46 PROTO-BATHYSPHERES 



possible. This was the removal of confined air and the sub- 

 stitution of fresh. His illustration (Fig. lo) reminds us 

 of the god Mercury gone aquatic. Although he provided 

 tube and stopcock for the expulsion of old air and the 

 introduction of fresh when the diver reached the surface, 

 he believed that by the circulation of air in the tube 

 JKL, it would return freshened and rebreathable by be- 

 coming cooled from the outside water. The strange affair 

 suspended from the diver's waist is an air compressor, the 

 manipulation of which was supposed to cause the man to 

 rise and fall through the water. There is no proof that 

 any Italian ever allowed himself to be enticed into this 

 elaborate apparatus. 



To return to Lorini, we find that he devised a diving 

 bell, which was a square wooden box with a window 

 (Fig. 12). The author's brief preamble is too delightful 

 to omit: 



**The complete perfection of all works consists only in 

 the facility of carrying them out, so that they bring that 

 convenience and benefit to which they are dedicated. The 

 proposed machines to enable one to remain under water, 

 while this may seem so difficult of execution, nevertheless, 

 are for that reason not a little appreciated for the needs 

 that may occur either in the recovery of artillery from 

 the sea, as well as for whatsoever other things that might 

 be aboard ship, or other vessels submerged, and also for 

 fastening these vessels with hempen ropes to raise them 



