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CAYLEY, George (1773-1857). "On aerial navigation." In: Journal of Natural Philosophy, Chemistry and the Arts, Vol. 24 (1809), pp. 164-174; Vol. 25 (1810), pp. 81-87 and 161-173. London: W. Stratford for W. Nicholson, 1809 (Vol. 24), 1809 (Vol. 25).
8o (208 x 133 mm). Vol 24: engraved plate; Vol. 25: 2 engraved plates. Modern half calf, original marbled boards (worn).
FIRST EDITION, journal issue, OF THE FIRST AND GREATEST CLASSIC OF AVIATION HISTORY, LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE SCIENCE OF AERODYNAMICS. In 1799 Cayley made an important breakthrough towards the modern airplane in separating the system of thrust from the system of lift. Earlier experiments with flight had been in the ornithopter tradition, using flapping wings to give both thrust and lift. Cayley successfully experimented with a combination of rigid wings for lift and a paddle mechanism for thrust. He has been called "the true inventor of the aeroplane and one of the most powerful geniuses in the history of aviation", and was motivated by the thought, as he put it himself, that "an uninterrupted navigable ocean, that comes to the threshold of every man's door, ought not to be neglected as a source of human gratification and advantage" (PMM 263); Norman 423. (2)
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FIRST EDITION, journal issue, OF THE FIRST AND GREATEST CLASSIC OF AVIATION HISTORY, LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE SCIENCE OF AERODYNAMICS. In 1799 Cayley made an important breakthrough towards the modern airplane in separating the system of thrust from the system of lift. Earlier experiments with flight had been in the ornithopter tradition, using flapping wings to give both thrust and lift. Cayley successfully experimented with a combination of rigid wings for lift and a paddle mechanism for thrust. He has been called "the true inventor of the aeroplane and one of the most powerful geniuses in the history of aviation", and was motivated by the thought, as he put it himself, that "an uninterrupted navigable ocean, that comes to the threshold of every man's door, ought not to be neglected as a source of human gratification and advantage" (PMM 263); Norman 423. (2)