Chapter 18
Capt. Boyton’s apparatus consists simply of a rubber suit, made up of pantaloons and a tunic with a hood. From the nature of the material the suit is perfectly water-proof, but would not prevent the wearer suffering from the cold during a long immersion, were there not a lining between which and the rubber a certain amount of air can be introduced.
This air serves two ends,—the one, to maintain the apparatus on the water; the other, to prevent contact with it, and to guarantee against cold: so that the wearer may remain in the water for an indefinite time.
It is unnecessary to say that the joints are perfectly tight and strong.
The pantaloons, which extend to and cover the feet, are fastened to a steel belt at the waist, large enough to give free play to the body, and at the
