Aeronautic Chariot
Dates
- Creation: 1784
Conditions Governing Use
Access to the Theodore Newton Vail Collection of Aeronautical Images, Broadsides and Clippings is not authorization to publish. Separate written application for permission to publish must be made to the Institute Archives. Copyright of some items in this collection may be held by respective creators, not by the donor of the collection.
Biographical / Historical
Richard Crosbie (1755-1800) made the first balloon ascension in Ireland on January 19 1785. His "Aeronautic Chariot" was a balloon designed using elements borrowed from boat construction. A car with two masts, sails, a rudder and windmill-like "flyers" was suspended beneath a hydrogen balloon. The craft was exhibited at Ranelagh, near Dublin, in August 1784, but there is no record of an actual flight.
Language of Materials
English
Existence and Location of Originals
Box 3
Physical Description
Art on Paper
Dimensions
20.8 x 12.9 cm
Sources used for Biographical/Historical note
Hodgson, J.E., History of Aeronautics in Great Britain (Oxford University Press, London, 1924), 187-188.
Walker’s Hibernian magazine; or, Compendium of entertaining knowledge (September 1784), 489-491.
General Note
Engraving of Richard Crosbie's "Aeronautic Chariot." This balloon, shown flying above water, boats and land, features "flyers," a rudder and sails to aid in steering. Published in the September 1784 issue of Walker’s Hibernian magazine; or, Compendium of entertaining knowledge.
Repository Details
Part of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Libraries. Department of Distinctive Collections Repository
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Libraries
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Cambridge MA 02139-4307 US
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