An invitation to address the Royal Aeronautical Society, the first Society of its kind ever founded, is indeed a signal honour and not without misgivings to a humble visitor who, in the land of Elizabethan English, finds himself embarrassed for words adequate to express his appreciation. The scientific contribution of the Society to the advancement of aeronautics and the meritorious achievements of its members are well known in the United States.

A sort of unselfish and patient willingness, which encourages men to depart from beaten paths and invade unknown realms to bring forth something new and beneficial to society, is indispensable to any new enterprise, and most characteristic of those who are pioneers in airship development. Certainly none so far have garnered any substantial profits.