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Karl DraisGerman inventor
Date of Birth: 29.04.1785
Country:  Germany |
Content:
Biography of Karl Drais
Karl von Drais, a German inventor, was born on April 29, 1785 in Karlsruhe, in the family of Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Ludwig Drais, a court councilor of Baden.
Education and Early Career
From 1803 to 1805, Karl studied architecture, physics, and agriculture at the University of Heidelberg, founded by Elector Palatine Ruprecht I. After completing his studies, young Drais was offered a teaching position. Around 1811, Karl became a forester, inheriting several hectares of beautiful Baden forest. It was during this period that he developed a passion for invention.
Inventions
Drais' first invention was a special machine that automatically drew all five lines on music paper. This invention quickly gained popularity as drawing lines on paper manually was a tedious task. His next invention was two four-wheeled machines that could be propelled by muscular power. Drais presented this novelty at the Congress of Vienna in 1814. However, his invention received numerous criticisms, ranging from slow speed to strong shaking during movement.
On February 17, 1818, Baron Karl von Drais patented his first invention - a scooter equipped with a saddle and handlebar, which he called a "walking machine." This invention was named after Drais and the word "Draisine" is still used in the Russian language. His other inventions include the bicycle and the meat grinder.
