PREFACE
Theobject of this book is to explain the fundamental principles of aeronautics and to point out the historic development of both the heavier-than-air and the lighter-than-air craft. The treatment is simple. Technical phrases have been avoided wherever possible. Emphasis has been laid on the changes in the design or construction of aeroplanes and dirigibles, which show the evolution of flight and aircraft from early experiments with balloons and gliders to the transatlantic flights of the NC-4, the Vickers “Vimy” Bomber, and the R-34. Only those things have been singled out which indicated a step forward in the science of aeronautics. Emphasis is placed upon the commercial accomplishments of the aeroplane and the dirigible, and many of the present uses and future possibilities of aircraft as a commercial vehicle have been pointed out.
I am indebted to many sources for the information contained herein. Mr. Henry Woodhouse, the well-known aeronautical authority and editor ofFlying Magazineand author of the text-books on military and naval aeronautics, has been the source of much of my information, and the volumes ofFlying Magazinehave supplied me with much historic data.Aerial Age Weeklyand Mr. G. Douglas Wardrop, the managingeditor, have also been very helpful. The British periodicalsFlight,The Aeroplane, andAeronauticshave furnished me with many facts regarding British aircraft. The articles of Mr. C. G. Grey, the editor ofThe Aeroplane, dealing with the growth of heavier-than-air machines, and of Mr. W. L. Wade on lighter-than-air craft, have been the source of many of the facts regarding the evolution of aircraft. Many other aeronautical authorities have afforded statistics, facts, etc.
Evan John David.
New York, August 12.
New York, August 12.