sons. 



DESCRIPTION OF A DRAG. 2/5 ' 



«!rag In a contrary direction, by means of the floating wood Description of 

 and rope. a drag to raise 



•^ r 1 1 • L ""'^ bodies of 



When I said that both pole and cord are preferable to either drowning per- 



singly, it was for the tollowing reason. I have found, by ex- 

 periments, that a cord tied to the ring or loop, and passing 

 through a hole made at the upper end of the pole, gives a 

 double advantage. The drag, with a pole attached to it, of 

 not more than 10 or 12 feet in length, may be projected 

 several yards farther than without it; and in drawing forward 

 the drag, till the end of the pole is brought within reach of 

 the hand, the subject may be raised above the surface of the 

 water in the most proper direction. But a pole of 15 or 16 

 feet in length is unwieldy, and would even float the drag, 

 unless it was made much heavier. 



Ifa drag was wanted in those cases only, where it is not 

 necessary to throw it to a distance, then Fig. '2. would answer 

 every purpose. It is obvious that this requires a pole to be 

 fixed in it, so that the hand may direct the projecting parts to 

 the body, which otherwise could not always be done. 



We have not as yet had an opportunity of trying these 

 drags upon a human body ; but upon an effigy made in every 

 respect as like as possible in form to the human body, both 

 clothed and unclothed, they have answered in the most satis- 

 factory manner. The effigy was brought to the surface in va- 

 rious directions, without cnce slipping from the hold. 



I shall just beg leave to add, that with two drags and a 

 boat, assistance given in time would almost ensure success. 

 A hook catching a single thread, it is well known, will be 

 sufficient to bring a human body to the surface of the water, 

 or till it b'"ecomes visible: a second drag at such time might 

 be applied to any part of the body, so as to secure a firm 

 hold. 



The workman charges the triangular drag at one guinea, 

 the other at 12 shillings. A pole 16 feet in length was 

 charged three shillings. The fangs were estimated at one 

 shilling and sixpence. 



I am. Sir, 

 Your most humble Servant, 



THOMAS COGAN. 



Bath, March 1 , 1 806. 

 To C. Taylor, M.D. 



Z 2 Beferencs 



