The flight was one of many achievements for Tytler, an accomplished writer and editor, trained surgeon and pharmacist.

He contributed to the second and third edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica and was a driving force behind its expansion.

He also befriended Robert Burns and his contribution to balladry and folk songs enriched Scottish music tradition.

Despite his many talents, Tytler failed to capitalise on any of his ventures and his enterprises led to debt.

Dundee University today unveiled a print of Tytler’s Fire Balloon and said students would now embark on a research project to discover more about the man.

They will probe how such a pioneering individual could have so few entrepreneurial skills and why he has failed to attract the attention he deserves.

The project will be carried out at the university’s Enterprise Gym and has the support of Angus Council.

Anyone who has information about the life of James Tytler should contact n.rossett@dundee.ac.uk.