New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-02-25
DIR. J. P. THOMAS HURT.
Feet Crushed While W'orhing at
Strength Machine IN Home.

As result of his preparations for aerial expert
ments within the next few weeks Or. Julian p
Thomas owner of the Nirvana and well known as
a balloon enthusiast, lies nvalids reclining
chair at his home No l72 West 72d street
For the last three weeks the doctor has been
sUbjecting himself to a rigorous of training
with the idea of getting certain muscles In the
arms and back in proper condition to operate his
latest form Of flying machine-"a man-driven fly
ing machine" as he calls it, While at work on
Thursday Of last week in his gymnasium, in the
basement of his home, on special weight lifting
machine, Dr.. Thomas. after breaking the record
for weight lifting, recently established by Gilman
P. Low at 100000 pounds in 30 minutes. and set
ting the mark at 1.2j760O pounds IN 81 minutes eH-
erted final pressure watch broke the scales OF
the machine. A heavy steel beam, with fifteen
hundred pounds dead weight resting upon II, fell
directly the Insteps OF both of Dr. Thomas's
feet. only a safety catch preventing the bar from
going to the bottom OF the steel platform. Had II
done so the doctor would have lost both his feet.
While sitting with his injured feet propped up
by layers Of pillows, DR.. Thomas gave yesterday
some idea of his plans. Il have followed balloon
ing. far Is possible. with the idea OF getting
myself accustomed 70 the action OF the atmosphere
when at a great height" he said but believe
that the practical OF the balloon. as a means
of successfully navigating the air. has its mita-
tons and II with the desire TO improve
upon the previous attempts OF others that l built
the Nirvana last year but simply to make various
observations concerning the different wind currents
which prevail at a certain distance above tho earth
and 10 become used TO tho action OF the rarehed
air upon tho lungs when at great height"
Following my experiments with the NIrvana,
continued DR. Thomas. Il had constructed air
ship with which I was moderately successful.
and which l causing TO be almost entirely
rebuilt. having invented new method OF con-
densiug gas. by means OF which I have done away
with tho Old gas condeusers al first IN the
machine. and In addition. tho rebuilt aero-boat
will be equipped with patented device, which I
hope viii dispense with tho question OF ballast,
always so great Inconvenience to the aeronaut.
15-horsepower motor. very light In construction;
A light steel frame and enormous propeller.
built on original lines. Will complete tho make
UP OF the flying machine, with which I hope 20
establish records for botl. height and dis
lance this summer. and while / viii not be
competitor Tor tho cash prize offered at St Louis.
I viii undoubtedly make several nscenSoas-
From very careful observations made while IN
my balloon and IN the airsnlp have como To
the conclusion that the only ultimately successful
air navigator Will be he who propels hts zero
boat by his own physical EFFORTS. in other words.
l am positive that tho man-driven flying machine
viii eventually be the means OF tcurneying through
the air
As the weather mCdegatCa, probably
within the next six weeks I will be prepared
start work with my new wings In some suitable
spot outside the city and l confident that
my efforts vii he em!nently gratifying, the amount
or energy I expended the weight lifting ma
chine being than sufficient prOpel
through tho afr FOR quarter OF a mile. at
speed Of nearly forty miles nm hour"