Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
58.22 |
Object Name |
Carriage, Wind |
Title |
Model of Wind-Driven Carriage |
Artist |
Henry, William |
Date |
1785 |
Description |
Wooden model of white pine and maple, except for sails and gearing. A flat triangular body rides on three wheels, the single rear wheel turning under the direction of a tiller. A system of gearing controls the single fore-and-aft sail. The model was reconstructed in 1959 from disassembled parts which existed in the collection. At that time a missing gear and idler connecting the two sail frames was fabricated. (Robert P. Multhauf, "Catalogue of Instruments and Models," 1961). |
Label |
If wind could propel ships across the ocean, then perhaps, some inventors reasoned, it could also propel carriages across the land. Lancaster gunsmith and mechanic William Henry created this model, which resembles many designs for wind-powered vehicles devised since the 16th century. However, in the absence of smoothly-paved roads, such vehicles could only be "sailed" on frozen lakes or rivers, and thus were never seriously used. |
Material |
White pine, maple, string, fabric, metal |
Dimensions |
H-19 W-14.5 L-14.5 inches |
Dimension Details |
Incl. sails |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society |
Search Terms |
18th century eighteenth century invention travel renewable energy engineering model transportation |