It appears, that in the year 1808 or 1809, Mr Degen, a watchmaker of Vienna, actually realised the views of the numerous projectors who preceded him, regarding the flight of men in the air. We regret that we cannot present a description of his machine in detail ; but it seems con structed on philosophical principles, and to operate in a manner analogous to the wings of birds, while the effect partly resembles the closing of a parachute stationary on its descent. A frame is made, principally consisting of rods of some strong but light materials, on which the adventurer stands in an erect posture. A heart-shaped wing, nine feet long, eight broad at the swell, and terminating in a point, proceeds from that part of the frame close to each shoulder ; and a fan-shaped tail, apparently connected with both wings, proceeds from behind as far as their swell. Each wing is concave like a parachute, and, by a series of cords from the extremity of the different ribs composing it, can be suddenly contracted, so as to give percussion against the air, and consequently by its resistance produce elevation. It is not sufficiently explained how the working of the machine is effected ; but it is to be inferred, that this is done by elevating, depressing, or revolving a crank, con nected at each extremity with the series of cords, which display or contract the wings. M. Degen is said to have mounted high in the air by the aid of his machine, and to have exhibited a flight resembling that of a bird, not con sisting merely in ascent or descent, hut in real aerial navi gation.
We are hence entitled to conclude, that the elevation of man in the atmosphere by artificial wings, is not beyond the bounds of possibility. Without indulging in fanciful the ories, could it be reduced to practice, it assuredly would not be void of utility. The reason why the invention of • balloons has not hitherto been eminently beneficial, arises from their unwicldly size, which is an obstacle ahilost in superable to guiding them, and which leaves them at the mercy of the winds. It might be othepwise on the employ Diem of wings, for a narrower proportion could he preserv ed between an oar or a rudder, of whatever kind or de scription, and the total volume of the machine, than between the same implements and an inflated balloon. Birds, how ever, present some physical peculiarities, which man can never hope to imitate : their powers, their cor poreal structure, and above alleir mode of respiration, are of a different nature from what is witnessed among ter restrial animals. Hence it is not unlikely that the highest perfection of artificial flight would only be a distant ap proach to the admirable prerogative which has been con ferred on the feathered tribes. See Aulus Gellius, lib. x. cap. 12. Journal des Savans, 1678, p. 235. Wilkin's Ma thematical Magic. Archeologia, vol vii. Holinshed's Chro nicle, vol. iii. p. 1121. Walker's Treatise on Artificial Fly ing. Sir George Cayley on Aerial Navigation, in Nichol son's Journal, vol. xxiv. Annales des Ansa Manufactures, torn. xxxi. Huber, Sur le Vol des oiseaux de proic. (e) FO. See CHINA.