Henry Tracey Coxwell (1819–1900) was an English aeronaut, balloon manufacturer, lecturer, and writer best known for his pioneering Victorian balloon ascents. Born in Wouldham, Kent, he first became involved with ballooning in the early 1850s and soon established himself as one of Britain’s most experienced professional aeronauts. Coxwell is particularly associated with the scientist James Glaisher, with whom he made a series of important meteorological ascents for the British Association. In September 1862, the pair rose to an extreme altitude, probably exceeding 35,000 feet, during which Glaisher lost consciousness and Coxwell temporarily lost the use of his hands through cold and lack of oxygen. Coxwell nevertheless managed to open the gas valve with his teeth and bring the balloon down safely. He wrote My Life and Balloon Experiences, published in 1887, an autobiographical account of his career, balloon journeys, scientific expeditions, and the practical dangers of aerial travel before the age of powered flight. His writing combines adventure narrative with observations on atmospheric science and nineteenth-century public fascination with aviation.
1 works on Textopian