Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-11-04
The MoDermolt Flying Machine.

A AhN GANA AAAeasl
DR.. Charles McDermott, of Drew
county, this State, has devoted the
last twenty years of his life to the
completion of a flying machine.
During the time he has been regarded
as a monomaniac on the subject Of his
invention, and be has been permitted
to pursue what we're regarded as his
impractieable theories without at.
tracing any especial attention even
from his nearest neighbors. Several
times he has claimed that his inven-
ton was perfected, and only needed
capital to enlarge the model and place
the machines upon the market, but
when put to the test he invariably
discovered that some essential princi-
pie was missing, and he therefore re
turned to the development of his
theory amid the kindly sympathy Of
those who regarded him as demented
aud the jeers of the unfeeling.
At the Southeast Arkansaw Fair,
which lately closed at Monticello, DR..
McDermott exhibited the latest model
Of his machine, which was turned
over to a committee, composed of four
intelligent gentlemen, for their in
spection and report. THIS committee
after a careful examination Of the
mechanical and philosophical princi.
pies of the machine, rendered a re.
port, in which they say they see NO
reason why the model shown will not
perform all claimed for it by the in
ventor," and they therefore heartily
approve of the same.
This unqualified recommendation Of
the McDermott flying machine. com
ing from a committee composed.
among others, Of such men as Jacob
Frolieh aud VIM. L. Woodruff, IT,,
would certainly seen to indicate that
the same has practical merit, and that
the labor Of half a lifetime, which DR..
McDermott has devoted to his pei
theory, is determined to have NOT
been spent in vain.
In a brief explanation of the me-
ehanical principles Of his invention,
DR.. McDermott states that it consists
Of thirty pairs of wings six inches
wide and eight feet long, placed one
above another, elevated slightly in
front and held in position by a rigid
frame. These wings or sails are In
tended to ~counteract the force Of
gravity, and may be extended indef-
nitely. AS a device to give horizontal
forward motion is needed, the inventor
states that the mechanical device OF
the lever, or the screw, or the wheel
and axle, may be used for that pur.
pose. The flyer is.to lie in a horizon .
tai position, supported by a horizontal
cot placed just below the confer OF
gravity, his legs being the power Of
propulsion, whilst his hands direct
the course Of the machine by operat.
ing upon a suitable rudder.
Whether the machine thus briefly
outlined is destined to be a practical
success or not, the future will doubt
less soon determine. Many are dis.
posed 10 deride and ridicule the in
yentor, and what they arc pleased to
term his vagaries; but as this is the
reception that has been accorded all
the great inventions in the history Of
the world, We see no reason why il
should be discouraging TO the mar
who seems 10 have such an abiding
faith in the practicability Of his ma
chine. In a card to the public the
inventor states that he believes the
machines can be built at a cost not
exceeding $40, but being himself old
feeble and poor, he calls earnestly fol
immediate financial help to thor.
ougbly test the merits Of his mode.
and enable him to place the completed
machines upon the market.