John Wise (1808-1879), American balloonist, born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. He made his first balloon ascent in Philadelphia in 1835, and made a total of 462 balloon flights before his death when his balloon crashed into Lake Michigan. During flights he conducted scientific experiments. He was the first person to observe the jet stream, developed the ripcord safety mechanism for balloons, and is credited with the first ever airmail transportation in 1859. Published in Wise's book A system of aeronautics, comprehending its earliest investigations, and modern practice and art, Philadelphia, 1850.