On Aërial Propellers

Extract

In placing this model before you, I venture to suggest that the attention of the members of the Society should especially be directed to finding or inventing a propeller which will enable us to grasp the air in such a manner as to utilise the power we possess in the steam-engine. We are at present unacquainted with any aërial propeller which does not require an enormous expenditure of power; and when I regard the ease with which many birds raise themselves from the ground, I cannot but think there is much room and opportunity for improvement in our mechanical appliances, and that the difficulty may be overcome.

The model I produce and where of a plan is here to annexed, illustrates what I believe to be the best (that is to say, the figure of 8 or sculling) action; but the same movement may, no doubt, be obtained by a more simple mechanical arrangement. Either a direct lifting, or a lifting and propelling action, may be produced by this arrangement.