It was in reality a fall of 8,296 leagues on an orb,it is true, where weight could only be reckoned at one sixth of terrestrial weight; a formidable fall,nevertheless, and one against which every precaution must be taken without delay.
These precautions were of two sorts, some to deaden the shock when the projectile should touch the lunar soil, others to delay the fall, and consequently make it less violent.
