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Airopaidia

Chapter 48: CHAPTER XXIV.
By Thomas Baldwin
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About This Book

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  XXIV.

BALLOON ABOVE THE INFLUENCE OF WATER.

Balloon above the Influence of the Waters and Sea-Breeze.

Section 131. THE Balloon pursued its former gentle Course in the upper Current of Air moving from the South West, and Aston House: and had risen above the Influence of the Waters and Sea-Breeze.

Balloon repeatedly swelling.

132. In Consequence of having held tight the Neck of the Balloon, the Gass within began again to expand, and the Machine became more bloated than when stationary at the first Ascent: the Bottom of the Balloon being drawn up to the Height of his Hand, when the Arm was stretched, and himself on Tip-toe.

The Valve first tried.

133. Tho’ the late Descent, at the last Opening of the Balloon, had been rapid; which was known chiefly by the Want of Reaction from the Bottom of the Car against the Soles of the Feet; yet being still far above all Clouds; fearless of the Currents, Rocks, and Shoals, to which all maritime Navigation is subject; he took the Opportunity of trying the upper Valve; purposely to know the Effect. So retaining the Bottom of the Balloon in his right Hand, he drew the Valve Cord with his left.

Immediately he heard it click: which proved that it was quite open, and in good Order.

The Valve answered.

134. He tried the Valve three Times smartly, and deliberately.

The Escape of the inflammable Air or Gass was like the growling Sound made in a Mill by the Grinding of the Mill-stones, but by no Means so loud.