October 23, 1852
1 min read
Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAmMagnetic Balloon Ascent
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Applications have, it is said, been made to the proprietors of the different places of entertainment in London, from whence balloon ascents take place, by an individual who wishes to make an ascent suspended 30 feet below the car, by magnetic attraction. The method by which he proposes to accomplish the feat is this: he possesses a magnet, the attractive power of which will sustain a weight of 150 lbs.; this is to be hung by a line 30 feet below the car; round his body is fixed an iron zone, which on being brought near the magnet firmly attaches itself thereto.
It’s Time to Stand Up for Science
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.