212 



AEROKAUTIOS. 



engine and the vanes it actuated simply to repair the loss of 

 velocity ; it was made therefore only of the power and weight 

 necessary for that small effect " (fig. 109). The editor of New- 

 ton's Journal of Arts and Science speaks of it thus : — The 

 apparatus consists of a car containing the goods, passengers, 

 engines, fuel, etc., to which a rectangular frame, made of 

 wood or bamboo cane, and covered with canvas or oiled silk, 

 is attached. This frame extends on either side of the car in 

 a similar manner to the outstretched wings of a bird ; but 

 with this difference, that the frame is immovable. Behind 

 the wings are two vertical fan wheels, furnished with oblique 



vanes, which are intended to propel the apparatus through 

 the air. The rainbow-like circular wheels are the propellers, 

 answering to the wheels of a steam-boat, and acting upon the 

 air after the manner of a windmill. These wheels receive 

 motion from bands and pulleys from a steam or other engine 

 contained in the car. To an axis at the stern of the car a 

 triangular frame is attached, resembling the tail of a bird, 

 which is also covered with canvas or oiled silk. This may 

 be expanded or contracted at pleasure, and is moved up and 

 down for the purpose of causing the machine to ascend or 

 descend. Beneath the tail is a rudder for directing the 

 course of the machine to the right or to the left; and to 

 facilitate the steering a sail is stretched between two masts 

 which rise from the car. The amount of canvas or oiled silk 

 necessary for buoying up the machine is stated to be equal 

 to one square foot for each half pound of weight." 



Fig. 109. — Mr. Heiison's Flying Machine, 



