midnight
The screws were so contrived , that by turning them in one direction , the pieces of lead attached to them were immediately disengaged from the hooks with which they were connected . The pieces of lunarium were fastened in like manner to screws , which passed through the top of the machine ; so that by turning them in one direction , those metallic pieces would fly into the air with the velocity of a rocket . The Brahmin took with him a thermometer , two telescopes , one of which projected through the top of the machine , and the other through the bottom ; a phosphoric lamp , pen , ink , and paper , and some light refreshments sufficient to supply us for some days . `` The moon was then in her third quarter , and near the zenith : it was , of course , a little after midnight , and when the coppersmith and his family were in their soundest sleep , that we entered the machine . In about an hour more we had the doors secured , and every thing arranged in its place , when , cutting the cords which fastened us to the ground , by means of small steel blades which worked in the ends of other screws , we rose from the earth with a whizzing sound , and a sensation at first of very rapid ascent , but after a short time , we were scarcely sensible of any motion in the machine , except when we changed our places . '' After the apprehensions of Atterley , occasioned by the novelty and danger of his situation , had partly subsided , he was enabled , with mingled awe and admiration , to contemplate the magnificent spectacle beneath him . As the earth turned round its axis , during their ascent , every part of its surface came successively under view .