La Navigation Aérienne L'aviation Et La Direction Des Aérostats Dans Les Temps Anciens Et Modernes

A scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work explores the historical and theoretical development of aerial navigation, particularly focusing on the evolution of the processes and technologies that have aimed to enable human flight. It discusses various concepts, experiments, and legendary accounts from antiquity to modern inventions in aeronautics. The opening of the text introduces the fascination with flight, beginning with poetic allusions to human desires to rise above the earth akin to birds. Tissandier discusses earlier attempts at achieving flight, referencing figures from mythology and history like Dédale and Icare, and delves into experimental attempts dating back to the 11th century, through medieval and modern innovations. The author expresses a conviction in humanity's potential to conquer the skies through disciplined scientific inquiry and experimentation, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of aerostatic principles and their development over time.