The Velocipede: Its History, Varieties, and Practice

In Short

This 1869 manual serves as both a historical account and a practical guide to the burgeoning "velocipede fever" gripping America and France. It traces the evolution of the bicycle from primitive early designs to the sophisticated pedal-driven machines of the late 1860s. By blending technical advice for the novice with a spirited defense of the bicycle’s utility and health benefits, the author captures a transformative moment in transport history. It remains an essential artifact for understanding how a mechanical toy evolved into a revolutionary tool for personal mobility.

The Story

The narrative begins with a surge of enthusiasm, as the author describes the arrival of the velocipede—a French sensation—upon American shores. Initially, the machine is viewed with skepticism, often dismissed as a passing fancy or a "toy" comparable to the failed experiments of the early nineteenth century. The author recounts the history of these predecessors, noting the early attempts at foot-propelled and arm-driven designs that populated English suburbs decades prior. He explains how these earlier versions lost their appeal to the "sporting gentry" and faded into obscurity.

However, the arrival of Pierre Lallement’s patented design changes everything. The introduction of treadles attached to the front wheel transforms the velocipede from a cumbersome draft vehicle into a genuine "locomotive." The story of its ascent is one of rapid adoption, marked by the transformation of city streets and the establishment of dedicated riding rinks in New York, Boston, and beyond. As popularity explodes, the market becomes a chaotic scramble of manufacturers, patent disputes, and varying design models. The author meticulously details this landscape, highlighting how legal battles led by figures like Calvin Witty sought to consolidate control over the booming industry.

The arc of the book moves from the initial "fever" and the physical bruises of the early learner to the professionalization of the sport. We see the rise of formal riding schools, the emergence of skilled "velocipedagogues," and the organization of racing tournaments where competitors vie for prizes and prestige. The narrative culminates in a confident assertion that the bicycle is no longer a fleeting craze but a lasting, essential feature of the future. The author rejects the idea that these machines are dangerous, arguing instead that they offer unparalleled physical exercise and a practical means for the modern citizen to navigate the urban environment. The journey ends with a vision of society transformed, where the bicycle acts as a universal equalizer—a healthy, efficient, and elegant mode of travel that improves the human condition and emancipates the body from the lethargy of modern life.

How It Unfolds

The fever takes hold The author recounts the contagious excitement spreading from the boulevards of Paris to the American public, setting the stage for a new era of travel. He shares the personal, often humorous trials of a beginner—scraped knees and bruised elbows—to establish a relatable foundation for the reader.

A lineage of machines The narrative shifts to the history of the velocipede, detailing the early, clunky inventions that preceded the modern bicycle. By contrasting these "toy" predecessors with the current, perfected models, the author builds an argument for the bicycle's mechanical superiority.

The legal and technical struggle A tense chapter unfolds as the reality of patent law intervenes, with manufacturers scrambling to navigate the claims of Pierre Lallement and Calvin Witty. The book provides a detailed catalog of the various competing firms, distinguishing between the merits of different steering systems, frame materials, and seat designs.

The rise of the school and the athlete The focus turns to the social life of the bicycle, documenting the rise of rinks and schools where citizens gather to master the art of riding. It tracks the transformation of the bicycle from a private hobby into a competitive sport, complete with tournaments and high-speed records.

A vision for the future The work concludes by positioning the bicycle as a vital medical and social tool, championing its ability to build physical health and character. It leaves the reader with the firm belief that the "iron horse" is here to stay, reshaping both the city landscape and the human body.

The People

The book features a cast of figures who represent the transformation of the bicycle from a niche curiosity to a mass-market success. Pierre Lallement stands at the center as the inventor whose introduction of the pedal-driven bicycle sparked the global "furore." His success serves as the catalyst for the entire industry. Calvin Witty acts as the primary antagonist of the marketplace; his aggressive enforcement of patent rights forces manufacturers to scramble, pivot, and ultimately license his technology, ensuring that the bicycle becomes a regulated, commercialized entity.

Then there are the Wood Brothers and the Pearsall Brothers, who embody the entrepreneurial spirit of the era. The Wood Brothers represent the high-end, artisan side of the industry, prioritizing durability and craftsmanship, while the Pearsalls represent the social movement, moving from photography to establishing the first riding schools. These figures are contrasted with the "sporting gentry" of the past, who initially embraced the machine only to abandon it, and the "velocipedagogues," the professional instructors who now stand as the gatekeepers of the skill. Together, they represent the transition from the skepticism of the past to the widespread, systematic adoption of the bicycle in the present.

In Its Own Voice

"When the rumor first came across the water, a few years ago, of that wonderful and fascinating little two-wheeled machine, upon which one could so gracefully annihilate time and space, the author of this little book was seized with his first attack of Velocipede Fever."

The author opens the book by defining the emotional and physical impact of encountering the bicycle for the first time.

"Many have expressed doubts as to the real utility of the velocipede, and the permanency of its use. They seem to think it a frivolous invention only calculated to serve purposes of amusement, and soon to be superseded by some other ephemeral claimant for popularity."

The author addresses the critics who viewed the invention as a passing trend, countering their skepticism with his vision of the future.

"A gentleman in New Jersey, a few weeks since, travelled fifty miles in four hours and a half."

This specific anecdote is used to ground the bicycle's performance in the reality of American infrastructure and personal capability.

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is an argument for the "modernization of the individual." The author uses the bicycle as a vehicle to discuss the broader intersection of technology and human health. He is deeply concerned with the physical state of the post-Civil War citizenry, specifically the "muscular lethargy" that he believes characterizes urban life. The question beneath the text is not merely whether the bicycle works, but whether it can save a sedentary population from the "scourge" of consumption and physical decline. He views the machine as a "physiological" tool—a device designed to force the body into an upright, healthy posture. The book serves as a manifesto for progress, asserting that mechanical efficiency and personal vitality are inextricably linked in the advancement of human civilization.

Why Read It Today

Readers with a fascination for the Victorian era or the history of engineering will find this book deeply rewarding. It provides a rare, immediate perspective on a world that was suddenly discovering the thrill of personal, self-propelled speed. The writing is marked by a sincere, earnest enthusiasm that reflects the genuine wonder of the nineteenth century. You will experience the excitement of a new technology before its cultural status was solidified; you feel the pride of the inventor and the caution of the early rider.

However, the reader must be prepared for the dense technical catalogs of now-defunct manufacturers and the occasional, outdated medical assertions regarding health. The period-specific language and the preoccupation with 1860s patent disputes can feel exhaustive, but they offer an authentic window into how a society grapples with a sudden technological shift. What stays with you is the author’s unwavering belief in the bicycle as an agent of human improvement. Even with its focus on long-lost firms and obsolete riding techniques, the book captures a timeless human desire: the simple, exhilarating joy of moving through the world on two wheels, balancing grace against the pull of the earth. It is an honest, unvarnished portrait of a moment when the world suddenly became much smaller and the individual much faster.