"Up to this time I had experienced no particular inconvenience.
When at the height of 26,000 feet I could not see the fine column
of the mercury in the tube; then the fine divisions on the scale
of the instrument became invisible. At that time I asked Mr.
Coxwell to help me to read the instruments, as I experienced a
difficulty in seeing them. In consequence of the rotary motion of
the balloon, which had continued without ceasing since the earth
was left, the valve line had become twisted, and he had to leave
the car, and to mount into the ring above to adjust it. At that
time I had no suspicion of other than temporary inconvenience in
seeing. Shortly afterwards I laid my arm upon the table,
possessed of its full vigour; but directly after, being desirous
of using it, I found it powerless. It must have lost its power
momentarily. I then tried to move the other arm, but found it
powerless also. I next tried to shake myself, and succeeded in
shaking my body. I seemed to have no legs. I could only shake
my body. I then looked at the barometer, and whilst I was doing
so my head fell on my left shoulder. I struggled, and shook my
body again, but could not move my arms. I got my head upright,
but for an instant only, when it fell on my right shoulder; and
then I fell backwards, my back resting against the side of the
car, and my head on its edge.
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