NO. 2 METHOD OF REACHING EXTREME ALTITUDES 59 



6. Experiments with a large chamber demonstrated that not only 

 are large chambers operative, but that the velocities and efficiencies 

 are higher than for small chambers. 



7. A calculation based upon the theory, involving data that is 

 in part that obtained by experiments, and in part what is considered 

 as realizable in practice, indicates that the initial mass required to 

 raise recording instruments of the order of one pound, even to the 

 extreme upper atmosphere, is moderate. The initial mass necessary 

 is likewise not excessive, even if the effective velocity is reduced by 

 half. Calculations show, however, that any apparatus in which 

 ordinary rockets are used would be impracticable owing to the very 

 large initial masses that would be required. 



8. The recovery of the apparatus, on its return, need not be a 

 difficult matter, from the fact that the time of ascent even to great 

 altitudes in the atmosphere will be comparatively short, due to the 

 high speed of the rocket throughout the greater part of its course. 

 The time of descent will also be short; but free fall can be satis- 

 factorily prevented by a suitable parachute. A parachute will be 

 operative for the reason that high velocities and small atmospheric 

 densities are essentially the same as low velocities and ordinary 

 density. 



9. Even if a mass of the order of a pound were propelled by the 

 apparatus under consideration until it possessed sufficient velocity 

 to escape the earth's attraction, the initial mass need not be unreason- 

 ably large, for an effective velocity of ejection which is without 

 doubt attainable. A method is suggested whereby the passage of a 

 body to such an extreme altitude could be demonstrated. 



CONCLUSION 

 Although the present paper is not the description of a working 

 mo'del, it is believed, nevertheless, that the theory and experiments, 

 herein described, together settle all points that could seriously be 

 questioned, and that it remains only to perform certain necessary 

 preliminary experiments before an apparatus can be constructed that 

 will carrv recording instruments to anv desired altitude.''' 



