A System of Aeronautics, Comprehending Its Earliest Investigation, and Modern Practice and Art.

Wise, John

Published by Joseph A. Speel, Philadelphia, 1850

About this Item

John Wise (1808-1879) was the first American aeronaut of significance. His first balloon ascention was in 1835. In total he made 462 ascensions, until September 29 1879 when his final ascension ended disastrously in Lake Michigan. A true scientist, he observed the east west jet stream and designed equipment such as the ripcord. He promoted the use of balloons in both transportation and warfare. He devised a plan to capture Vera Cruz during the Mexican War that was never implemented. He participated in Military ascension during the Civil War, presumably firing the first hostile shot from an airborne contrivance over Arlington Virginia. This rebound copy has the original cloth adhered to both boards and the spine area. Page 157/158 has a chip out that eliminated about 1/2x1in. of textblock. this has been repaired with a photogcopy of the original. Page 275/276 is torn, this has also been repaired. A copy of Frontisportrait laid in. All 12 plates are present and complete with a little smudging and foxing. There is a 1in. stain {possible water} on the first half dozen pages. Slight foxing throughout. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.

Seller Inventory # 083305

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A System of Aeronautics, Comprehending Its Earliest Investigation, and Modern Practice and Art.
• Publisher: Joseph A. Speel, Philadelphia
• Publication Date: 1850
• Binding: Cloth Over Boards
• Illustrator: Various
• Condition: Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket
• Book Type: Rebound