J 8 PROTO-BATHYSPHERES 



nine or ten Fathoms Water, for above an Hour and half 

 at a time, without any sort of ill consequence. Besides, the 

 whole Cavity of the Bell was kept entirely free from 

 Water, so that I sat on a Bench, wholly drest with all my 

 Cloaths on. Being arrived at the Depth designed, I then 

 let out as much of the hot Air that had been Breathed, 

 as each Barrel would replenish with Cool, by means of 

 the Cock at the Top of the Bell, through whose Aperture, 

 though very small, the Air would rush with so much vio- 

 lence, as to make the Surface of the Sea boyle, and to cover 

 it with a white Foam, notwithstanding the great weight 

 of Water over us. . . . 



**I could, for a space as wide as the Circuit of the Bell, 

 lay the Bottom of the Sea so far Dry, as not to be over- 

 shoes thereon. And by the Glass Window, so much Light 

 was transmitted, that, when the Sea was clear, and espe- 

 cially when the Sun shone, I could see perfectly well to 

 Write or Read, much more to fasten or lay hold on any 

 thing under us, that was to be taken up. And by the re- 

 turn of the Air Barrels, I often sent up Orders, written 

 with an Iron Pen on small Plates of Lead, directing how 

 to move from Place to Place as occasion required. At other 

 times when the Water was troubled and thick, it would 

 be dark as Night below; but in such Case, I have been 

 able to keep a Candle burning in the Bell as long as I 

 pleas'd, notwithstanding the great expence of Air re- 

 quired to maintain Flame. This I take to be an Invention 



