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

Wise, John

Published by Joseph A. Speel, Phila, 1850

About this Item

First edition. Tall octavo in original dark blue-green blindstamped cloth with spine lettered in gilt; 310 pps. with frontis portrait engraving of the author. 12 engraved full page plates, most of famous balloons (including Montgolfier's) and one of "Henson's Arial Steam Carriage". Early and important study of manned flight. Part One is a history of aeronautics from the time of Archytas' "artificial flying pigeon", Byerlink and Basil of Macedonia, through the infancy of ballooning in the 18th century and its development in the 19th. Part Two recounts the history of American aeronautics and Wise's (then) fifteen years of practice in that art. Part Three consistes of "Instructions in the Art of Making Balloons, Parachutes, and All Kinds of Aeronautic Machinery; Also, Directions in the Processes of Infation and Practice of Air Sailing". A tight copy with scattered moderate foxing throughout; cloth is moderately rubbed and with some wear at the tips. More significant wear at the top and bottom spine edges but still a very presentable copy of this scarce and desirable book.

Seller Inventory # E231B

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A System of Aeronautics, Comprehending Its Earliest Investigations, and Modern Practice and Art.
• Publisher: Joseph A. Speel, Phila
• Publication Date: 1850
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First.