Rufus Porter (1792-1889) was the inventor of an airship 'the Aerial Locomotive' in the early 19th century. The original design for the airship was produced in 1820. In 1850 Porter organized a stock company to obtain funds for experimental purposes that failed to receive sufficient funds. Porter also invented a revolver, a horse power wood sawing apparatus and other mechanical devices. He was publisher of 'The New York Mechanic' and one of the founders of 'Scientific American.'
NASM.1991.0033
Arranged, described, and encoded by Patti Williams, 2018.
Porter, Rufus, 1792-1884
1826
1849
Robert B. Stephens, Gift, 1991, NASM.1991.0033
0.01 Cubic feet (1 folder)
This donation consists of the two booklets written by Rufus Porte on aerial navigation.
No restrictions on access
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Publications
Booklets
This collection is arranged at the item level. One of the two items has been digitized.
This donation consists of the following two booklets written by Rufus Porter: 1) 'Select Collection of Valuable and Curious Arts and Interesting Experiments which are well Explained, and Warranted genuine, and may be Performed Easily, Safely and At Little Expense,' Concord (New Hampshire), J.B. Moore Printers, 1826; and 2) Aerial navigation: The Practicability of Traveling Pleasantly and Safely from New York to California in Three Days, Fully Demonstrated: With a Full Description of a Perfect Aerial Locomotive, with Estimates of Capacity Speed and Cost of Construction,' New-York, Published by H. Smith, John Hall Printer, 222 Water Street, 1849.
Publications
Booklets
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Aerial Locomotive (Airship)
Aeronautics -- pre-1903
Navigation (Aeronautics)
Airships -- pre-1903
Airships
Rufus Porter Collection, NASM.1991.0033, National Air and Space Musuem, Smithsonian Institution.
National Air and Space Museum Archives