The silk of the balloon would often burst
in a case of this kind, were it not for the restraining power of
the network."
After the days of Coutelle we do not read that balloons were made
much use of in warfare. The only ascent in the Egypt campaign
was that of a tricolor balloon thrown up to commemorate a fete.
That Napoleon knew full well the value of the scientific
discoveries of his time is clear from the following conversation
with a learned Mohammedan, which took place in the great pyramid
of Cheops:--
Mussamed. "Noble successor of Alexander, honour to shine
invincible arms, and to the unexpected lightning with which your
warriors are furnished."
Bonaparte. "Do you believe that that lightning is the work of
the children of men? Allah has placed it in our hands by means
of the genius of war."
Mussamed. "We recognised by your arms that it is Allah that has
sent you--the Delta and all the neighbouring countries are full
of thy miracles. But would you be a conqueror if Allah did not
permit you?"
Bonaparte. "A celestial body will point by my orders to the
dwelling of the clouds, and lightning will descend towards the
earth, along a rod of metal from which I can call it forth.
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