tion, I intended that nine-tenths should be immersed, and one-tenth out of the water. Consequently, it would not displace more than nine-tenths of its volume, that is to say 1,35648100 square metres, or the same number of tons. I was therefore obliged not to exceed that weight in constructing it according to the following dimensions.
“The Nautilus is composed of two hulls, one within the other, fastened by T-shaped bolts, which give the vessel great strength. In fact, it has as much resistance in this form as a solid mass would possess. The bulwark cannot be broken, it adheres by itself, and is not riveted. The homogeneity of its construction and the joining of the materials enables it to defy the most violent seas.
“The two hulls are made of iron-plates, whose density with respect to the water is as 7810. The first is not less than two-and-a-half inches thick, and weighs 36496100 tons. The second ‘skin’ includes the keel, twenty inches high and ten thick, which weighs by itself sixty-two tons; the engine, the ballast, the various accessories and gear, the compartments and supports of the interior, weigh 96162100 tons, which gives a total of 135648100 tons. Is that clear?”
“Perfectly!” I replied.
“Well,” continued the captain, “when the Nautilus is in the sea, under these conditions, it emerges one-tenth. Now, I make the reservoirs of a capacity equal to this tenth, that is to say of 15072100 tons, and fill them with water; the vessel will then be completely immerged. That is the case. These reservoirs exist in the lower part of the Nautilus; I open the tops, the reservoirs are
