Cornelis Drebbel Biography

Cornelis Jacobszoon Drebbel was a Dutch builder best remembered as the inventor of the world’s first navigable submarine. He worked initially as a painter, engraver and cartographer before developing a keen interest in mechanics, alchemy and designing optical instruments. Born to a burgher in Netherlands, he studied at the Academy of Harleem after receiving his primary education from a local Latin school and became a student of the famous engraver, Hendrick Goltzius. Although initially apprenticed to an engraver, he soon developed an interest in alchemy and mechanical inventions. Subsequently, he was granted a patent for a ‘perpetual motion machine’ actuated by changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature, an invention which established his reputation in scientific and aristocratic circles in Europe. Later, he journeyed to England upon the invitation of King James I who encouraged him to continue his scientific works. Among the numerous inventions attributed to his name are: construction of the first compound microscope using two sets of convex lenses, a variety of optical instruments, an improved thermometer, a scarlet dye, and self-regulating ovens. But undoubtedly, his most famous and magnificent invention was the first ever navigational submarine which he designed and built while working for the English Royal Navy. A great innovator and a brilliant empiric researcher, Cornelis Drebbel was a spirited man who contributed towards the advancement of mechanics, pneumatics, optics, chemistry, hydraulics and pyrotechnics