All you need is a amine CO2 absorption system, with canisters of lithium hydroxide for backup; an electrolysis system to generate oxygen, backed up by oxygen flasks; and maybe a snorkel or main induction system in case it gets real nasty... oops, wrong submarines.
As we used to say back in the day "I just don't trust air I can't see."
Of course they couldn't write down everything Bob just did. They didn't understand the technology. They just did as the Lord commanded. That's why we keep hearing about "curious workmanship". They didn't understand it but they used it anyway. Jesus people, it's really not that complicated.
Imagine Mr. Ash's own embarrassment when he finally unleashes his native intelligence and realizes how grossly he has insulted same over the entire course of his LDS-apologetics career.
We'll be here for you Mike - but the sooner you wake up, the less embarrassment you will ultimately suffer ...
"While the tale of "shining stones" has elicited the laughs of critics, we find that the story is perfectly at home in ancient lore."
Why is it perfectly at home in ancient lore?
Because they made up a bunch of ridiculous stories too. How odd that EVERY SINGLE CULTURE of humanity has myths, fables, folklores, tall tales, etc.
Joseph Smith couldn't possibly have made it up, just like George Lucas couldn't have possibly made up Star Wars because it fits perfectly with modern day lore.
I know the Force is true. I know that Lord Vader is an agent of that Force even though his sad devotion to that ancient religion has not helped him conjure up the stolen data tapes, or given him clairvoyance enough to find the rebels' hidden fortress...
he's hallucinating, and does not appear to be operating with all oars in those jaredite barges of his. Next he'll be saying that the barges operated flush toilets; when we all know that the barges were full of shiz, which they had to remove through the opening at the top.
Some time in the not distant future LDS, Inc. will accept the BoM as allegory and after a generation or so passes, they'll claim that they never taught it that the BOM was literally true.