"John Wilkins (1614-1672), one of the founders of the Royal Society and bishop of Chester … in 1640 discussed the possibility of reaching the moon by volitation.".    From Wordnik.com.  [Britannica's CD-ROM Is Fun, But It Could Use Some Nonsense] Reference

However visionary this idea might be, he had collected innumerable and extremely interesting data, having examined the anatomical structure of almost every winged thing in the creation, and compared the weight of the body with the area of the wings when expanded in the act of volitation as well as the natural habits of birds, insects, bats, and fishes, with reference to their powers of flying and duration of flight.    From Wordnik.com.  [Notes and Queries, Number 46, September 14, 1850] Reference

May pre house the seamy side volitation!.    From Wordnik.com.  [languagehat.com: SEAMY] Reference