Pair of interesting and whimsical copper engravings depicting the early days of aeronautical engineering. The headings of both plates are Balloons. Plate 3 includes three illustrations of early flying machines including Penaud's helicoptere, aeroplane and mechanical bird ! Penaud's amazing flying machine, that the French called a "Helicoptere," consisted of two superimposed screws rotating in opposite directions and powered by the force of twisted rubber bands. Plate 4 shows elaborate machines - Moy's aerial steamer, which was a massive, steam-powered contraption that allegedly got a whole six inches off the ground and Brearey's Aeronautical machine, that has an elegant shape taken from the contours of the skate fish.

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Condition: A

Very good with light toning.