Bamboo Dragonfly

The bamboo dragonfly was built with flat wings at right angles attached to an axle. A cord and a catch device was attached to it. When the cord was wound around tightly around the instrument and pulled, the toy would be propelled and fly up. (Fig 1.1) This was an early design of the helicopter, but it was first used as a children's toy. Later, the Chinese tried to think up ways to create a larger version which would actually objects.

Fig. 1.1: Bamboo Dragonfly (Taken from Columbus was Chinese)

In 200 B.C., a simpler version and basic idea of the hot air balloon was seen. An egg would be carefully emptied so that it became a hollow shell. An ignited piece of wood would be placed inside it so the egg would rise up from the hot air. It's amazing how from such simple objects we can develop complicated and useful things in our modern day world.

An early version of the helicopter in the 1700's. (Taken from Columbus was Chinese)

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