The subjoined jeu d’esprit with the preceding heading in magnificent capitals, well interspersed3 with notes of admiration4, was originally published, as matter of fact, in the New York Sun, a daily newspaper, and therein fully5 subserved the purpose of creating indigestible aliment for the quidnuncs during the few hours intervening between a couple of the Charleston mails. The rush for the “sole paper which had the news” was something beyond even the prodigious7; and, in fact, if (as some assert) the Victoria did not absolutely accomplish the voyage recorded it will be difficult to assign a reason why she should not have accomplished8 it. E. A. P.
THE GREAT problem is at length solved! The air, as well as the earth and the ocean, has been subdued9 by science, and will become a common and convenient highway for mankind. The Atlantic has been actually crossed in a Balloon! and this too without difficulty — without any great apparent danger — with thorough control of the machine — and in the inconceivably brief period of seventy-five hours from shore to shore! By the energy of an agent at Charleston, S. C., we are enabled to be the first to furnish the public with a detailed10 account of this most extraordinary voyage, which was performed between Saturday, the 6th instant, at 11 A.M. and 2 P.M., on Tuesday, the 9th instant, by Sir Everard Bringhurst; Mr. Osborne, a nephew of Lord Bentinck’s; Mr. Monck Mason and Mr. Robert Holland, the well-known aeronauts; Mr. Harrison Ainsworth, author of “Jack Sheppard,” etc.; and Mr. Henson the projector12 of the late unsuccessful flying machine — with two seamen13 from Woolwich — in all, eight persons. The particulars furnished below may be relied on as authentic14 and accurate in every respect, as, with a slight exception, they are copied verbatim from the joint15 diaries of Mr. Monck Mason and Mr. Harrison Ainsworth, to whose politeness our agent is also indebted for much verbal information respecting the balloon itself, its construction, and other matters of interest. The only alteration16 in the MS. received, has been made for the purpose of throwing the hurried account of our agent, Mr. Forsyth, into a connected and intelligible17 form.
The Balloon
Two very decided18 failures, of late — those of Mr. Henson and Sir George Cayley — had much weakened the public interest in the subject of aerial navigation. Mr. Henson’s scheme (which at first was considered very feasible even by men of science) was founded upon the principle of an inclined plane, started from an eminence19 by an extrinsic20 force, applied21 and continued by the revolution of impinging vanes, in form and number resembling the vanes of a windmill. But, in all the experiments made with models at the Adelaide Gallery, it was found that the operation of these fins23 not only did not propel the machine, but actually impeded24 its flight. The only propelling force it ever exhibited, was the mere25 impetus26 acquired from the descent of the inclined plane, and this impetus carried the machine farther when the vanes were at rest, than when they were in motion — a fact which sufficiently27 demonstrates their inutility, and in the absence of the propelling, which was also the sustaining power, the whole fabric28 would necessarily descend29. This consideration led Sir George Cayley to think only of adapting a propeller30 to some machine having of itself an independent power of support — in a word, to a balloon; the idea, however, being novel, or original, with Sir George, only so far as regards the mode of its application to practice. He exhibited a model of his invention at the Polytechnic31 Institution. The propelling principle, or power, was here, also, applied to interrupted surfaces, or vanes, put in revolution. These vanes were four in number, but were found entirely32 ineffectual in moving the balloon, or in aiding its ascending34 power. The whole project was thus a complete failure.
It was at this juncture35 that Mr. Monck Mason (whose voyage from Dover to Weilburg in the balloon Nassau occasioned so much excitement in 1837) conceived the idea of employing the principle of the Archimedean screw for the purpose of propulsion through the air — rightly attributing the failure of Mr. Henson’s scheme, and of Sir George Cayley’s to the interruption of surface in the independent vanes. He made the first public experiment at Willis’s Rooms, but afterward36 removed his model to the Adelaide Gallery.
Like Sir George Cayley’s balloon, his own was an ellipsoid. Its length was 13 feet 6 inches — height, 6 feet 8 inches. It contained about 320 cubic feet of gas, which, if pure hydrogen, would support 21 pounds upon its first inflation, before the gas has time to deteriorate37 or escape. The weight of the whole machine and apparatus39 was 17 pounds — leaving about 4 pounds to spare. Beneath the centre of the balloon, was a frame of light wood, about 9 feet long, and rigged on to the balloon itself with a net-work in the customary manner. From this framework was suspended a wicker basket or car.
The screw consists of an axis40 of hollow brass41 tube, 18 inches in length, through which, upon a semi-spiral inclined at 15 degrees, pass a series of steel-wire radii42, 2 feet long, and thus projecting a foot on either side. These radii are connected at the outer extremities43 by 2 bands of flattened44 wire; the whole in this manner forming the framework of the screw, which is completed by a covering of oiled silk cut into gores45, and tightened46 so as to present a tolerably uniform surface. At each end of its axis this screw is supported by pillars of hollow brass tube descending47 from the hoop48. In the lower ends of these tubes are holes in which the pivots50 of the axis revolve51. From the end of the axis which is next the car, proceeds a shaft52 of steel, connecting the screw with the pinion53 of a piece of spring machinery54 fixed55 in the car. By the operation of this spring, the screw is made to revolve with great rapidity, communicating a progressive motion to the whole. By means of the rudder, the machine was readily turned in any direction. The spring was of great power, compared with its dimensions, being capable of raising 45 pounds upon a barrel of 4 inches diameter, after the first turn, and gradually increasing as it was wound up. It weighed, altogether, eight pounds six ounces. The rudder was a light frame of cane56 covered with silk, shaped somewhat like a battledoor, and was about 3 feet long, and at the widest, one foot. Its weight was about 2 ounces. It could be turned flat, and directed upward or downward, as well as to the right or left-, and thus enabled the aeronaut to transfer the resistance of the air which in an inclined position it must generate in its passage, to any side upon which he might desire to act; thus determining the balloon in the opposite direction.
This model (which, through want of time, we have necessarily described in an imperfect manner) was put in action at the Adelaide Gallery, where it accomplished a velocity57 of 5 miles per hour; although, strange to say, it excited very little interest in comparison with the previous complex machine of Mr. Henson — so resolute58 is the world to despise anything which carries with it an air of simplicity59. To accomplish the great desideratum of aerial navigation, it was very generally supposed that some exceedingly complicated application must be made of some unusually profound principle in dynamics60.
So well satisfied, however, was Mr. Mason of the ultimate success of his invention, that he determined61 to construct immediately, if possible, a balloon of sufficient capacity to test the question by a voyage of some extent; the original design being to cross the British Channel, as before, in the Nassau balloon. To carry out his views, he solicited62 and obtained the patronage63 of Sir Everard Bringhurst and Mr. Osborne, two gentlemen well known for scientific acquirement, and especially for the interest they have exhibited in the progress of aerostation. The project, at the desire of Mr. Osborne, was kept a profound secret from the public — the only persons entrusted64 with the design being those actually engaged in the construction of the machine, which was built (under the superintendence of Mr. Mason, Mr. Holland, Sir Everard Bringhurst, and Mr. Osborne) at the seat of the latter gentleman near Penstruthal, in Wales. Mr. Henson, accompanied by his friend Mr. Ainsworth, was admitted to a private view of the balloon, on Saturday last; when the two gentlemen made final arrangements to be included in the adventure. We are not informed for what reason the two seamen were also included in the party — but in the course of a day or two, we shall put our readers in possession of the minutest particulars respecting this extraordinary voyage.
The balloon is composed of silk, varnished65 with the liquid gum caoutchouc. It is of vast dimensions, containing more than 40,000 cubic feet of gas; but as coal gas was employed in place of the more expensive and inconvenient66 hydrogen, the supporting power of the machine, when fully inflated67, and immediately after inflation, is not more than about 2500 pounds. The coal gas is not only much less costly68, but is easily procured70 and managed.
For its introduction into common use for purposes of aerostation, we are indebted to Mr. Charles Green. Up to his discovery, the process of inflation was not only exceedingly expensive, but uncertain. Two and even three days have frequently been wasted in futile71 attempts to procure69 a sufficiency of hydrogen to fill a balloon, from which it had great tendency to escape, owing to its extreme subtlety72, and its affinity73 for the surrounding atmosphere. In a balloon sufficiently perfect to retain its contents of coal gas unaltered, in quantity or amount, for six months, an equal quantity of hydrogen could not be maintained in equal purity for six weeks.
The supporting power being estimated at 2500 pounds, and the united weights of the party amounting only to about 1200, there was left a surplus of 1300, of which again 1200 was exhausted74 by ballast, arranged in bags of different sizes, with their respective weights marked upon them — by cordage, barometers76, telescopes, barrels containing provision for a fortnight, water-casks, cloaks, carpet-bags, and various other indispensable matters, including a coffee-warmer, contrived77 for warming coffee by means of slack-lime, so as to dispense78 altogether with fire, if it should be judged prudent79 to do so. All these articles, with the exception of the ballast, and a few trifles, were suspended from the hoop overhead. The car is much smaller and lighter80, in proportion, than the one appended to the model. It is formed of a light wicker, and is wonderfully strong for so frail81 looking a machine. Its rim22 is about 4 feet deep. The rudder is also very much larger, in proportion, than that of the model; and the screw is considerably82 smaller. The balloon is furnished besides with a grapnel, and a guide-rope, which latter is of the most indispensable importance. A few words, in explanation, will here be necessary for such of our readers as are not conversant83 with the details of aerostation.
As soon as the balloon quits the earth, it is subjected to the influence of many circumstances tending to create a difference in its weight; augmenting84 or diminishing its ascending power. For example, there may be a deposition85 of dew upon the silk, to the extent, even, of several hundred pounds; ballast has then to be thrown out, or the machine may descend. This ballast being discarded, and a clear sunshine evaporating the dew, and at the same time expanding the gas in the silk, the whole will again rapidly ascend33. To check this ascent86, the only recourse is (or rather was, until Mr. Green’s invention of the guide-rope) the permission of the escape of gas from the valve; but, in the loss of gas, is a proportionate general loss of ascending power; so that, in a comparatively brief period, the best-constructed balloon must necessarily exhaust all its resources, and come to the earth. This was the great obstacle to voyages of length.
The guide-rope remedies the difficulty in the simplest manner conceivable. It is merely a very long rope which is suffered to trail from the car, and the effect of which is to prevent the balloon from changing its level in any material degree. If, for example, there should be a deposition of moisture upon, the silk, and the machine begins to descend in consequence, there will be no necessity for discharging ballast to remedy the increase of weight, for it is remedied, or counteracted87, in an exactly just proportion, by the deposit on the ground of just so much of the end of the rope as is necessary. If, on the other hand, any circumstances should cause undue88 levity89, and consequent ascent, this levity is immediately counteracted by the additional weight of rope upraised from the earth. Thus, the balloon can neither ascend nor descend, except within very narrow limits, and its resources, either in gas or ballast, remain comparatively unimpaired. When passing over an expanse of water, it becomes necessary to employ small kegs of copper90 or wood, filled with liquid ballast of a lighter nature than water. These float, and serve all the purposes of a mere rope on land. Another most important office of the guide-rope, is to point out the direction of the balloon. The rope drags, either on land or sea, while the balloon is free; the latter, consequently, is always in advance, when any progress whatever is made, a comparison, therefore, by means of the compass, of the relative positions of the two objects, will always indicate the course. In the same way, the angle formed by the rope with the vertical91 axis of the machine, indicates the velocity. When there is no angle — in other words, when the rope hangs perpendicularly92, the whole apparatus is stationary94; but the larger the angle, that is to say, the farther the balloon precedes the end of the rope, the greater the velocity; and the converse95.
As the original design was to cross the British Channel, and alight as near Paris as possible, the voyagers had taken the precaution to prepare themselves with passports directed to all parts of the Continent, specifying96 the nature of the expedition, as in the case of the Nassau voyage, and entitling the adventurers to exemption97 from the usual formalities of office; unexpected events, however, rendered these passports superfluous98.
The inflation was commenced very quietly at day-break, on Saturday morning, the 6th instant in the courtyard of Wheal-Vor House, Mr. Osborne’s seat, about a mile from Penstruthal, in North Wales; and at 7 minutes past 11, everything being ready for departure, the balloon was set free, rising gently but steadily99, in a direction nearly South; no use being made, for the first half hour, of either the screw or the rudder. We proceed now with the journal, as transcribed100 by Mr. Forsyth from the joint MSS. of Mr. Monck Mason and Mr. Ainsworth. The body of the journal, as given, is in the handwriting of Mr. Mason, and a P. S. is appended, each day, by Mr. Ainsworth, who has in preparation, and will shortly give the public a more minute and, no doubt, a thrillingly interesting account of the voyage.
The Journal
Saturday, April the 6th. — Every preparation likely to embarrass us having been made overnight, we commenced the inflation this morning at daybreak; but owing to a thick fog which encumbered101 the folds of the silk and rendered it unmanageable, we did not get through before nearly eleven o’clock. Cut loose, then, in high spirits, and rose gently but steadily, with a light breeze at North, which bore us in the direction of the Bristol Channel. Found the ascending force greater than we had expected; and as we arose higher and so got clear of the cliffs, and more in the sun’s rays, our ascent became very rapid. I did not wish, however, to lose gas at so early a period of the adventure, and so concluded to ascend for the present. We soon ran out our guide-rope; but even when we had raised it clear of the earth, we still went up very rapidly. The balloon was unusually steady, and looked beautifully. In about 10 minutes after starting, the barometer75 indicated an altitude of 15,000 feet. The weather was remarkably102 fine, and the view of the subjacent country — a most romantic one when seen from any point — was now especially sublime103. The numerous deep gorges104 presented the appearance of lakes, on account of the dense105 vapors106 with which they were filled, and the pinnacles107 and crags to the South East, piled in inextricable confusion, resembling nothing so much as the giant cities of Eastern fable108. We were rapidly approaching the mountains in the South, but our elevation109 was more than sufficient to enable us to pass them in safety. In a few minutes we soared over them in fine style; and Mr. Ainsworth, with the seamen, was surprised at their apparent want of altitude when viewed from the car, the tendency of great elevation in a balloon being to reduce inequalities of the surface below, to nearly a dead level. At half-past eleven still proceeding110 nearly South, we obtained our first view of the Bristol Channel; and, in fifteen minutes afterward, the line of breakers on the coast appeared immediately beneath us, and we were fairly out at sea. We now resolved to let off enough gas to bring our guide-rope, with the buoys112 affixed113, into the water. This was immediately done, and we commenced a gradual descent. In about 20 minutes our first buoy111 dipped, and at the touch of the second soon afterward, we remained stationary as to elevation. We were all now anxious to test the efficiency of the rudder and screw, and we put them both into requisition forthwith, for the purpose of altering our direction more to the eastward114, and in a line for Paris. By means of the rudder we instantly effected the necessary change of direction, and our course was brought nearly at right angles to that of the wind; when we set in motion the spring of the screw, and were rejoiced to find it propel us readily as desired. Upon this we gave nine hearty115 cheers, and dropped in the sea a bottle, inclosing a slip of parchment with a brief account of the principle of the invention. Hardly, however, had we done with our rejoicings, when an unforeseen accident occurred which discouraged us in no little degree. The steel rod connecting the spring with the propeller was suddenly jerked out of place, at the car end, (by a swaying of the car through some movement of one of the two seamen we had taken up,) and in an instant hung dangling116 out of reach, from the pivot49 of the axis of the screw. While we were endeavoring to regain117 it, our attention being completely absorbed, we became involved in a strong current of wind from the East, which bore us, with rapidly increasing force, toward the Atlantic. We soon found ourselves driving out to sea at the rate of not less, certainly, than 50 or 60 miles an hour, so that we came up with Cape38 Clear, at some 40 miles to our North, before we had secured the rod, and had time to think what we were about. It was now that Mr. Ainsworth made an extraordinary but, to my fancy, a by no means unreasonable118 or chimerical119 proposition, in which he was instantly seconded by Mr. Holland-viz.: that we should take advantage of the strong gale120 which bore us on, and in place of beating back to Paris, make an attempt to reach the coast of North America. After slight reflection, I gave a willing assent121 to this bold proposition, which (strange to say) met with objection from the two seamen only. As the stronger party, however, we overruled their fears, and kept resolutely122 upon our course. We steered123 due West; but as the trailing of the buoys materially impeded our progress, and we had the balloon abundantly at command, either for ascent or descent, we first threw out fifty pounds of ballast, and then wound up (by means of a windlass) so much of the rope as brought it quite clear of the sea. We perceived the effect of this manoeuvre124 immediately, in a vastly increased rate of progress; and, as the gale freshened, we flew with a velocity nearly inconceivable; the guide-rope flying out behind the car, like a streamer from a vessel125. It is needless to say that a very short time sufficed us to lose sight of the coast. We passed over innumerable vessels126 of all kinds, a few of which were endeavoring to beat up, but the most of them lying to. We occasioned the greatest excitement on board all — an excitement greatly relished127 by ourselves, and especially by our two men, who, now under the influence of a dram of Geneva, seemed resolved to give all scruple128, or fear, to the wind. Many of the vessels fired signal guns; and in all we were saluted129 with loud cheers (which we heard with surprising distinctness) and the waving of caps and handkerchiefs. We kept on in this manner throughout the day with no material incident, and, as the shades of night closed around us, we made a rough estimate of the distance traversed. It could not have been less than 500 miles, and was probably much more. The propeller was kept in constant operation, and, no doubt, aided our progress materially. As the sun went down, the gale freshened into an absolute hurricane, and the ocean beneath was clearly visible on account of its phosphorescence. The wind was from the East all night, and gave us the brightest omen130 of success. We suffered no little from cold, and the dampness of the atmosphere was most unpleasant; but the ample space in the car enabled us to lie down, and by means of cloaks and a few blankets we did sufficiently well.
P.S. [by Mr. Ainsworth.] The last nine hours have been unquestionably the most exciting of my life. I can conceive nothing more sublimating131 than the strange peril132 and novelty of an adventure such as this. May God grant that we succeed! I ask not success for mere safety to my insignificant133 person, but for the sake of human knowledge and — for the vastness of the triumph. And yet the feat134 is only so evidently feasible that the sole wonder is why men have scrupled135 to attempt it before. One single gale such as now befriends us — let such a tempest whirl forward a balloon for 4 or 5 days (these gales136 often last longer) and the voyager will be easily borne, in that period, from coast to coast. In view of such a gale the broad Atlantic becomes a mere lake. I am more struck, just now, with the supreme137 silence which reigns138 in the sea beneath us, notwithstanding its agitation139, than with any other phenomenon presenting itself. The waters give up no voice to the Heavens. The immense flaming ocean writhes140 and is tortured uncomplainingly. The mountainous surges suggest the idea of innumerable dumb gigantic fiends struggling in impotent agony. In a night such as is this to me, a man lives — lives a whole century of ordinary life — nor would I forego this rapturous delight for that of a whole century of ordinary existence.
Sunday, the 7th. [Mr. Mason’s MS.] This morning the gale, by 10, had subsided141 to an eight — or nine — knot breeze (for a vessel at sea), and bears us, perhaps, 30 miles per hour, or more. It has veered142, however, very considerably to the North; and now, at sundown, we are holding our course due West, principally by the screw and rudder, which answer their purposes to admiration. I regard the project as thoroughly143 successful, and the easy navigation of the air in any direction (not exactly in the teeth of a gale) as no longer problematical. We could not have made head against the strong wind of yesterday, but, by ascending, we might have got out of its influence, if requisite144. Against a pretty stiff breeze, I feel convinced, we can make our way with the propeller. At noon, today, ascended145 to an elevation of nearly 25,000 feet, (about the height of Cotopaxi) by discharging ballast. Did this to search for a more direct current, but found none so favorable as the one we are now in. We have an abundance of gas to take us across this small pond, even should the voyage last 3 weeks. I have not the slightest fear for the result. The difficulty has been strangely exaggerated and misapprehended. I can choose my current, and should I find all currents against me, I can make very tolerable headway with the propeller. We have had no incidents worth recording147. The night promises fair.
P.S. [By Mr. Ainsworth.] I have little to record, except the fact (to me quite a surprising one) that, at an elevation equal to that of Cotopaxi, I experienced neither very intense cold, nor headache, nor difficulty of breathing; neither, I find, did Mr. Mason, nor Mr. Holland, nor Sir Everard. Mr. Osborne complained of constriction148 of the chest — but this soon wore off. We have flown at a great rate during the day, and we must be more than half way across the Atlantic. We have passed over some 20 or 30 vessels of various kinds, and all seem to be delightfully149 astonished. Crossing the ocean in a balloon is not so difficult a feat after all. Omne ignotum pro6 magnifico. Mem.: at 25,000 feet elevation the sky appears nearly black, and the stars are distinctly visible; while the sea does not seem convex (as one might suppose) but absolutely and most unequivocally concave.4
4 “Mr. Ainsworth has not attempted to account for this phenomenon, which however, is quite susceptible150 of explanation. A line dropped from an elevation of 25,000 feet, perpendicularly to the surface of the earth (or sea), would form the perpendicular93 of a right-angled triangle, of which the base would extend from the right angle to the horizon, and the hypothenuse from the horizon to the balloon. But the 25,000 feet of altitude is little or nothing, in comparison with the extent of the prospect151. In other words, the base and hypothenuse of the supposed triangle would be so long, when compared with the perpendicular, that the two former may be regarded as nearly parallel. In this manner the horizon of the aeronaut would appear to be on a level with the car. But, as the point immediately beneath him seems, and is, at a great distance below him, it seems, of course, also, at a great distance below the horizon. Hence the impression of concavity; and this impression must remain, until the elevation shall bear so great a proportion to the extent of prospect, that the apparent parallelism of the base and hypothenuse disappears — when the earth’s real convexity must appear.
Monday, the 8th. [Mr. Mason’s MS.] This morning we had again some little trouble with the rod of the propeller, which must be entirely remodelled152, for fear of serious accident — I mean the steel rod, not the vanes. The latter could not be improved. The wind has been blowing steadily and strongly from the North-East all day; and so far fortune seems bent11 upon favoring us. Just before day, we were all somewhat alarmed at some odd noises and concussions153 in the balloon, accompanied with the apparent rapid subsidence of the whole machine. These phenomena154 were occasioned by the expansion of the gas, through increase of heat in the atmosphere, and the consequent disruption of the minute particles of ice with which the network had become encrusted during the night. Threw down several bottles to the vessels below. Saw one of them picked up by a large ship — seemingly one of the New York line packets. Endeavored to make out her name, but could not be sure of it. Mr. Osbornes telescope made it out something like “Atalanta.” It is now 12 at night, and we are still going nearly West, at a rapid pace. The sea is peculiarly phosphorescent.
P.S. [By Mr. Ainsworth.] It is now 2 A.M., and nearly calm, as well as I can judge — but it is very difficult to determine this point since we move with the air so completely. I have not slept since quitting Wheal-Vor, but can stand it no longer, and must take a nap. We cannot be far from the American coast.
Tuesday, the 9th. [Mr. Ainsworth’s MS.] One, P.M. We are in full view of the low coast of South Carolina. The great problem is accomplished. We have crossed the Atlantic — fairly and easily crossed it in a balloon! God be praised! Who shall say that anything is impossible hereafter?
The Journal here ceases. Some particulars of the descent were communicated, however, by Mr. Ainsworth to Mr. Forsyth. It was nearly dead calm when the voyagers first came in view of the coast, which was immediately recognized by both the seamen, and by Mr. Osborne. The latter gentleman having acquaintances at Fort Moultrie, it was immediately resolved to descend in its vicinity. The balloon was brought over the beach (the tide being out and the sand hard, smooth, and admirably adapted for a descent), and the grapnel let go, which took firm hold at once. The inhabitants of the Island, and of the Fort, thronged155 out, of course, to see the balloon; but it was with the greatest difficulty that any one could be made to credit the actual voyage — the crossing of the Atlantic. The grapnel caught at 2 P.M. precisely156; and thus the whole voyage was completed in 75 hours; or rather less, counting from shore to shore. No serious accident occurred. No real danger was at any time apprehended146. The balloon was exhausted and secured without trouble; and when the MS. from which this narrative157 is compiled was despatched from Charleston, the party were still at Fort Moultrie. Their further intentions were not ascertained158; but we can safely promise our readers some additional information either on Monday or in the course of the next day, at furthest.
This is unquestionably the most stupendous, the most interesting, and the most important undertaking159 ever accomplished or even attempted by man. What magnificent events may ensue, it would be useless now to think of determining.
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astounding
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| adj.使人震惊的vt.使震惊，使大吃一惊astound的现在分词) | |
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steering
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interspersed
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| adj.[医]散开的；点缀的v.intersperse的过去式和过去分词 | |
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admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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pro
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| n.赞成，赞成的意见，赞成者 | |
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prodigious
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| adj.惊人的，奇妙的；异常的；巨大的；庞大的 | |
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accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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subdued
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| adj. 屈服的，柔和的，减弱的 动词subdue的过去式和过去分词 | |
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detailed
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bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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projector
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| n.投影机，放映机，幻灯机 | |
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seamen
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| n.海员 | |
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authentic
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| a.真的，真正的；可靠的，可信的，有根据的 | |
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joint
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| adj.联合的，共同的；n.关节，接合处；v.连接，贴合 | |
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alteration
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intelligible
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| adj.可理解的，明白易懂的，清楚的 | |
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decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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eminence
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| n.卓越，显赫；高地，高处；名家 | |
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extrinsic
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| adj.外部的；不紧要的 | |
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applied
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rim
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| n.(圆物的)边，轮缘；边界 | |
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fins
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| [医]散热片；鱼鳍；飞边；鸭掌 | |
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24
impeded
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| 阻碍，妨碍，阻止( impede的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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26
impetus
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| n.推动，促进，刺激；推动力 | |
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27
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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28
fabric
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| n.织物，织品，布；构造，结构，组织 | |
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29
descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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30
propeller
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| n.螺旋桨，推进器 | |
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31
polytechnic
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| adj.各种工艺的，综合技术的；n.工艺(专科)学校；理工(专科)学校 | |
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32
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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33
ascend
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| vi.渐渐上升，升高；vt.攀登，登上 | |
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34
ascending
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| adj.上升的，向上的 | |
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35
juncture
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| n.时刻，关键时刻，紧要关头 | |
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36
afterward
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| adv.后来；以后 | |
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37
deteriorate
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| v.变坏；恶化；退化 | |
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38
cape
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| n.海角，岬；披肩，短披风 | |
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39
apparatus
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| n.装置，器械；器具，设备 | |
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40
axis
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| n.轴，轴线，中心线；坐标轴，基准线 | |
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41
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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42
radii
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| n.半径；半径（距离）( radius的名词复数 )；用半径度量的圆形面积；半径范围；桡骨 | |
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43
extremities
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| n.端点( extremity的名词复数 )；尽头；手和足；极窘迫的境地 | |
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44
flattened
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| [医]（水）平扁的，弄平的 | |
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45
gores
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| n.（动物）用角撞伤，用牙刺破( gore的名词复数 )v.（动物）用角撞伤，用牙刺破( gore的第三人称单数 ) | |
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46
tightened
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| 收紧( tighten的过去式和过去分词 )； （使）变紧； （使）绷紧； 加紧 | |
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47
descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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48
hoop
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| n.（篮球）篮圈，篮 | |
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49
pivot
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| v.在枢轴上转动；装枢轴，枢轴；adj.枢轴的 | |
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50
pivots
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| n.枢( pivot的名词复数 )；最重要的人（或事物）；中心；核心v.（似）在枢轴上转动( pivot的第三人称单数 )；把…放在枢轴上；以…为核心，围绕（主旨）展开 | |
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51
revolve
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| vi.(使)旋转；循环出现 | |
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52
shaft
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| n.(工具的)柄，杆状物 | |
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53
pinion
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| v.束缚；n.小齿轮 | |
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54
machinery
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| n.(总称)机械，机器；机构 | |
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55
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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56
cane
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| n.手杖，细长的茎，藤条；v.以杖击，以藤编制的 | |
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57
velocity
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| n.速度，速率 | |
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58
resolute
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| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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59
simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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60
dynamics
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| n.力学，动力学，动力，原动力；动态 | |
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61
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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62
solicited
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| v.恳求( solicit的过去式和过去分词 )；（指娼妇）拉客；索求；征求 | |
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63
patronage
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| n.赞助，支援，援助；光顾，捧场 | |
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64
entrusted
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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65
varnished
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| 浸渍过的，涂漆的 | |
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66
inconvenient
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| adj.不方便的，令人感到麻烦的 | |
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67
inflated
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| adj.（价格）飞涨的；（通货）膨胀的；言过其实的；充了气的v.使充气（于轮胎、气球等）( inflate的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）膨胀；（使）通货膨胀；物价上涨 | |
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68
costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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69
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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70
procured
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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71
futile
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| adj.无效的，无用的，无希望的 | |
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72
subtlety
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| n.微妙，敏锐，精巧；微妙之处，细微的区别 | |
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73
affinity
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| n.亲和力，密切关系 | |
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74
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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75
barometer
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| n.气压表，睛雨表，反应指标 | |
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76
barometers
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| 气压计，晴雨表( barometer的名词复数 ) | |
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77
contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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78
dispense
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| vt.分配，分发；配(药)，发(药)；实施 | |
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79
prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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80
lighter
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| n.打火机，点火器；驳船；v.用驳船运送；light的比较级 | |
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81
frail
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| adj.身体虚弱的；易损坏的 | |
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82
considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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83
conversant
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| adj.亲近的，有交情的，熟悉的 | |
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84
augmenting
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| 使扩张 | |
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85
deposition
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| n.免职，罢官；作证；沉淀；沉淀物 | |
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86
ascent
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| n.(声望或地位)提高；上升，升高；登高 | |
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87
counteracted
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| 对抗，抵消( counteract的过去式 ) | |
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88
undue
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| adj.过分的；不适当的；未到期的 | |
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89
levity
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| n.轻率，轻浮，不稳定，多变 | |
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90
copper
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| n.铜；铜币；铜器；adj.铜(制)的；(紫)铜色的 | |
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91
vertical
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| adj.垂直的，顶点的，纵向的；n.垂直物，垂直的位置 | |
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92
perpendicularly
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| adv. 垂直地, 笔直地, 纵向地 | |
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93
perpendicular
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| adj.垂直的，直立的；n.垂直线，垂直的位置 | |
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94
stationary
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| adj.固定的，静止不动的 | |
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95
converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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96
specifying
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| v.指定( specify的现在分词 )；详述；提出…的条件；使具有特性 | |
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97
exemption
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| n.豁免，免税额，免除 | |
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98
superfluous
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| adj.过多的，过剩的，多余的 | |
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99
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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100
transcribed
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| （用不同的录音手段）转录( transcribe的过去式和过去分词 )； 改编（乐曲）（以适应他种乐器或声部）； 抄写； 用音标标出（声音） | |
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101
encumbered
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| v.妨碍，阻碍，拖累( encumber的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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102
remarkably
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| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
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103
sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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104
gorges
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| n.山峡，峡谷( gorge的名词复数 )；咽喉v.（用食物把自己）塞饱，填饱( gorge的第三人称单数 )；作呕 | |
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105
dense
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| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
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106
vapors
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| n.水汽，水蒸气，无实质之物( vapor的名词复数 )；自夸者；幻想 [药]吸入剂 [古]忧郁（症）v.自夸，（使）蒸发( vapor的第三人称单数 ) | |
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107
pinnacles
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| 顶峰( pinnacle的名词复数 )； 顶点； 尖顶； 小尖塔 | |
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108
fable
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| n.寓言；童话；神话 | |
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109
elevation
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| n.高度；海拔；高地；上升；提高 | |
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110
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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111
buoy
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| n.浮标；救生圈；v.支持，鼓励 | |
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112
buoys
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| n.浮标( buoy的名词复数 )；航标；救生圈；救生衣v.使浮起( buoy的第三人称单数 )；支持；为…设浮标；振奋…的精神 | |
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113
affixed
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| adj.[医]附着的，附着的v.附加( affix的过去式和过去分词 )；粘贴；加以；盖（印章） | |
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114
eastward
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| adv.向东；adj.向东的；n.东方，东部 | |
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115
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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116
dangling
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| 悬吊着( dangle的现在分词 )； 摆动不定； 用某事物诱惑…； 吊胃口 | |
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117
regain
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| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
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118
unreasonable
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| adj.不讲道理的，不合情理的，过度的 | |
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119
chimerical
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| adj.荒诞不经的，梦幻的 | |
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120
gale
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| n.大风，强风，一阵闹声（尤指笑声等） | |
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121
assent
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| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
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122
resolutely
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| adj.坚决地，果断地 | |
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123
steered
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| v.驾驶( steer的过去式和过去分词 )；操纵；控制；引导 | |
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124
manoeuvre
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| n.策略，调动；v.用策略，调动 | |
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125
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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126
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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127
relished
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| v.欣赏( relish的过去式和过去分词 )；从…获得乐趣；渴望 | |
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128
scruple
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| n./v.顾忌，迟疑 | |
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129
saluted
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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130
omen
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| n.征兆，预兆；vt.预示 | |
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131
sublimating
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| v.（使某物质）升华( sublimate的现在分词 )；使净化；纯化 | |
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132
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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133
insignificant
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| adj.无关紧要的，可忽略的，无意义的 | |
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134
feat
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| n.功绩；武艺，技艺；adj.灵巧的，漂亮的，合适的 | |
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135
scrupled
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| v.感到于心不安，有顾忌( scruple的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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136
gales
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| 龙猫 | |
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137
supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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138
reigns
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| n.君主的统治( reign的名词复数 )；君主统治时期；任期；当政期 | |
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139
agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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140
writhes
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| （因极度痛苦而）扭动或翻滚( writhe的第三人称单数 ) | |
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141
subsided
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| v.（土地）下陷（因在地下采矿）( subside的过去式和过去分词 )；减弱；下降至较低或正常水平；一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
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142
veered
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| v.（尤指交通工具）改变方向或路线( veer的过去式和过去分词 )；（指谈话内容、人的行为或观点）突然改变；（指风） （在北半球按顺时针方向、在南半球按逆时针方向）逐渐转向；风向顺时针转 | |
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143
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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144
requisite
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| adj.需要的，必不可少的；n.必需品 | |
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145
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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146
apprehended
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| 逮捕，拘押( apprehend的过去式和过去分词 )； 理解 | |
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147
recording
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| n.录音，记录 | |
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148
constriction
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| 压缩； 紧压的感觉； 束紧； 压缩物 | |
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149
delightfully
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| 大喜，欣然 | |
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150
susceptible
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| adj.过敏的，敏感的；易动感情的，易受感动的 | |
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151
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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152
remodelled
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| v.改变…的结构[形状]( remodel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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153
concussions
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| n.震荡( concussion的名词复数 )；脑震荡；冲击；震动 | |
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154
phenomena
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| n.现象 | |
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155
thronged
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| v.成群，挤满( throng的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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156
precisely
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| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
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157
narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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158
ascertained
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| v.弄清，确定，查明( ascertain的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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159
undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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