The Smasher, Trapped in the Swamp. The Hotspur Nº 295 (detail). 1939.
This is the circus of Doctor Lao.
We show you things that you don't know.
We tell you of places you'll never go.
We've searched the world both high and low
To capture the beasts for this marvellous show...
Charles G Finney. The Circus of Dr Lao. 1935.
Frank R. Paul. The Revenge of the Chosen, by Thomas H. Knight. 1930.
Frank R. Paul. Illustration for The Man From Beyond, by John Beynon Harris. 1934.
Frank R. Paul. The Fatal Equation, by Arthur G. Stangland. 1933.
Morris Scott Dollens. Science Fiction. 1950s.
Louis Guillaume de La Follie. La Philosophe Sans Pretention, ou L'homme Rare. 1775.
In this book, a strange machine brings a visitor to earth from the planet Mercury. This fictional flying contraption is said to be powered by static electricity, produced when its two glass globes are rubbed with camphor covered with gold leaf as they turn on a platform. The powerful light changed the pressure of the air and enabled the alien operator to navigate. La Follie's electric motor is probably based on the fricitional machines of his time, which generated small electrical charges.
(Unknown). Title Illustration of The Strange Voyage and Adventures of Domingo Gonsales to the World in the Moon. By Francis Godwin (under the pseudonym Domingo Gonsales). 1768.