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A Dolphin, or 'Fish Formed' balloon constructed after many experiments in 1816-17 by Mr Samuel Paully at a reported final cost of £10,000 and funded by Mr Durs Egg, a Pall Mall gunmaker. It was fabricated from goldbeaters' skin, the membrane taken from the stomach of the ox. For this balloon the membranes of 70,000 oxen were used and moulded on a wooden frame - 'sevenfold on the top and six on the sides', then varnished on both sides. Measurements were 85ft long and 39ft wide and the balloon was inflated with 29,079 cubic feet of hydrogen gas. It weighed 1,200lb and the 'propelling impetus was a kind of atmospheric steam-engine'. The oars were made from wood, whalebone and silk, and used by the passengers, who's total weight could not exceed 600lbs. Disputes between Mr Paully and Mr Egg delayed construction and both men died before the balloon was completed. It was listed for sale in 1835 with no car or machinery for 100 guineas.

Details
Collection:	Vauxhall Gardens
Image type:	Print
Artist:
Ref:	10869
Identifier:	IV 162/14/59
Date:	1835

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