The Problem of Manflight

"The Problem of Manflight" by James Means is a late 1800s non-fiction book that looks at the science behind flying. It goes over different ideas and challenges in the field of aviation during that time. The publication takes a close look at how air moves and how things fly, using what scientists knew back then. The author looks at different ideas about how to fly, talking about different ways and rules that could help people take to the skies. There is a lot of discussion about how flight works, comparing birds to possible flying machines. Overcoming gravity and using momentum to beat air resistance are mentioned as important, and the author thinks future flying machines might use natural forces like wind instead of just using engines to push through the air. He also talks about ways to test these ideas, like using unpowered gliders and balloons, encouraging more research and new ideas in the world of flying.