Airopaidia

Chapter 43: CHAPTER XXI.

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The work presents a first-person account of an 18th-century balloon voyage launched from a regional town, pairing vivid descriptions of aerial scenes with practical instruction. The narrative records observations made during ascent and flight and is accompanied by engraved views; it also offers proposals for balloon design and a method of inflation by steam, precautions against descent over water, and inquiries into atmospheric conditions affecting direction. A clear, practical explanation of measuring height with the barometer is included, together with extensive tables. The material functions as an introduction to aërostatic navigation that mixes travel narrative, natural-philosophical observation, and engineering advice.

CHAPTER XXI.

An Attempt to reach the Twine by climbing on the Car.

Section 121. IN vain did the Aironaut strive to reach the Neck of the Balloon, from the Car. Attempting to put his Feet on the opposite Sides of the lower Hoop, by grasping the upper with his Hands; he coud not in that Situation raise himself so high as before; nor let go his Hold with either Hand.

He then stepped down into the Car. The Agitation of which, brought within the Reach of his Hand, the loose End of the Twine (purposely tyed on a Bow or Slip Knot) that had stuck to one of the Side-Cords, and held the Center of the Neck rather out of the Perpendicular.