Balloon

First used by the brothers Mongol fier at Annonay, France, June 5. 1783; first ascent made Nov. 21, 1783, by Pilatre de Rozier; used at the battle of Fleurus, June 17, 1794; all these were hot-air balloons. The first ascent in a hydrogen Balloon with Car and Parachute balloon was made by Charles, in Paris. Dec. 1, 1783. The highest elevation yet reached was by Glaischer, at Wolver hampton, Eng., 1862, about 7 miles, bar. 7 in., fall in temp. 62°. They are now employed for ships' lookouts, particularly in the French Navy. By sending up"captive" balloons from war-ships the visible horizon is considerably extended. They are also used for raising sunken ve els. See AIR SHIP. Balloon-Ball. English game of 14th century, played with an inflated ball of strong leather, struck by the arm, which was defended by a bracer of wood.