New Conquest of the Air; Or, The Advent of Aerial Navigation

New Conquest Of The Air; Or, The Advent Of Aerial Navigation by A. Lawrence Rotch is a historical survey of early aeronautics and the science of the atmosphere. The volume explains the 'Ocean of Air' and compares it with the ocean, describes how balloons, kites, and sounding balloons extended humanity's reach, and traces the evolution of aerostation from Lana, Besnier, and Montgolfier to the first hydrogen and hybrid dirigible airships. It also surveys the development of heavier-than-air flight, outlining the experimental work of Langley, Chanute, Lilienthal, and especially the Wright brothers, and surveys the growth of national aviation programs, from French and German airships to American flying machines. The book includes prefatory notes on meteorology, cloud formation, wind currents, and the challenges of flight—temperature, humidity, and wind shear—presenting both the scientific underpinnings and the practical implications for navigation, exploration, and warfare. It ends with reflections on the future of aerial navigation and the prophetic vision of air fleets binding nations together.