Author
S. P. (Samuel Pierpont) Langley
1834-1906
S. P. (Samuel Pierpont) Langley (1834-1906) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by S. P. (Samuel Pierpont) Langley
Langley Memoir on Mechanical Flight, Parts I and II Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge, Volume 27 Number 3, Publication 1948, 1911
"Langley Memoir on Mechanical Flight, Parts I and II" by Samuel Pierpont Langley and Charles M. Manly is a scientific publication likely written in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This work documents the pioneering experiments in aerodynamics conducted by Langley, focusing on the practical aspects of mechanical flight, including models powered by various engines and the significant technical challenges faced in the pursuit of sustained aerial transportation. The narrative intertwines rigorous scientific inquiry with historical context, showcasing the evolution of flight technology during this formative period. The opening of the memoir introduces Langley as an early advocate for mechanical flight, recounting the essential experiments that took place from 1887 to 1896. Langley reflects on the evolution of his aerodromes, initially utilizing rubber-powered models and eventually transitioning to more powerful steam engines. He emphasizes the frustrations stemming from the limitations of earlier models, such as issues with weight and launching mechanics. The text sets the stage for a detailed recounting of his trials, including the scientific hypotheses behind design choices, the trials of constructing lighter and more efficient models, and Langley’s aspirations for a successful demonstration of sustained flight had been realized in his experiments by May 1896.
The New Astronomy
"The New Astronomy" by S. P. Langley is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work explores the evolving field of astronomy, particularly the new discoveries around solar and celestial physics, which extend our understanding of the sun, stars, and their effects on Earth. Langley aims to engage educated readers with this emerging scientific landscape, rather than solely addressing professional astronomers. The opening of the book sets a broad context for the development of astronomy, contrasting ancient practices, like those observed at Stonehenge, with modern techniques used in observatories such as Greenwich and Washington. Langley introduces the concept of "the New Astronomy" - a branch focused not only on measurements of celestial bodies but also on their physical nature and implications for life on Earth. He discusses early sunspot observations and hints at the complex dynamics of the sun's surface, setting the stage for deeper explorations of solar features like the corona and chromosphere in subsequent chapters.