Guenther Sollinger

On the basis of various sources it is possible to conclude with some degree of certainty that the Swedish priest and mathematics teacher Matthias Andre Bjorkstadius (1604-1651) actually carried out flying attempts sometime during the 1630s, most likely in Vasterlas. What kind of equipment Bjorkstadius used to fly is not known. Neither do we have any information about those intellectual sources, written or other, which might have stimulated his interest in the subject of flight. It is likely that he was influenced by a number of scientists from the 16th and 17lh centuries, particularly by some mathematicians who also dealt with aeronomics. Apparently, Bjorkstadius had a far-reaching ability to formulate abstract problems. He had a profound knowledge of mathematics and was keenly interested in technical issues. According to his general viewpoint, knowledge had to be put to test in order to prove its value. His technical skills fitted well with this philosophy. And Bjorkstadius did not lack either the tools or material necessary to construct his flying apparatus.