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The Romance of modern scientific and mechanical Achievements

Dawn of Aerial Navigation 261 252 minutes, snatching victory from the British com- petitor, Grahame-White ; while Védrines completed the French triple event by winning the purse offered for the circuit round Great Britain. By 1910 the conquest of the air may be said to have been definitely established. It was now merely a question of ascertaining the most profitable field for the new means of locomotion and developing it in accordance with the conditions controlling the approved phase of application. As events have proved, the flying machine—both dirigible and aeroplane has scored its greatest success as a weapon of destruc- tion ; it cannot be said to have made any valuable contribution to the progress of the world. So far, it has not proved to be of any commercial value, and it is doubtful whether it ever will be of any use in this connection. It is unable to compete with its rivals upon land or sea in the interests of business. Indeed, at the moment it is impossible to indicate any ramification of industry or endeavour in which it is likely to triumph. The aeroplane has been brought to a standard of perfection beyond which, at the moment, it appears impossible to advance. Possibly some brilliant genius will complete the wonderful revolution which remains to be recorded, and which will have the beneficial effect of enabling locomotion in the air to become reckoned among the blessings of mankind.