So it is this sodium that I extract from the sea-water, and of which I compose my ingredients.

I owe all to the ocean; it produces electricity, and electricity gives heat, light, motion, and, in a word, life to the Nautilus." "But not the air you breathe ?" "Oh! I could manufacture the air necessary for my consumption, but it is useless, because I go up to the surface of the water when I please.
However, if electricity does not furnish me with air to breathe, it works at least the powerful pumps that are stored in spacious reservoirs, and which enable me to prolong at need, and as long as I will, my stay in the depths of the sea.

It gives a uniform and unintermittent light, which the sun does not.

Now look at this clock; it is electrical, and goes with a regularity that defies the best chronometers.

I have divided it into twenty-four hours, like the Italian clocks, because for me there is neither night nor day, sun nor moon, but only that factitious light that I take with me to the bottom of the sea.