Geometrical Details and Preparations
The balloon, named Victoria, is described in detail with its double envelope, dimensions, and materials.
VIII
Shipped with great precaution and stored in the hold of the Resolute.
IX
Referenced as the balloon for the upcoming aerial voyage, central to the discussions about navigation and altitude control.
The Doctor's Secret Apparatus Revealed
The balloon is described in technical detail, including its gas receptacles, heat-tank, and safety valve.
XI
Christened by Dr. Ferguson at the moment of departure, symbolizing good luck and British pride.
Chapter XII
The balloon is navigated carefully, kept at safe altitudes, and anchored for the night.
XIII
Ascends to six thousand feet to escape the unhealthy lower atmosphere; descends later for hunting.
XIV
Anchored under a sycamore during the baboon attack; later rises to 1,500 feet and remains aloft overnight.
Chapter XV
Rises rapidly to escape the hostile crowd, carrying the sorcerer briefly.
XVI
The balloon withstands the storm, ascending through lightning and hail, and remains intact.
XVII
The balloon is inspected after the storm; the silk and gutta percha are intact, and the hydrogen quantity is unchanged.
Chapter XVIII
Carries the explorers over the river and islands, descends for verification, and withstands arrows and musket fire.
XIX
The balloon is carefully managed, with Joe tying up cords and checking the seal to prevent gas escape.
Chapter XX
The balloon is tossed by irregular winds, skims low over villages, and rises to avoid arrows and birds of prey.
XXI
The balloon is anchored to a tree and later freed for the rescue.
XXII
Carries the party and is maneuvered to rescue the missionary and cross the volcano.
Chapter XXIII: The Goldmine and the Missionary's Burial
Descends into the ravine for the burial and later rises again after ballast adjustment.
XXV
The balloon is stationary in the still air; its mirage appears to the travelers.
Chapter XXVI
The balloon is grounded and motionless due to lack of wind; the doctor attempts to ascend but fails.
Chapter XXVII
The balloon is lightened by discarding ore and quartz, allowing it to rise above the simoom and travel 240 miles to an oasis.
An Evening of Delight
Bends under the hurricane force, drags along the sand, and is hastily reboarded and launched into the storm.
XXIX
Reaches its greatest altitude of over 8,000 feet while crossing Mount Mendif; endures a violent storm.
Mosfeia and the Incendiary Pigeons
The balloon proves reliable, carrying the travelers safely through the attack and over the landscape.
XXXI
Resumes motion at 3 a.m.; carries the travelers over the Shari River and Lake Tchad; descends to five feet above the lake surface.
XXXII
The balloon's silk is torn by condors, causing a fall; it rises again after Joe's sacrifice and carries the survivors to the northern shore.
XXXIII
The balloon is repaired and reequilibrated after losing its outer covering; used for the search.
The Hurricane and the Resolution
Struggles in the hurricane; forced to cut anchor; driven northward then southward by shifting winds.
Chapter XXXV
The balloon is seen ascending and disappearing northward after Joe's jump.
XXXVI
The balloon is used to descend near the ground and lift Joe to safety, then ascends rapidly after ballast is released.
XXXVII
Carries the travelers over Damerghou, Zinder, and Aghades, demonstrating reliable flight.
XXXVIII
Shows a tendency to sink due to loss of gas; the doctor compensates by increasing hydrogen dilation.
XXXIX
The balloon is noted for its diminishing gas and need for careful management to reach the coast.
Chapter XL
The balloon is wearing out and requires careful management to stay aloft.
The Approaches to Senegal
Descends due to hydrogen leakage; lightened repeatedly; barely clears a mountain ridge; finally anchors in a sycamore forest.
A Struggle of Generosity
Lightened by the removal of the apparatus, rises upright; later ascends rapidly to escape the encircling fire.
XLIII
Descends dangerously, is re-inflated with hot air, and finally lost in the cataracts of Gouina.
Conclusion
The balloon is lost in the cataracts of Gouina after the landing.
