H. Skey. — Introduction of the Gyroscope in Aerial Transit. Ill 



on the small scale ; while on the grand scale we have the axes of the earth 

 and all celestial orbs as examples. A smooth thin stone thrown through 

 the air keeps its plane of rotation nearly constant even when a high wind 

 is blowing, the slight rotation in its own plane keeping it therein. 



From experiments given in a former paper ; -•'• it was shown that when 

 very oblique planes are moved through the air with the anterior edge only 

 slightly elevated, there is not then much power wasted in driving a mass of 

 air before them in a horizontal direction, and more than this there is a 

 considerably less mass of air forced downwards, the inertia and elasticity of 

 the air tending to impart great upward pressure unto the plane. 



In a second paper t it was endeavoured to show how very thin planes 

 could be preserved at a certain small angle, by letting them form the tensile 

 radii of a large wheel, the circumference of which forms the basis or skeleton 

 thereof. 



If planes were made to travel in a rectilinear direction instead of in a 

 circle, then, provided they could be kept in that line, the theoretical 

 conditions for flight would be attained; for all the particles of the plane, by 

 their direction and momentum, would contribute to the result ; but as 

 practical difficulties appear to be in the way, it becomes a matter of interest 

 to enquire if the greater part of the weight of a wheel could not be so placed 

 at its circumference as to obtain all the advantages of the rectilinear motion 

 of the planes, while the weight absolutely necessary at the circumference of 

 the wheel can at the same time be utilized as actually affording the best of 

 all means of preserving it in its position of equilibrium after the manner of 

 a gyroscope. 



To effect this a wheel was constructed about thirty inches in diameter 

 having a metal rim and with a light axis supported in the centre by tensile 

 radii ; the radii being nearly horizontal by construction there is little air to 

 be displaced, and the resistance to the circular motion of the wheel is nearly 

 reduced to the mere rubbing friction of the atmosphere ; a great velocity can 

 therefore be imparted to the wheel. When the axis is waxed it can be so 

 rapidly rotated by the hands that, notwithstanding its weighing half a pound, 

 the wheel rises for a short time off the floor, and the same if weighted ; a 

 considerably slower speed will however keep it in its plane of rotation, 

 thereby proving that a lighter rim can be used. In large wheels paper 

 tubing would be unequaUed for rigidity and strength. A small wheel on 

 the same principle was therefore constructed with a cane in place of a metal 

 rim which manifested great buoyancy when rotated. 



In order to prevent the framework or car which carries the wheel from 

 rotating, I have attached another tension wheel thereto, with the opposite 



* Vide ante, Art. XIV. f Vide ante. Art. XV. 



W 



