C2 



DIVING BELL 



it still inconvenient, and attempts were made to obviate this, by the construction of 

 a diving bell upon principles entirely different. This new diving bell, to which the 

 name of THE NAUTILUS was applied, proved useful in the construction of some parts 

 of the Victoria Docks, and some works on the Seine. Although it is not now much 

 used, a description of it is appended. 



The nautilus machine is entirely independent of suspension ; its movements are 

 entirely dependent on the will of those within it, and without reference to those who 

 may be stationed without; it possesses the power of lifting largo weights per se, and 

 at the same time is perfectly safe, by common care in its operations. This latter is 

 the greatest desideratum of all. These advantages must strike all as combining those 

 requisites of success which have been always wanting in the present known means for 

 constructing works under water. 



The form of the machine is not arbitrary, but depends entirely on the nature of 

 the work to be performed, adapting itself to the various circumstances attending any 

 given position. ^ By reference to the annexed figures it will be perceived that when at 

 rest, being entirely enclosed, its displacement of water being greater than its own 

 weight, it must float to the surface (see Jiff. 629). Entering through a man-hole at 



629 



the top (which is closed either from the inside or outside), you descend into the interior 

 of the machine, portions of which are walled off on either side, forming chambers ; 

 these chambers are connected at or near the bottom of a pipe aa(fig. 630), which opens 

 by a cock b, outwards to the external surrounding water. An opening in the bottom of 

 the machine of variable dimensions is closed by a door or doors susceptible of being 

 opened or closed at pleasure. The chambers w w, are likewise connected at top by 

 a smaller pipe c c, which opens through the top of the machine, and to which opening 

 is affixed a flexible pipe, with coils of wire spirally enclosed. Branches on this latter 

 pipe T, allow also communication with the larger or working chamber. 



At the surface of the water placed on a float or vessel for the purpose, is a receiver 

 of variable dimensions, to which is attached at one end a hollow drum or reel, to the 

 barrel of which is affixed the other end of the flexible pipe a, leading to the top of 

 the nautilus. At the other end of, and in connection with the receiver, is a poucrlul 

 air-condensing pump. This combination represents tho nautilus as adapted to 

 engineering work. 



As to the modus operandi: Tho operator with his assistants, enters the niaehino 

 through tho top, which is then closed. To descend, the water-cock b is opened, and 

 the external water flows into the chambers w w ; at tho same time a cock, on a pipo 

 opening from tho chambers outwards, is opened, in order thai, the air escaping, an 

 uninterrupted flow of water may take place into the chambers. The wciplit of uau-r 

 entering the chambers causes a destruction of the buoyancy of the machine, an 1 t!u: 



