Historical Profile: Cornelis Drebbel

Cornelis Jacobszoon Drebbel (1572-1633) was born in Alkmaar, Holland.  Drebbel was an engineer and inventor.  Inventions that are attributed to Drebbel include: an air conditioning system, development of the predecessors to the barometer and the thermometer, fountains for drinking water systems, and a solar energy system for the city of London.


In 1620, Drebbel was credited for building the first navigable submarine.  Drebbel also worked on creating microscopes, naval mines, detonators, and torpedoes for the British Royal Navy.

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