Posted by Pete (81.131.134.155) on September 13, 2003 at 04:19:28:
In Reply to: Re: Question :how many credible mentions are there to Besslers early wheels being self starting? posted by John Collins on September 11, 2003 at 23:29:14:
John,
We are looking for a loophole in the laws of physics; the Wright brothers found one therefore so can someone else.
Pete.
: : The questions in the heading. Don t let people [I use the term loosly] like Lurker distract from the subject of the board.
: The early wheels were described in an official publication "Acta Eruditorum", a publication written in Latin and aimed at the the scientists and philosophers of the time. Many articles were written by professor Christian Wolff. Other descriptions appeared in letters written by eyewitnesses. Typically they describe the wheel as starting as soon as the cords which held it stationary, were released. Other descriptions describe other versions of the early wheels as being fastened by bolts and the people present could release the wheel by screwing the bolts in or out and thus effect the speed.
: I think that logically we can accept that the accounts are just as valid as they would be if someone wrote similar letters describing what was seen, today. The more pressing question is whether there was any subterfuge involved in the demonstration and the circumstantial evidence that the wheels were genuine is very compelling. In fact the only evidence against then lies in the assumption that such wheels are a violation of the laws of physics. Given the overwhelming evidence that they were real, we should look for an explanation in the laws of physics - a loophole which allows such wheels to exist.
: John Collins