 |
Johann Ernst Elias BesslerSaxon mechanical engineer, physician and legendary adventurer-con man
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Mechanical Inclinations and Medical Studies
- The Invention of the "Perpetual Motion" Machine
- The Demonstration and Public Fame
- The Examination and Rejection by Peter I
- The Secret Revealed and the Fall of Bessler's Reputation
- The Aftermath and Bessler's Defense
Early Life and Education
Johann Ernst Elias Bessler was born into a humble family in Zittau, Saxony, on September 19, 1680. His father was a tanner, while his mother was a housewife. Bessler received a basic education in local schools and displayed an early interest in mechanics.
Mechanical Inclinations and Medical Studies
Bessler's fascination with engineering led him to pursue an apprenticeship with a clockmaker. He later studied medicine at the University of Leipzig, where he graduated in 1704. However, he returned to his mechanical pursuits, practicing as an engineer and inventor.
The Invention of the "Perpetual Motion" Machine
In 1712, Bessler claimed to have invented a "perpetual motion" machine, a device that could generate energy indefinitely without external input. He constructed a large wooden wheel, over 3.5 meters in diameter, which he claimed ran continuously for months without any assistance.
The Demonstration and Public Fame
On November 17, 1717, Bessler unveiled his invention to Landgrave Karl of Hesse-Kassel in the presence of prominent physicists. The machine impressed the attendees, who verified its continuous operation. Bessler's reputation as a brilliant inventor spread throughout Europe.
The Examination and Rejection by Peter I
Tsar Peter I of Russia, known for his curiosity about technological advancements, expressed interest in Bessler's invention. He sent diplomats and consulted with renowned physicists, including Leibniz and Wolff. However, the high price demanded by Bessler and the negative opinions from the scientists led Peter I to reject the machine.
The Secret Revealed and the Fall of Bessler's Reputation
Bessler's perpetual motion machine proved to be a hoax. Servants operated the wheel from an adjacent room, maintaining its motion. When the secret was revealed, Bessler's reputation crumbled. The machine, once the object of much fanfare, was eventually dismantled and consigned to obscurity.
The Aftermath and Bessler's Defense
Bessler remained adamant in his belief that his invention was genuine, dismissing the accusations as slander. However, despite his protests, his reputation as a charlatan lingered until his death in 1745. His legacy as an inventor was tainted by the hoax surrounding his "perpetual motion" machine.
