Meaning: The quote "Flight by machines heavier than air is unpractical and insignificant, if not utterly impossible" by Simon Newcomb, a mathematician, is often misattributed to Lord Kelvin, a physicist. This quote reflects the prevalent skepticism around the possibility of human flight in the late 19th century, prior to the breakthrough achieved by the Wright brothers in 1903. At the time, the idea of humans flying in machines heavier than air seemed far-fetched and unattainable, given the challenges and limitations associated with the existing understanding of aerodynamics and engineering.

Simon Newcomb, the author of the quote, was a prominent American astronomer and mathematician who made significant contributions to the fields of celestial mechanics and navigation. His statement exemplifies the prevailing scientific consensus and skepticism regarding the feasibility of powered flight during his era. Newcomb's background in mathematics and celestial mechanics likely informed his perspective on the practical challenges of human flight.

During the late 19th century, the prevailing scientific understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials engineering posed substantial obstacles to the development of viable flying machines. The prevalent belief was that the human body, combined with the weight of machinery required for flight, would make it impractical, insignificant, or even impossible for humans to achieve sustained flight in heavier-than-air machines.

In the context of Newcomb's quote, the term "unpractical" likely refers to the perceived impracticality of investing time, resources, and effort into developing flying machines, given the prevailing skepticism about their potential success. The term "insignificant" suggests that the pursuit of human flight in heavier-than-air machines was considered inconsequential or not worthy of serious consideration due to the perceived impracticality and challenges associated with it. Finally, the term "utterly impossible" reflects the prevailing belief that achieving flight in machines heavier than air was considered beyond the realm of feasibility.

However, despite the prevailing skepticism and challenges, the early 20th century witnessed significant advancements in aeronautical engineering and technology, culminating in the Wright brothers' successful powered flight in 1903. This historic achievement revolutionized transportation, communication, and warfare, leading to the rapid development of aviation as a transformative technology.

The Wright brothers' success in achieving sustained, controlled flight in a powered, heavier-than-air machine demonstrated that the seemingly impossible was indeed possible. Their breakthrough not only disproved the prevailing skepticism but also paved the way for rapid advancements in aviation technology and the eventual establishment of the global aviation industry.

In conclusion, Simon Newcomb's quote encapsulates the prevailing skepticism and disbelief surrounding the possibility of human flight in machines heavier than air during the late 19th century. It reflects the scientific and technological challenges that early aviation pioneers faced and the transformative impact of the Wright brothers' historic achievement in proving the feasibility of powered flight. The quote serves as a reminder of the transformative power of innovation and the capacity of human ingenuity to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.