The Mechanical Imitation of Bird Flight

Extract

In commencing the paper which I am about to read I would like, first of all, to make a few remarks as to what has been done towards solving the difficult, yet extremely fascinating problem of aerial flight.

In recent years much has been attempted, but, when all is weighed in the balance, I venture to think that comparatively nothing of any value has yet been accomplished, and the successful flying machine has yet to come. A debt of gratitude is due to M. Santos Dumont. M. Lebaudy, and other pioneers, for breaking down, as they have, prejudice against the subject; but, after all, do his or their machines embody any new principle ? Only by careful attention to certain mechanical details and a combination of mechanism already in existence have they accomplished what they have.

It is unnecessary for me to go into details of the defects of navigable air-ships. Most students of aeronautics are, I think, agreed that the flying machine of the future will be one which is heavier than the atmosphere and presents the least surface of resistance when travelling horizontally.