The Power Possessed By Man in Relationto Aëronautics

Extract

Mr. Cradock prefaced his written observations by stating that the paper had been written a long time, and he had come to the conclusion that there was more evidence of the probable success of aëronautics than of many other successful things which had come before the public.

“When man’s weight and muscular power is properly applied to raise him it is clear he has the power. As by the use of three or four revolving stair steps which give motion to a pinion that gears into a vertical rack. On this revolving stair being set in motion by the man placing his weight upon the successive steps the pinion will elevate the man to as great an extent as if he employed the same labour in walking up an ordinary stairs. The question is not one of power, but of suitable means to utilise man's power.