This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1832 edition. Excerpt: ...the sake of security, we tied all our instruments and warm clothing into a bundle and let it down, together with the anchor, by a rope. The balloon, which was driven by the wind with considerable force, and which fell with great rapidity, was so light when the bundle touched the earth, that it drew up ...
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1832 edition. Excerpt: ...the sake of security, we tied all our instruments and warm clothing into a bundle and let it down, together with the anchor, by a rope. The balloon, which was driven by the wind with considerable force, and which fell with great rapidity, was so light when the bundle touched the earth, that it drew up the rope, and endeavoured again to ascend. In the mean time M. Robertson gradually suffered the gas to escape, and the balloon descended slowly, and touched the earth so softly, that we did not experience the least shock; though the contrary is for the most part the case when balloons are suffered to descend, and in consequence of the violence with which they touch the earth great danger is experienced. We descended safe to the earth, at 45 minutes past ten, on the estate of counsellor Demidof, in a field almost opposite to his house; and his boors and servants assisted us to arrange and pack up the balloon. By the bundle being dragged on the earth, the greater part of the instruments were spoilt. The following voyage having accidentally been omitted in chronological order, I here insert it: --Friday, Oct. 7, 1803, Count Zambeccari, Dr. Grassati of Rome, and M. Pascal Andreoli of Ancona, ascended in a fire balloon from Bologna at midnight, the inflation not having been completed before that time, and the populace being too impatient for the experiment to wait till morning: they took up with them lanterns and other things necessary for observing the instruments at night. The balloon rose with a most surprising velocity and soon reached such a height that their fingers were almost frozen by the cold, when both Zambeccari and Dr. Grassati fell into a state of insensibility and deep sleep. M. Andreoli retained the use of his senses. About two in..
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