Downstream

he was a dedicated advocate
of a suit invented by C.S.
Merriman as a life-saving
device for steamship
passengers. The pair of
rubber pants and shirt were
held tight at the waist, while
tubes could be used to inflate
air pockets inside. Wearers
remained dry and could float
on their back, using a paddle
to propel themselves feet
first. This was one of many
swimming aids and devices at