Velocipedes, Bicycles and Tricycles: How to Make and Use Them

Argues that the velocipede's history reflects humanity's long drive to harness wheels for personal locomotion, from the go-cart to the modern bicycle.

Describes Blanchard and Masurier's early carriage-velocipede and M. Richard's canopy-equipped machine, tracing the first steps toward practical human-powered vehicles.

Covers Von Drais's 1818 patent for the two-wheeled hobby-horse and its English introduction by Denis Johnson, explaining the running-seat principle and its limitations.

Describes Lewis Gompertz's 1821 hand-and-foot-driven velocipede with its toothed-rack mechanism, praising its ingenuity while noting its over-reliance on gearing.

Reviews the 1860s American bicycle patents and the growing variety of tricycle designs that brought crank-driven direct action to popular velocipedism.

Surveys tricycle designs including the German tricycle and Elyria velocipede, explaining how varying rear-axle width bridges the gap between bicycle and tricycle.

Step-by-step instruction for the beginner: walking the machine, finding balance on a slope, steering by handle, and progressing to solo riding.