Atmotic Ship
Sydney: David Mason Printer, circa 1866. Single printed sheet measuring 570 x 445 mm. Backed on linen, slight loss of text due to a split at folds (now repaired), otherwise in good condition. A rare and desirable piece of early Australian aeronautical history, being one of the earliest instances of aviation design published in the colony of New South Wales.
Dr. William Bland (1789-1868) was a surgeon, politician, medical humanitarian, and convicted murderer (following a duel in Bombay in 1813 whilst serving as naval surgeon aboard the Hesper). Tried for murder and found guilty, he was recommended for mercy and transported to Australia for seven years. He went on to practice medicine first in Hobart and later in Sydney.
In 1851, Bland sent technical drawings to England for the first airship designed by an Australian. The drawings represented the Atmotic Ship, taking the shape of a semi-rigid balloon steered by a series of sails. In England, Bland hoped to obtain a patent for his 'Atmotic Airship' which would be propelled using 'steam or perhaps some analogous gas power'.
In 1854, Bland exhibited prototype models of the Atmotic Ship at the Crystal Palace exhibition. With this invention he hoped to revolutionise transport between London and Sydney, and also within the Australian continent. Sadly, the project was never realised due to various challenges in building such a vessel, as well as the danger of using flammable gas for flight.
This fragile broadside, with its four detailed plans, was published about fifteen years after Bland patented his invention. A small number of other publications by Bland relate to his aeronautical aspirations and all are exceedingly rare. Two illustrated booklets from the 1850s demonstrate the evolution of the Atmotic Ship, whose final form is manifest in this broadside of circa 1866. We have only been able to positively ascertain holdings of this broadside in the State Library of NSW and the National Library, indicating the rarity of this item. Item #2957
Price (AUD): $7,500.00