My studies and experiments in that most interesting science. Practical Aërostation, have been wholly in reference mechanical action on the air, and the motive power most suitable for that purpose.

In my brief address I make no reference to the buoyance balloon principle, yet I may express pride and satisfaction that scientific advances made in aërostatic science—thanks some Members of our Society, and to other pioneers—have lend to the adoption and commission of balloons in Her Majesty Service.

I have made an instrument for testing captive vanes–which I may call the flight–meter—the use of which is to detemine the relative properties of lifting and propelling vanes various forms and various angular pitches, with vanes one foot or less from tip to tip; by turning a handle a velocity of one to two miles a minute is delivered on the air.