Two more Robert Duncan Milne short stories. This pair features his recurring character Philip Hall.
PHILIP HALL’S AIR SHIP – This tale was first published in the October 11th 1879 edition of The Argonaut. Inventor Philip Hall has constructed a steam-powered flying machine that also uses controlled explosions from compressed cartridges.
The vessel is part helicopter and part airplane. Vertical takeoff and landing are achieved via sixteen propellers that operate separately on a central shaft. Additional propellers positioned horizontally allow for forward motion through the air.
The aircraft is boat-like in design, but with enclosed decks. Hall’s first trial flight ends in disaster but after some slight redesigns the second flight goes smoothly. Continue reading
THE GREAT ELECTRIC DIAPHRAGM – This short story was written by neglected American science fiction pioneer Robert Duncan Milne. It was published in the May 24th, 1879 edition of The Argonaut in San Francisco. 
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