The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-02
New Book.

n System of Aeronautics, &c. BY JOHN WISE,
Aeronaut. Philadelphia: Joseph A. Speel, 1880
This is handsome octave volume of some three
hundred pages, and contains number of well ex
ecuted illustrations of the subject treated. The
purpose of the author appears to be twofold; firstly
to present to the general reader an ample and en-
tertaining history Of the theories and experiments
made in past times; and, secondly, to supply to the
student Of the art such accurate information will
enable him to commence his labors with all the adj
vantages to be derived from the experience OF those
who have preceded him in the same department Of
research.
We have had opportunity to give to this work but
cursory examination; yet we feel satisfied that
MIR. Wise has faithfully performed the duty he
assigned to himself.
1t is attestcd by the history of almost every i'm
portant discovery the world has witnessed, that
its development has been preceded by the yearning
desire of men for such an achievement. The idea
of great western world and the invention of the
mariners compass sustain such relation to each
other; the religious reformation of the fifteenth
century, calling for the multiplication of the copies
of the sacred scriptures, and the art of printing
were events of the same era; the extension of our
republic and the necessity of unity of thought and
concert of action have developed in succession the
railroad and the electric telegraph, and are now
urging to some still greater achievement in the
humiliation of time and space and the bringing in
close proximity the inhabitants of the extreme
boundaries of our country. And what shall this
be? Thought cannot fly faster than electricity can
convey it. Even thousand miles are but as moth.
ing and the words we utter with our lips are not
sooner comprehended by those we address than are
our written words, though the diameter of the
globe be between US. What, then, shall be the ma.
ture of the new and still perfect means of
communication amongst meni Shall we, regard
less of the worlds dersion, express belief or at
the least hope, that castles in the air. shall yet
be seen to soar high above US, intercepting the
eagle in his towering fight, and gliding with the
agle's speed whatever regions of this terres
trial world its occupants may desire to survey?
Perhaps it is yet too to advocate the practical
bility of such contamination 1t may not be
judicous either for those to appear credulous
who value the worlds estimate Of common sense
Yet, with the volume before as our preceptor; in
view of the growing desire for the of such
project; and indeed of the necessity for speedy
flight created seemingly by the electric flight of
thought, do not feel that it would be prudent or
Just to pronounce impossible or improbable the full
filment of the most stupendous schemes proposed
by Mr.. Wise and others who have devoted them
selves to the science of aeronautics.
We rejoice that subject that has been SO vague
and dream like in the minds of men is now system
atized and presented in such form that whoever
desires to give il his attention may not be left to
surmise and conjecture, but may base all his cal
by the salutary light of practical experience.