Thomas De Colmar

Thomas De Colmar

French inventor and entrepreneur
Date of Birth: 05.05.1785
Country: France

Content:
  1. Charles Xavier Thomas de Colmar: A French Inventor and Entrepreneur
  2. Founding of Insurance Companies
  3. Invention of the Arithmometer
  4. Personal Life
  5. Honors and Legacy

Charles Xavier Thomas de Colmar: A French Inventor and Entrepreneur

Early Life and Military Career

Born in 1785, Charles Xavier Thomas de Colmar embarked on a military career in 1809. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as chief administrator of supply warehouses for troops in Spain and later as inspector of supply for the entire French army.

Thomas De Colmar

Founding of Insurance Companies

After leaving the army in 1819, de Colmar turned his attention to the insurance industry. He established the 'Phoenix' fire insurance company in 1820 but later resigned due to conflicts with partners. In 1829, he founded 'Le Soleil,' which he expanded through mergers and acquisitions until his death. In 1843, he created 'L'Aigle incendie,' benefiting from the symbolism of the sun ('soleil') for previous French rulers and the eagle ('aigle') associated with Napoleon. By the time of his death, the 'Aigle - Soleil' group had become the largest insurance company in France, with de Colmar owning 81%.

Invention of the Arithmometer

Alongside his insurance ventures, de Colmar is renowned for his invention of the arithmometer, a mechanical calculator. Inspired by the extensive calculations required in his supply and insurance roles, he presented a working model in 1820. However, it took over 30 years for the arithmometer to gain commercial success in 1852. Mass-produced in de Colmar's factories, the arithmometer became the first widely used mechanical calculator. Its reliability and accuracy made it valuable in government agencies, banks,保险公司, and observatories.

Personal Life

In 1812, de Colmar married Francesca Garcia de Ampudia Alvarez in Seville. They had 10 children, including two daughters who later became countesses.

Honors and Legacy

De Colmar's contributions were recognized with the Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur in 1821 and the Officier of the Légion d'honneur in 1857. His arithmometer revolutionized calculation and remained popular until 1914. The 'Aigle - Soleil' insurance group, which he founded, was nationalized in 1946 and merged with 'La National' before becoming 'GAN' in 1968, which remains a successful company today.

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