from the car of his balloon. Cocking held on by a rope, and at the height + of from 1,000 to 1,200 feet the amateur, with his patent parachute, were + thrown off from the balloon. A moment afterwards Green was soaring away + safely in his machine, but Cocking was launched into eternity. + </p> + <p> + “The descent was so rapid,” says one who witnessed it, “that the mean rate + of the fall was not less than twenty yards a second. In less than a minute + and a half the unfortunate aeronaut was thrown to the earth, and killed by + the fall.” + </p> + <p> + Madame Blanchard, thinking to improve upon Garnerin, who had decorated the + balloon which ascended in celebration of the coronation of Napoleon I. + with coloured lights, fixed fireworks instead to hers. A wire rope ten + yards long was suspended to her car; at the bottom of this wire rope was + suspended a broad disc of wood, around which the fireworks were ranged. + These consisted of Bengal and coloured lights. On the 6th of July, 1819, + there was a great fete at Tivoli, and a multitude had assembled around the + balloon of Madame Blanchard. Cannon gave the signal of departure, and soon + the fireworks began to show themselves. The balloon rose splendidly, to + the sound of music and the shoutings of the people. A rain of gold and + thousands of stars fell from the car as it ascended. A moment of calm + succeeded, and then to the eyes of the spectators, still fixed on the + balloon, an unexpected light appeared. This light did not come from under + the balloon, where the crown of fireworks was already extinguished, but + shone in the car itself. It was evident that the lady aeronaut, although + now so high above the spectators, was busy about something. The light + increased, then disappeared suddenly; then appeared again, and showed + itself finally at the summit of the balloon, in the form of an immense jet + of gas. The gas with which the balloon was inflated had taken fire, and + the terrible glare which the light threw around was perceived from the + boulevards, and all the Quartier Montmartre. + </p> + <p> + It was at this moment—a frightful one for those who perceived what + had taken place—that a general sentiment of satisfaction and + admiration among the spectators found vent in cries of “Brava! Vive Madame + Blanchard!” &c. The people thought the lady was giving them an + unexpected treat. Meantime, by the light of the flame, the balloon was + seen gradually to descend. It disappeared when it reached the houses, like + a passing meteor, or a train of fire which a blast of wind suddenly + extinguishes. A number of workmen and other persons, who had perceived + that some accident had taken place, ran in the direction in which the + balloon appeared to descend. They arrived at a house in the Rue de + Provence. On the roof of this house the balloon had fallen, and the + unfortunate Madame Blanchard, thrown out of the car by the shock, was + killed by her fall to the earth. + </p> + <p> + This news spread rapidly from Tivoli, where it occasioned a stupefying + surprise. It was the first time that a fall of the kind had taken place + from the sky at Paris. Fireworks were from this time discontinued, the + fete came to an end, and a subscription was rapidly organised, producing + some thousands of francs, which shortly afterwards were employed in + erecting a monument to the lady, which is now to be seen in the cemetery + of Pere-la-Chaise. + </p> + <p> + Madame Blanchard had wished to surpass the ordinary spectacle of an aerial + ascent; she had really prepared a SURPRISE for the spectators. She had + prepared and she took with her a small parachute of about two yards in + diameter. After the extinction of the crown or star of fireworks, she + intended to throw this little parachute loose; and as it was terminated by + another supply of fireworks, it was supposed that the effect would be as + beautiful as surprising. + </p> + <p> + The unhappy lady was small in stature, and very light, and unfortunately + made use of a very small balloon. That of the 6th of July, 1819, was only + seven metres in diameter; and to make it ascend with the weight it carried + it had to be filled to the neck with inflammable air. In quitting the + earth some of this gas escaped, and rising above the balloon, formed a + train like one of powder, which would certainly flash into a blaze the + moment it came in contact with the fire. But on this day it was she who + with her own hand fired this train. At the moment when, detaching the + little parachute from her car, she took the light for the fireworks in her + other hand, she crossed this train with the light and set it on fire. Then + the brave woman, throwing away the parachute and the match, strove to + close the mouth of the balloon, and to stifle the fire. These efforts + being unavailing, Madame Blanchard was distinctly seen to sit down in her + car and await her fate. + </p> + <p> + The burning of the hydrogen lasted several minutes, during which time the + balloon gradually descended. Had it not been that it struck on the roof of + the house Madame Blanchard would have been saved. At the moment of the + shock she was heard to cry out, “A moi.” These were her last words. The + car, going along the roof of the house, was caught by an iron bar and + overturned, and the lady was thrown head foremost upon the pavement. + </p> + <p> + When she reached the ground she immediately expired. Her head and + shoulders were slightly burnt, otherwise she exhibited no marks of the + fire which had destroyed the balloon. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PART3" id="link2H_PART3"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PART III. Scientific Experiments—Applications of Ballooning. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter I. Experiments of Robertson, Lhoest, Saccarof, &c. + </h2> + <p> + Robertson is regarded by many as a sort of mountebank; yet such men as + Arago have put themselves to the trouble of examining the aerostatic feats + of this aeronaut, and of examining the results of his observations. + </p> + <p> + “The savant Robertson,” says Arago, “performed at Hamburg on the 18th of + July, 1803, with his countryman, Lhoest, the first aeronautic voyage from + which science has been able to draw useful deductions. The two aeronauts + remained suspended in the air during five hours, and came down near + Hanover, twenty-five leagues from the spot from which they set off.” + </p> + <p> + The first time that Robertson appears in the annals of aerostation is in + 1802, on the occasion of the sale of the balloon used at the battle of + Fleurus, of which mention will be made in the chapter on military + aerostation. But three years previously he had been instructed to make a + balloon of an original form, which should ascend in honour of the Turkish + ambassador at the garden of Tivoli. The fete was completely successful. + Turks, Chinese, Persians, and Bedouins will always be welcome, as on this + occasion, at Paris, appearing as they do only at rare intervals, and for a + short time. + </p> + <p> + The fete took place on the 2nd of July. Robertson presented himself at the + house of Esseid-Ali, to obtain his autograph. The Turkish ambassador + willingly granted the request, and wrote his name in letters, each of + which was two inches in height, on a sheet of paper. He then offered the + aeronaut coffee and comfits, and promised to be present to witness the + balloon ascent. His name was painted in large characters on a balloon + fifteen feet in diameter, and on the form of which was the figure of a + crescent. The experiment delighted the ambassador, and was well received + by the public. + </p> + <p> + Jacques Garnerin, when he came to make his debut as an aeronaut, made an + attempt with the parachute, the following August, at the garden of the + Hotel de Biron. The ambassador was asked to honour the fete, but he + declined, saying that he had “made up his mind that man was not intended + for flying—Mahomet had not so willed it.” + </p> + <p> + Of one of Robertson’s more interesting ascents he himself has left us the + following sketch:— + </p> + <p> + “I rose in the balloon at nine a.m., accompanied by my fellow-student and + countryman, M. Lhoest. We had 140 lbs. of ballast. The barometer marked + twenty-eight inches; the thermometer sixteen degrees Reaumur. In spite of + some slight wind from the north-west, the balloon mounted so + perpendicularly that in all the streets each of the spectators believed we + were mounting straight up above his head. In order to quicken our ascent I + discharged a parachute made of silk, and weighted in a way to prevent + oscillations. The parachute descended at the rate of two feet per second, + and its descent was uniform. From the moment when the barometer began to + sink we became very careful of our ballast, as we wished to test from + experience the different temperatures through which we were about to pass. + </p> + <p> + “At 10.15, the barometer was at nineteen inches, and the thermometer at + three above zero. We now felt all the inconvenience of an extremely + rarefied atmosphere coming upon us, and we commenced to arrange some + experiments in atmospheric electricity. Our first attempts did not + succeed. We threw over part of our ballast, and mounted up till the cold + and the rarefaction of the air became very troublesome. During our + experiments we experienced an illness throughout our whole system. Buzzing + in the cars commenced, and went on increasing. The pain we felt was like + that which one feels when he plunges his head in water. Our chests seemed + to be dilated, and failed in elasticity. My pulse was quickened, M. + Lhoest’s became slower; he had, like me, swelled lips and bleeding eyes; + the veins seemed to come out more strongly on the hands. The blood ran to + the head, and occasioned a feeling as if our hats were too tight. The + thermometer continued to descend, and, as we ascended, our illness + increased, and we could with difficulty keep awake. Fearing that my + travelling companion might go to sleep, I attached a cord to my thigh and + to his, and we held the extremities of the cord in our hands. Thus + trammelled, we had to commence the experiments which I had proposed to + make. + </p> + <p> + “At this elevation, the glass, the brimstone, and the Spanish wax were not + electrified in a manner to show any signs under friction—at least, I + obtained no electricity from the conductors or the electrometer. + </p> + <p> + “I had in my car a voltaic pile, consisting of sixty couples—silver + and zinc. It worked very well on the occasion of our departure from the + earth, and gave, without the condenser, one degree to the electrometer. At + our great elevation, the pile gave only five-sixths of a degree to the + same electrometer. The galvanic flame seemed more active at this elevation + than on the earth. + </p> + <p> + “I took two birds with me on coming into the balloon—one of these + was now dead, the other appeared stupefied. After having placed it upon + the brink of the gondola, I tried to frighten it to make it take to + flight. It moved its wings, but did not leave the spot; then I left it to + itself, and it fell perpendicularly and with great rapidity. Birds are + certainly not able to maintain themselves at such elevations. + </p> + <p> + “It is notable that the atmosphere, which was of a perfect purity near the + earth, was grey and misty above our heads, and the beautiful blue sky seen + from the surface did not exist for us, although the weather was calm and + serene, and the day the most beautiful that could be. The sun did not seem + dazzling to us, and its heat was diminished owing to our elevation. + </p> + <p> + “At half-past eleven, the balloon was no longer visible from Hamburg. The + heavens were so pure beneath us that everything was distinctly seen by us, + though very much diminished by distance. At 11.40, the town of Hamburg + seemed only a red point in our eyes; the Elbe looked like a straight + ribbon. I wished to make use of an opera-glass, but what surprised me was + that when I lifted it up it was so cold that I had to wrap my handkerchief + around it to enable me to hold it. + </p> + <p> + “Not being able to support our position any longer, we descended, after + having used up much gas and ballast. Our descent caused that degree of + terror among the inhabitants which the size of our balloon was calculated + to inspire in a country where such machines had never before been seen. We + descended above a poor village called Radenburg, a place amid the heaths + of Hanover. Our appearance caused great alarm, and even the beasts of the + field fled from us. + </p> + <p> + “While our balloon rapidly approached the earth, we waved our hats and + flags, and shouted to the inhabitants, but our voices only increased their + terror. The villagers rushed away with cries of terror, leaving their + herds, whose bellowings increased the general alarm. When the balloon + touched the ground, every man had shut himself up in his own house. Having + appealed in vain, and fearing that the villagers might do us some injury, + we resolved to re-ascend. + </p> + <p> + “In making this second ascent, we threw over all our ballast; but in this + we were imprudent, for after sailing about at a great height, and having + lost much gas, I perceived that our descent would be very rapid, and to + provide against accident, I gathered together all the instruments, the + bread, the ropes, and even such money as we had with us, and placed them + in three sacks, to which I attached a rope of a hundred feet in length. + This precaution saved us a shock. The weight, amounting to thirty pounds, + reached the ground before us, and the balloon, thus lightened, came softly + to the ground between Wichtenbech and Hanover, after having run + twenty-five leagues in five and a half hours.” + </p> + <p> + After this ascent Robertson became acquainted with some savants of + Hamburg, and amongst others with Professor Pfaff, who was interested in + aerial travelling as a means of settling certain meteorological problems. + Some days after Robertson’s ascent, the professor wrote to him— + </p> + <p> + “You speak of a certain height at which the hydrogen gas will find itself + in equilibrium in the air of the atmosphere. I believe that this height is + the extremity of the atmosphere itself; for as the gas has an elasticity + much greater than that of the air, it will go on dilating as it mounts + into the higher regions of the atmosphere, and its specific weight will + diminish as the weight of atmospheric air diminishes; and it will not + cease to mount until it rises above the atmosphere itself, if two + conditions be completely fulfilled—1, the condition that the gas may + be allowed to dilate without leaving the balloon as it rises; 2, the + condition that the gas shall not be allowed to mix at all with the + atmospheric air.” + </p> + <p> + Another ascent was arranged for the 14th of August, in which Robertson was + to be accompanied by the professor, but the latter, yielding to the + entreaties of his family, did not go. “I went up with my friend Lhoest,” + says Robertson, “at forty-two minutes past twelve midday. In a minute or + two we rose up between two masses of cloud, which seemed to open up and + offer us a passage. The upper surfaces of these clouds are not uniformly + level, like the under sides seen from the earth, but they are of a conical + or pyramidal shape. These imposing masses seem to precipitate themselves + upon the earth, as if to engulf it, but this optical illusion was due to + the apparent immobility of the balloon, which at the moment was rising at + the rate of about twenty feet per second. + </p> + <p> + “The fear of losing the view of the Baltic, which we perceived between the + clouds at intervals, obliged us to renounce the project of rising as high + as on the last occasion. The barometer was at fifteen inches, and the + thermometer one degree below zero, when I let off two pigeons. + </p> + <p> + “One descended in a diagonal direction, its wings half open but not + moving, with a swiftness which seemed that of a fall. The other flew for + an instant, and then placed itself upon the car, and did not wish to quit + us. Acting on the hint of Dr. Reimarus, I tried the same experiment with + butterflies, but the air was too much rarefied for them; they attempted in + vain to raise themselves by their wings, but they did not forsake the car. + </p> + <p> + “The wind continuing to carry me towards the sea, I resolved to bring my + observations to an end. I effected my descent in a meadow, near the + village of Rehorst, in Holstein, after having run sixteen leagues from + France in sixty-five minutes.” + </p> + <p> + At the commencement of the year 1804, Laplace, at the Institute, proposed + to take advantage of the means offered by aerostation to verify at great + heights certain scientific points—as, for example, those which + concern magnetism. This proposition was made at a favourable time, and + was, so far, carried out in the best possible way. The aeronauts who were + appointed to carry out the expedition were Biot and Gay-Lussac, the most + enthusiastic aeronauts of the period. + </p> + <p> + The following is their report:— + </p> + <p> + “We observed the animals we had with us at all the different heights, and + they did not appear to suffer in any manner. For ourselves, we perceived + no effect any more then a quickening of the pulse. At 10,000 feet above + the ground we set a little green-finch at liberty. He flew out at once, + but immediately returning, settled upon our cordage; afterwards, setting + out again, he flew to the earth, describing a very tortuous line in his + passage. We followed him with our eyes till he was lost in the clouds. A + pigeon, which we set free at the same elevation, presented a very curious + spectacle. Placed at liberty on the edge of the car, he remained at rest + for a number of instants, as if measuring the length of his flight; then + he launched himself into space, flying about irregularly, as if to try his + wings. Afterwards he began his descent regularly, sweeping round and round + in great circles, ever reaching lower, until he also was lost in the + clouds.” + </p> + <p> + As to the voyagers themselves, this is how they speak of their situation + at the height of 3,000 yards:— + </p> + <p> + “About this elevation we observed our animals. They did not appear to + suffer from the rarity of the air, yet the barometer was at twenty inches + eight lines.. We were much surprised that we did not suffer from the cold; + on the contrary, the sun warmed us much. We had thrown aside the gloves + which had been put on board, and which were of no use to us. Our pulses + were very quick; that of M. Gay-Lussac, which is 62 in the minute on + ordinary occasions, now gave 80; and mine, which is ordinarily 89, gave + 111. This acceleration was felt by both of us in nearly the same + proportion. Nevertheless, our respiration was in no way interfered with, + we experienced no illness, and our situation seemed to us extremely + agreeable.” + </p> + <p> + The following is their report to the Galvanic Society— + </p> + <p> + “We have known for a long time that no animal can with safety pass into an + atmosphere much more dense or much more rare than that to which it has + been accustomed. In the first case it suffers from the outer air, which + presses upon it severely; in the second case there are liquids or fluids + in the animal’s body which, being less pressed against than they should + be, become dilated, and press against their coverings or channels. In both + cases the symptoms are nearly the same—pain, general illness, + buzzing in the ears, and even haemorrhage. The experience of the + diving-bell has long made us familiar with what aeronauts suffer. Our + colleague (Robertson), and his companion, have experienced these effects + in great intensity. They had swelled lips, their eyes bled, their veins + were dilated, and, what is very remarkable, they both preserved a brown or + red tinge which astonished those that had seen them before they made the + ascent. This distension of the blood-vessels would necessarily produce an + inconvenience and a difficulty in the muscular action.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter II. Ascent of M. Gay-Lussac Alone—Excursions of MM. Barral + and Bixio. + </h2> + <p> + Respecting this ascent, Arago states that M. Gay-Lussac has reduced to + their proper value the narratives of the physical pains which aeronauts + say they suffer in lofty aerial ascents. + </p> + <p> + M. Gay-Lussac says:—“Having arrived at the most elevated point of my + ascent, 21,000 feet above sea level, my respiration was rendered sensibly + difficult, but I was far from experiencing any illness of a kind to make + me descend. My pulse and my breathing were very quick; breathing very + frequently in an extremely dry atmosphere, I should not have been + surprised if my throat had been so dry as to make it painful to swallow + bread.” + </p> + <p> + After having finished his observations, which referred chiefly to the + magnetic needle, with all the tranquillity of a doctor in his study, + Gay-Lussac descended to the earth between Rouen and Dieppe, eighty leagues + from Paris. + </p> + <p> + After the names of Robertson, Gay-Lussac, and Biot, science has registered + those of Barral and Bixio, two men whose aeronautic achievements have + enriched meteorology with more important discoveries, perhaps, than any we + have yet mentioned. + </p> + <p> + These gentlemen had conceived the project of rising by means of a balloon + to a great height, in order to study, with the assistance of the very best + instruments in use in their day, a multitude of phenomena then imperfectly + known. The subjects to which they were specially to direct their + attention, were the law of the decrease of temperature in progress + upwards, the discovery of whether the chemical composition of the + atmosphere is the same throughout all its parts, the comparison of the + strength of the solar rays in the higher regions of the atmosphere and on + the surface of the earth, the ascertaining whether the light reflected and + transmitted by the clouds is or is not polarised, &c. + </p> + <p> + All the preparations having been made in the garden of the Observatory at + Paris, the ascent took place on the 29th of June, 1850, at 10.27 a.m., the + balloon being filled with hydrogen gas. The first ascent was a signal + failure. It was found that the weather being bad, the envelope of the + balloon was torn in several places, and had to be mended in all haste. + Immediately preceding the moment of ascent, a torrent of rain fell. But + the voyagers were determined to ascend. They placed themselves in the car, + and, when thrown off from the fastenings, they rose through the air with + the speed of an arrow. The height to which the balloon reached made it + suddenly dilate, and the network, which was much too small, was stretched + to the utmost. The balloon was forced down upon them by the dilation, and + one of them, in the endeavour to work the valve, made a rent in the lower + part of the globe, from which the gas escaping almost over the heads of + the travellers, nearly choked them. The escape of the gas had the usual + result—the balloon descended rapidly, and fell in a vineyard near + Lugny, where they were found by the peasants holding on to the trees by + their legs and arms, and thus attempting to stop the horizontal advance of + the car. They had risen to the height of over 17,000 feet, and they had + descended from this height in from four to five minutes. + </p> + <p> + For all practical purposes, the ascent was a failure, and the aeronauts + immediately commenced preparations for a new voyage, which took place a + month afterwards. They rose to very great altitudes, but experienced no + illness from the rarefied air. M. Bixio did not feel the sharp pains in + the ears from which he had suffered on the former occasion. They passed + through a mass of cloud 15,000 feet in thickness, and they had not yet + passed quite through it, when at the height of over 21,000 feet from the + ground, they began to descend, their descent being caused by a rent in the + envelope of the balloon, from which the gas escaped. They might, in + throwing out the last of their ballast, have, perhaps, prolonged for a + little their sojourn in space, but the circumstances in which they were + placed did not permit them to make many more scientific observations than + those they had made, and thus they were obliged to submit to their fate. + When they had reached their greatest height, there seemed to open up in + the midst of the vaporous mass a brilliant space, from which they could + see the blue of heaven. The polariscope, directed towards this region, + showed an internal polarisation, but, when pointed to the side where the + mist still prevailed, there was no polarisation. + </p> + <p> + An optical phenomenon of a remarkable kind was witnessed when the voyagers + had attained their highest point. They saw the sun through the upper + mists, looking quite white, as if shorn of its strength; and, at the same + time, below the horizontal plane, below their horizon, and at an angular + distance from the plane equal to that of the sun above it, they saw a + second sun, which resembled the reflection of the actual sun in a sheet of + water. It is natural to suppose that the second sun was formed by the + reflection of the sun’s rays upon the horizontal faces of the ice crystals + floating in this high cloud. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter III. Ascents of the Mssrs. Welsh, Glaisher and Coxwell. + </h2> + <p> + The most recent balloon ascents in England deserving attention have been + undertaken for scientific objects, and in this country, more than in any + other, it may be said that the conquest of the air has been made to serve + a practical end. + </p> + <p> + In July, 1852, the Committee of the Kew Observatory resolved to undertake + a number of balloon voyages. This resolution was approved of by the + British Association for the Advancement of Science, and the necessary + instruments for making a number of meteorological observations were + prepared. The balloon employed was that of Mr. Green, who was accompanied + in his ascents by Mr. Welsh. The greatest height to which Mr. Welsh rose + was on the fourth ascent which took place on the 10th of November, 1852. + The balloon rose 22,930 feet, and the lowest temperature observed was 26 + degrees below zero. + </p> + <p> + It is to Mr. Glaisher and Mr. Coxwell, however, that the highest honours + of scientific aerostation belong. The ascents made by these gentlemen—Mr. + Glaisher being the scientific observer, and Mr. Coxwell the practical + aeronaut—have become matters of history. Not only did they, in the + course of a large number of ascents undertaken under the auspices of the + British Association, succeed in gathering much valuable meteorological + information, but they reached a greater height than that ever gained on + any previous or subsequent occasion, and penetrated into that distant + region of the skies in which it has been satisfactorily proved that no + life can be long maintained. It was on the 5th of September, 1862, that + Mr. Glaisher and Mr. Coxwell made the famous ascent in which they reached + the greatest height ever attained by an aeronaut, and were so nearly + sacrificed to their unselfish daring. Mr. Glaisher has given an admirable + account of this ascent, which took place from Wolverhampton. He says:—“Our + ascent had been delayed, owing to the unfavourable state of the weather. + It commenced at three minutes past one p.m., the temperature of the air + being 59 degrees, and the dew-point 48 degrees. At the height of one mile + the temperature was 41 degrees and the dew-point 38 degrees. Shortly after + wards clouds were entered of about 1,100 feet in thickness. Upon emerging + from them at seventeen minutes past one, I tried to take a view of their + surface with the camera, but the balloon was ascending too rapidly and + spiraling too quickly to allow me to do so. The height of two miles was + reached at twenty-one minutes past one. The temperature of the air had + fallen to 32 degrees and the dew-point to 26 degrees. The third mile was + passed at twenty-eight minutes past one, with an air temperature of 18 + degrees, and a dew-point of 13 degrees. The fourth mile was passed at + thirty-nine minutes past one, with an air temperature of 8 degrees, and a + dew-point of minus 6 degrees and the fifth mile about ten minutes later, + with an air temperature minus 5 degrees, and a dew-point minus 36 degrees. + </p> + <p> + “Up to this time I had experienced no particular inconvenience. When at + the height of 26,000 feet I could not see the fine column of the mercury + in the tube; then the fine divisions on the scale of the instrument became + invisible. At that time I asked Mr. Coxwell to help me to read the + instruments, as I experienced a difficulty in seeing them. In consequence + of the rotary motion of the balloon, which had continued without ceasing + since the earth was left, the valve line had become twisted, and he had to + leave the car, and to mount into the ring above to adjust it. At that time + I had no suspicion of other than temporary inconvenience in seeing. + Shortly afterwards I laid my arm upon the table, possessed of its full + vigour; but directly after, being desirous of using it, I found it + powerless. It must have lost its power momentarily. I then tried to move + the other arm, but found it powerless also. I next tried to shake myself, + and succeeded in shaking my body. I seemed to have no legs. I could only + shake my body. I then looked at the barometer, and whilst I was doing so + my head fell on my left shoulder. I struggled, and shook my body again, + but could not move my arms. I got my head upright, but for an instant + only, when it fell on my right shoulder; and then I fell backwards, my + back resting against the side of the car, and my head on its edge. In that + position my eyes were directed towards Mr. Coxwell in the ring. When I + shook my body I seemed to have full power over the muscles of the back, + and considerable power over those of the neck, but none over my limbs. As + in the case of the arms, all muscular power was lost in an instant from my + back and neck. I dimly saw Mr. Coxwell in the ring, and endeavoured to + speak, but could not do so; when in an instant intense black darkness came + over me, and the optic nerve lost power suddenly. I was still conscious, + with as active a brain as whilst writing this. I thought I had been seized + with asphyxia, and that I should experience no more, as death would come + unless we speedily descended. Other thoughts were actively entering my + mind when I suddenly became unconscious, as though going to sleep. I could + not tell anything about the sense of hearing: the perfect stillness of the + regions six miles from the earth—and at that time we were between + six and seven miles high—is such that no sound reaches the ear. My + last observation was made at 29,000 feet, about fifty-four minutes past + one. I suppose two or three minutes elapsed between my eyes becoming + insensible to seeing the fine divisions and fifty-four minutes past one, + and that other two or three minutes elapsed before I became unconscious; + therefore I think that took place about fifty-six or fifty-seven minutes + past one. Whilst powerless I heard the words ‘temperature,’ and + ‘observation,’ and I knew Mr. Coxwell was in the car, speaking to me, and + endeavouring to rouse me; and therefore consciousness and hearing had + returned. I then heard him speak more emphatically, but I could not speak + or move. Then I heard him say, ‘Do try; now do!’ Then I saw the + instruments dimly, next Mr. Coxwell, and very shortly I saw clearly. I + rose in my seat and looked round, as though waking from sleep, and said to + Mr. Coxwell, ‘I have been insensible.’ He said, ‘Yes; and I too, very + nearly.’ I then drew up my legs, which had been extended out before me, + and took a pencil in my hand to note my observations. Mr. Coxwell informed + me that he had lost the use of his hands, which were black, and I poured + brandy over them. I resumed my observations at seven minutes past two. I + suppose three or four minutes were occupied from the time of my hearing + the words ‘temperature’ and ‘observation,’ until I began to observe. If + so, then returning consciousness came at four minutes past two, and that + gives about seven minutes of total insensibility. Mr. Coxwell told me that + in coming from the ring he thought for a moment that I had laid back to + rest myself; that he spoke to me without eliciting a reply; that he then + noticed that my legs projected, and my arms hung down by my side. That my + countenance was serene and placid, without earnestness or anxiety, he had + noticed before going into the ring. It then struck him that I was + insensible. He wished then to approach me, but could not, and he felt + insensibility coming over himself. He became anxious to open the valve, + but, in consequence of having lost the use of his hands, he could not; and + ultimately he did so by seizing the cord with his teeth and dipping his + head two or three times. No inconvenience followed our insensibility. When + we dropped it was in a country where no accommodation of any kind could be + obtained, so that we had to walk between seven and eight miles. At the + time of ceasing our observations the ascent was at the rate of 1,000 feet + per minute, and on resuming observations the descent was at the rate of + 2,000 feet per minute. These two positions must be connected, having + relation to the interval of time which elapsed between them; and they can + scarcely be connected at a point less than 36,000 or 37,000 feet high. + Again, a very delicate minimum thermometer was found to read minus 12 + degrees, and that reading would indicate an elevation exceeding 36,000 + feet. There cannot be any doubt that the balloon attained the great height + of seven miles—the greatest ever reached. In this ascent six pigeons + were taken up. One was thrown out at three miles. It extended its wings, + and dropped like a piece of paper. A second at four miles, and it flew + with vigour. A third between four and five miles, and it fell downwards. A + fourth was thrown out at four miles in descending, and it alighted on the + top of the balloon. Two were brought to the ground. One was dead, and the + other was ill, but recovered so as to fly away in a quarter of an hour.” + </p> + <p> + The results gathered by Mr. Glaisher from his numerous ascents are very + interesting. He found that in no instance did the temperature of the air + decrease uniformly with the increase of height. In fact, the decrease in + the first mile is double that in the second, and nearly four times as + great as the change of temperature in the fifth mile. The distribution of + aqueous vapour in the air is no less remarkable. The temperature of the + dew-point on leaving the earth decreases less rapidly than the temperature + of the air; so that the difference between the two temperatures becomes + less and less, till the vapour or cloud plane is reached, when they are + usually together, and always most nearly approach each other, and that + point is usually at about the height of one mile. On leaving the upper + surface of cloud, the dew point decreases more rapidly than the air, and + at extremely high situations the difference between the two temperatures + is wonderfully great, indicating an extraordinary degree of dryness, and + an almost entire absence of water. Under these circumstances, the presence + of cirrus clouds far above this dry region, apparently as much above as + when viewed from the earth, is very remarkable, and leads to the + conclusion that they are not composed of water. + </p> + <p> + In the propagation of sound, M. Glaisher made many curious experiments. In + one ascent (July 17th) he found, when at a distance of 11,800 feet above + the earth, that a band was heard; at a height of 22,000 feet, a clap of + thunder was heard; and at a height of 10,070 feet, the report of a gun was + heard. On one occasion, he heard the dull hum of London at a height of + 9,000 feet above the city, and on another occasion, the shouting of many + thousands of persons could not be heard at the height of 4,000 feet. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter IV. Balloons Made Useful in Warfare. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Wars of the French Republic—Company of “Ballooneers”— + Battle of Fleurus—The Balloons of Egypt—Napoleon—Modern + Services War in Italy—War in America—Conclusion. +</pre> + <p> + We will conclude our work with a glance at aerostation as applied to + warfare. Scarcely had the first ascents astonished the world, than the + more adventurous spirits began to use the new discovery for a thousand + purposes directly useful to man. The first point of view in which + aerostation was regarded, was in that of its practical utility If one + refers to the pre-occupations of the time—to the great events then + occurring in the history of France, one will easily understand that the + Committee of Public Safety soon thought of employing balloons in the + observation of the forces and the movements of hostile troops. In 1794, + the idea was practically carried out, and the French armies were provided + with two companies of aeronauts. The command of one of these companies was + given to Captain Coutelle, a young physicist of great talent, who rendered + memorable services at the battle of Fleurus. The balloons were not thrown + free, but were retained attached by means of long cords. In this way they + took up, so to speak, aerial posts of observation. Placed in his car, the + captain transmitted his instructions to his men below by means of coloured + flags. Coutelle has left us a lively narrative of certain incidents + connected with one of the grand days of the old Republic. He had been + commissioned by the Committee of Public Safety to go to Maubeuge, where + Jourdan’s army was encamped, and to offer him the use of his balloon. The + representative to whom the young doctor presented his commission, knew + nothing about balloons, and not being able to understand the order of the + Committee of Public Safety, it suddenly dawned upon him that Coutelle, + with his trumpery forgery about balloons, was nothing else than a spy, and + he was about to have him shot. The genuineness of the order from the + Committee, however, was proved, and Coutelle’s case was listened to. + </p> + <p> + “The army was at Beaumont,” says Coutelle, “and the enemy, placed at a + distance of only three miles, could attack at any moment. The general told + me this fact, and engaged me to return and communicate it to the + Committee. This I did. The Commission then felt the necessity of making an + experiment with a balloon that could raise two persons, and the minister + placed at my service the garden and the little mansion of Meudon. Many of + the members of the Commission came to witness the first ascent of a + balloon held in hand, like a kite, by means of two cords. The + Commissioners ordered me to place myself in the car, and instructed me as + to a number of signals which I must repeat, and observations which I must + make. I raised myself to the full length of the cord, a height of 1,500 + feet, and at this height, with the help of a glass, I could distinctly see + the seven bends of the river Seine. On returning to the earth, I received + the compliments of the Commission. + </p> + <p> + “Arrived at Maubeuge, my first care was to find a suitable spot to erect + my furnace, and to make every preparation for the arrival of my balloon + from Meudon. Each day my observations contained something new either in + the works which the Austrians had thrown up during the night, or in the + arrangement of their forces. On the fifth day a piece of cannon had been + brought to bear upon the balloon, and shots were fired at me as soon as I + appeared above the ramparts. None of the shots took effect, and on the + following day the piece was no longer in position. Experience enforced + upon me the necessity of forming some provision against these unexpected + attacks. I employed the night in fixing cords all round the middle of my + balloon. Each of the aerostiers had charge of one of the ropes, and by + means of them I could easily move about, and thus get myself out of range + of any gun that had been trained to bear against me. I was afterwards + ordered to make a reconnaissance at Mayence, and I posted myself between + our lines and the enemy at half range of cannon. When the wind, which was + tempestuous at first, became calmer, I was able to count the number of + cannon on the ramparts, as well as the troops that marched through the + streets and in the squares. + </p> + <p> + “Generally the soldiers of the enemy, all who saw the observer watching + them and taking notes, came to the idea that they could do nothing without + being seen. Our soldiers were of the same opinion, and consequently they + regarded us with great admiration and trust. On the heavy marches they + brought us prepared food and wine, which my men were hardly able to get + for themselves, so closely did they require to attend to the ropes. We + were encamped upon the banks of the Rhine at Manheim when our general sent + me to the opposite bank to parley. As soon as the Austrian officers were + made aware that I commanded the balloon, I was overwhelmed with questions + and compliments. + </p> + <p> + “What causes an impression which, till one is accustomed to it, is very + alarming, is the noise which the balloon makes when it is struck by + successive gales of wind. When the wind has passed, the balloon, which has + been pressed into a concave form by the wind, suddenly resumes its + globular form with a loud noise heard at a great distance. The silk of the + balloon would often burst in a case of this kind, were it not for the + restraining power of the network.” + </p> + <p> + After the days of Coutelle we do not read that balloons were made much use + of in warfare. The only ascent in the Egypt campaign was that of a + tricolor balloon thrown up to commemorate a fete. That Napoleon knew full + well the value of the scientific discoveries of his time is clear from the + following conversation with a learned Mohammedan, which took place in the + great pyramid of Cheops:— + </p> + <p> + Mussamed. “Noble successor of Alexander, honour to shine invincible arms, + and to the unexpected lightning with which your warriors are furnished.” + </p> + <p> + Bonaparte. “Do you believe that that lightning is the work of the children + of men? Allah has placed it in our hands by means of the genius of war.” + </p> + <p> + Mussamed. “We recognised by your arms that it is Allah that has sent you—the + Delta and all the neighbouring countries are full of thy miracles. But + would you be a conqueror if Allah did not permit you?” + </p> + <p> + Bonaparte. “A celestial body will point by my orders to the dwelling of + the clouds, and lightning will descend towards the earth, along a rod of + metal from which I can call it forth.” + </p> + <p> + Napoleon did not favour the use of balloons in war. Perhaps it was because + he himself had such a splendid genius for war that he depended alone upon + himself, and scorned assistance. Perhaps it was because if balloons were + discovered to be of real utility, his enemies might make use of them as + well as himself, and France retain no special advantage in them. But + however this may be, on his return from Egypt he sold the balloon of + Fleurus to Robertson. The company of ballooneers was dissolved, and the + balloons themselves disappeared in smoke. + </p> + <p> + During the war in America, the role which the balloon played was a more + important one. The Government of the United States conferred the title of + aeronautic engineer upon Mr. Allan, of Rhode Island, who originated the + idea of communicating by a telegraphic wire from the balloon to the camp. + The first telegraphic message which was transmitted from the aerial + regions is that of Professor Love, at Washington, to the President of the + United States. The following is this despatch:— + </p> + <p> + “WASHINGTON, Balloon the ‘Enterprise.’ + </p> + <p> + “SIR,—The point of observation commands an extent of nearly fifty + miles in diameter. The city, with its girdle of encampments, presents a + superb scene. I have great pleasure in sending you this despatch—the + first that has been telegraphed from an aerial station—and to know + that I should be so much encouraged, from having given the first proof + that the aeronautic science can render great assistance in these + countries.” + </p> + <p> + In the month of September, 1861, one of the most hardy aeronauts (La + Mountain) furnished important information to General M’Clellan. The + balloon of La Mountain, which arose from the northern camp upon the + Potomac, passed above Washington. La Mountain then cut the cord that + connected his balloon with the earth, and rising rapidly to the height of + a mile and a half, he found himself directly above his enemies’ lines. + There he was able to observe perfectly their position and their movements. + He then threw over ballast, and ascended to the height of three miles. At + this height he encountered a current which carried him in the direction of + Maryland, where he descended in safety. General M’Clellan was so much + satisfied with the observations taken in the balloon, that, at his + request, the order was given to the War Department to construct four new + balloons. + </p> + <p> + If this volume of “The Library of Wonders” had not had for its single + object “balloons and their history,” we would have devoted a chapter to + the numerous attempts made to steer balloons. We shall only say here that + aerial navigation should be divided into two kinds with balloons, and + without balloons. In the first case, it is limited to the study of aerial + currents, and to the art of rising to those currents which suit the + direction of the voyage undertaken. The balloon is not the master of the + atmosphere; on the contrary, it is its powerless slave. In the second + case, the discovery of Montgolfier is useless; and the question is, to + find out a new machine capable of flying in the air, and at the same time + heavier than the air. Birds are, without doubt, the best models to study. + But with what force shall we replace LIFE? The air-boat of M. Pline seems + to us one of the best ideas; but the working of it presents many + difficulties. Let us find a motive power at once light and powerful + (aluminium and electricity, for example), and we will have definitively + conquered the empire of the air. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Advertisements in the back of the book: + </h2> + <h4> + Click on any items in the list below + </h4> + <p> + “Charles Scribner & Co., 654 Broadway, New York, have just commenced + the publication of The Illustrated Library of Wonders. This Library is + based upon a similar series of works now in course of issue in France, the + popularity of which may be inferred from the fact the OVER ONE MILLION + COPIES have been sold.” + </p> + <p> + Advertisements for books about: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"><b> + <a href="images/ad_acoustics.jpg">acoustics</a> + <a href="images/ad_animals.jpg">animals</a> + <a href="images/ad_architecture.jpg">architecture</a> + <a href="images/ad_body.jpg">body</a> + <a href="images/ad_egypt.jpg">egypt</a> + <a href="images/ad_escape.jpg">escape</a> + <a href="images/ad_glass.jpg">glass</a> + <a href="images/ad_heat.jpg">heat</a> + <a href="images/ad_hunting.jpg">hunting</a> + <a href="images/ad_italian.jpg">Italian</a> + <a href="images/ad_moon.jpg">Moon</a> + <a href="images/ad_optics.jpg">optics</a> + <a href="images/ad_pompeii.jpg">Pompeii</a> + <a href="images/ad_sea.jpg">sea</a> + <a href="images/ad_strength.jpg">strength</a> + <a href="images/ad_sublime.jpg">sublime</a> + <a href="images/ad_sun.jpg">sun</a> + <a href="images/ad_thunder.jpg">thunder</a> + <a href="images/ad_water.jpg">water</a></b> +</pre> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg’s Wonderful Balloon Ascents, by Fulgence Marion + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WONDERFUL BALLOON ASCENTS *** + +***** This file should be named 899-h.htm or 899-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/8/9/899/ + +Produced by Dianne Bean, and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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