Gustav Mesmer, der Ikarus vom Lautertal.

His greatest fascination was unpowered flight, however, and for years he drew plans for possible man-operated flying machines. In his old age he was allowed to indulge fully his fantasies by the old people's home where he lived in southern Germany. The cellar beneath the home became his workshop, and it was here that he assembled his machines from old poles, umbrellas, tin cans and bicycles. Known locally as the "Icarus of Lauteral", Mesmer became a familiar figure as, wearing complex winged outfits, he rode his bicycle into the wind. His inventions included the "umbrella helicopter" and the "shoulder flap flying device', and although he never lifted himself off the ground for more than a second or so, he never gave up.23 (RAW CREATION -- Gustav Mesmer) (PLATE 24)