Kites: the rise and fall of a scientific object

Between 1753 and 1914, kites were used as scientific objects in different branches of physics. First, as experimental instruments in electrical experiments. Then, still in the 1750s,we find theoretical models of the flight of kites. In the late 19thcentury, sophisticated technological kites were also used for aerological measurement. Finally, at the turnof the past century, kites served early aeronautical researchers as scale models of wings. In all cases, there was a rise and a fall: kites were reasonably successful in all these roles, but they could not produce interesting enough results to stand the competitionof more efficient alternative