Diving bells through the centuries.

Abstract

One of the oldest, successful and most enduring forms of diving involves the use of a diving bell. This paper traces the history of the applications and development of the diving bell over a period in excess of 2,000 years. Setting off in pre-Christian times in the Middle East, the story travels all over Europe, with occasional expeditions to the Americas, and closes with the appearance of the modern “transfer under pressure” bell, first introduced by the Royal Navy and now universally adopted.