It seems that this academic argument is all relative. Either state could claim the title as could the French. But let's not forget that the Chineese were playing with winged hand-spun toys that flew thru the air as early as the mid-1500's. Should they get the title for their inventiveness? What about Leonardo Da Vinci? In the late 1400's he designed a machine that we know today as the helecopter. So should he get the prize for fathering the idea thus giving the trophy to Italy?

Like I said its all relative.