Balloon ascent. Historical artwork of the stages of an ascent in a balloon by a Mr. Hampton from Cremorne House in Chelsea, London, England. The balloon would be filled with hydrogen or hot air to make it rise. The small basket beneath the balloon (bottom right) has a parachute attached to bring the passenger back to the ground (centre). Meanwhile the detached balloon deflates and falls (centre left). Published in A system of aeronautics, comprehending its earliest investigations, and modern practice and art, Philadephia, 1850.