View attachment 320241 This drawing if from Frank Leslie's Illustrated newspaper. Some time ago a CW magazine described this an impossible fantasy. Actually the New Bern, North Carolina newspaper, ( in Federal hands by now), carried a story January 21,1863, that Professor Lowe of the Balloon Corps was experimenting with carrying a calcium light aloft and results were satisfactory. I think this was very possible for several reasons. Lowe's two largest balloons were designed to carry five people and the calculated gas to weight allows over 2200 lbs. A small light only weighs a few pounds and the tanks that Robert Grant sold and refilled in 1865 were advertised as a boy could carry the two tanks with gas for several hours of light. From this an assumption can be made that the light and gas would replace one person. The mentioned article stated that the flame would have blown up the balloons hydrogen. Actually the needed flame is about the size of that from one of those butane candle lighters. Also the hydrogen was sealed in the balloon envelope many feet over the basket and heads of the people. When my light is at full power, the lime is at about 4300 degrees F but the heated part is only penny sized. The focal of the reflector is 4.5 inches and works so well that last week the reflector had many insects on the inside, 4.5 inches from the flame and they all survived.No heat is felt at the back. Lastly, Lowe's balloons all used a three point tether system to keep it steady so the lookout could focus on one point. This then would have allowed the same for the light. I do not know if this was ever used but do believe it is very possible.