sunday fantasy #164: Étienne-Gaspard Robert’s “Minerva”, 1803. an “aerial ship, designed for exploration and offered to all the Academies of Europe”. the key to the letters:
A: Balloon, 150 ft in diameter, fashioned of raw silk, coated on the inside and outside with rubber
B: The cock is a symbol of vigilance..the highest point of the aerostat; he also tells the hour
C: Weather-cock or streamer for ascertaining the direction of the balloon’s course
D: The Watchmen’s quarters
E: Needle which indicates the expansion and condensation of gas in the sphere
F: The observatory
G: Hall reserved for recreation, walking and gymnastics
K: Lecture hall for scientific conferences
L: The chemistry laboratory
M: The valve
N: Sail which shows the aeronauts when they descend or rise
O: Silken ladders providing ease of communication between all points of the sphere
P: Small escape ship
Q: Large store to keep water, wine and all nutrative substances for the expedition
R: Quarters for a few interested ladies..set at a distance from the body of the construction, lest the learned travellers by distracted in their observations
S: The kitchen
U: Room for musical activities, organ etc
X: Workshop for carpentry
Y: Study, for physics and modern studies
Z: Small subsidiary (spare gas) balloon
October 25, 2009, 11:02pm
