Objekt im Museumsarchiv

"... , claims to have really invented a flying machine which will enable a private individual to take many a delightful pleasure sail through the air. The machinery Lilienthal uses might have been modeled from the wings of the people of Bulwer's coming race so closely do they correspond to the propulsive machinery of that gifted folk. Taking the wings and tail of a bird at his immediate pattern, Lilienthal built pair of fliers like bat wings in shape. They have light willow ribs and are covered with oiled silk. A tail attachment
serves to steer the human flier. After many experiments Lilienthal had confidence enough in his machine to build a tower upon a bluff 840 feet high. He leaped from this boldly. At first he sank 60 feet, but was presently able to rise till he reached a height; of 1,000 feet. He  says great muscular strength is not required to fly like a bird, but only a knowledge of how to utilize the air resistance and currents exactly. Mr. Lilienthal is already able to fly in great circles and come back to his starting point."