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[[preprinted]] SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 852 [[/preprinted]] [[preprinted left margin]] MADE BY BAKER-VAWTER CO. [[/preprinted left margin]] construction of the light, radial, gasoline airplane engine has become more and more apparent in the last years. In the words of one of the most eminent authorities,Mr. Charles L. Lawrence, President of the Wright Aeronautical Corporation:- "Charles Matthews Manly was certainly the outstanding genius of early power-plant design. When we consider that the most popular type of airplane engine of today is almost identical in its general detail and arrangement with the one evolved by Charles Manly in 1902, we are lost in admiration for a man who, with no data at his disposal, no examples of similar art on which to roughly base his design, and no workman capable of making the more difficult parts of his engine, nevertheless, through the processes of a logical mind, and the use of his surprising mechanical skill, succeeded in constructing an engine developing 52.4 hp.for a weight of 125 lbs., or a weight of 2.4 lbs. per hp., which stood up under severe tests, once even going through a full power,non-stop run of ten hours". After giving many details, Mr. Lawrence concludes:- "Everything had to be specifically made, the ignition system, the carbureter, and even the spark plugs. This engine may indeed be characterized as the first "modern" aircraft engine in the world, and the fact that it was produced years ahead of any other modern engine, and by an American engineer, should be a matter of pride to all who are interested in the advancement of American aeronautics and the mechanical genius of the American people". It is with mixed pleasure and regret that, acting on behalf of the Smithsonian Institution and its Board of Regents, I now hand the Langley Medal to you, the son of Charles Matthews Manly - pleasure that so worthy a work is thus honored - regret that this recognition of superlative merit failed of fruition during the lifetime of the inventor. The Chancellor then presented the medal. Mr. Manly replied as follows:- "I appreciate very deeply the honor of being permitted to receive this medal in recognition of my father's work. It is the more highly valued because it is conferred by the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution in whose service he spent several of the most productive years of his life. I am sure that if he were living there is no honor which he would so greatly treasure. On behalf of all the member of his family I thank you." The photograph of the Board of Regents and Mr. Manly was then taken, which concluded the ceremony. The regular order of business was then taken up. NON-ATENDANCE. The Secretary read a letter from Mr. Irwin B.Laughlin stating that was unable to attend owing to his duties as as Ambassador to Spain. Also a
