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The Royal Aeronautical Society The First Fifty Years–1866 and All That

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

Extract

To conceive extravagant hopes of the future, are the common dispositions of the greatest part of mankind.”

Edmund Burker, 1728-97.
The opening of the second year of the Society's existence found the Council facing the inevitable slowing down after the first waves of enthusiasm. Indeed, before the year ended, only Wenham and Brearey attended the December Council meeting, and no business could be transacted. Brearey reported that he had sent out sixty-eight letters to people who were likely to be interested, but none had shown any interest whatever.

The difficulties of keeping the aeronautical infant alive were great. Few scientists or engineers could be persuaded to believe in heavier-than-air flight, although a number lent a readier ear to the possibilities of the airship.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1961

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References

Annual Report of the Society, 1867; Society's letter files; Council Minutes, 1867; Mechanics Magazine, 1867; Patent Specifications.Google Scholar