To the average individual unacquainted with the art of deep sea diving
and the mysteries of the ocean away down beneath its surface, divers
are sort of super-human creatures often read about but seldom seen. How
they exist in the ocean’s depths, the queer costume they are compelled
to wear, the strange sensations they experience, the wonderful sights
they see, the desperate risks they take, and the manner in which they
work beneath the water, have, heretofore, all been a sealed volume to
the general public.
In presenting this little book to our patrons, it is our object to
enlighten them on these subjects, and give them some idea, at least, of
the life of a diver.
Mrs. Sorcho is the only woman deep sea diver in the world, and is the
only woman alive to-day who has ever donned a sub-marine armor and
descended into the ocean’s depths to work.
The example of intelligent daring is never lost on the world. The
mastery of human beings over the material world is evident on every
side, but too often are they themselves slaves to lesser things. With
skill and courage, with caution and daring, with full knowledge of
the danger, but with complete control over herself, this lady has
accomplished what no other woman has ever dared to attempt. Fears,
what are they? Coward thoughts. See Richard cowering in his tent.
See infants crying in the dark. See here a woman, who has braved the
thousand deaths that await the diver; who has calmly, yet courageously,
ventured in the ocean’s depths, with only the fishes and the thousands
awaiting the day when the sea shall give up its dead for companions;
kept herself in perfect control and invaded the mystic depths as a
conqueror, mistress alike of element and herself. Heroism is a medieval
thought, daring a classic record. To-day society languishes, passion
chills, the spirit of adventure dies, the glory of arms is stilled
by peace congresses, and human beings dwindle into a part of simple
mechanism. Four-fifths of the dangers of life are as trifles, if met
with courage, resolution and common sense.
Mrs. Sorcho is ready at any and all times to dive deeper and remain
under water longer than any other female, or forfeit $10,000.
Our armor is of the latest improved pattern, with telephone, electric
search-light, and many other up-to-date attachments invented and used
exclusively by us. The scenes presented are exactly as they occur in
the diver’s life at the ocean’s bottom, and the exhibition cannot fail
to instruct and amuse both the old and young.
Trusting it may meet with your kind approval, we are,
Very sincerely yours,
CAPT. LOUIS SORCHO,
FRANCES NAMON SORCHO,
_Deep Sea Divers_.