Physiology of the Impossible - continued...

A putto taken from Raphaels Galathea served to demonstrate the physiological and physical impossibilty of the phenomenon in question. Exner transformed the putto into a scheme. By taking into account the probable speed of the flying body, its hypothetical weight, the effect of gravitation, and the specific weight of air, Exner made some calculations. "The result is: the putto would advance at a speed of 54 m per second". Exner modified his formula by putting in a much more probable speed of 2 m per second. In that case the putto’s weight would amount to a mere 2 g. "It would be easy to blow it in the air." Thus, Exner concluded: "The pictorial representation of a human figure that would really have the capacity to fly is impossible."

Sigmund Exner, Scheme of Raphaels Putto ( a: suspension of the wings, ab: the body axis, de: resistence of the air, ef: gravity)