The convex surface of any segment of a sphere is, to the
entire surface of the sphere itself, as the versed sine of the segment
to the diameter of the sphere. Now, in my case, the versed sine- that
is to say, the thickness of the segment beneath me- was about equal
to my elevation, or the elevation of the point of sight above the
surface. "As five miles, then, to eight thousand," would express the
proportion of the earth's area seen by me. In other words, I beheld as
much as a sixteen-hundredth part of the whole surface of the globe.
The sea appeared unruffled as a mirror, although, by means of the
spy-glass, I could perceive it to be in a state of violent
agitation. The ship was no longer visible, having drifted away,
apparently to the eastward. I now began to experience, at intervals,
severe pain in the head, especially about the ears- still, however,
breathing with tolerable freedom. The cat and pigeons seemed to suffer
no inconvenience whatsoever.
At twenty minutes before seven, the balloon entered a long series of
dense cloud, which put me to great trouble, by damaging my
condensing apparatus and wetting me to the skin.
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