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Cornelius Drebbel. Photo by Christoffel van Sichem I‎I‎.

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Cornelis Drebbel

Cornelis Drebbel was born in a Protestant Christian family in Alkmaar, Holland. He was born in 1572 in Alkmaar, Netherlands, and later passed on 7^th November 1633 in London, England at the age of 61.

He was the son of Jacob Janszoon Drebbel who was a prosperous man in the land of Alkmaar from his farming activities. He received his elementary education in Latin school in Alkmaar before joining the Academy in Haarlem which is found in North Holland.

After attending the school, he became a trainee of the famous engraver known as Hendrick Goltzius. With the numerous training, he acquired significant skills which are evident in the beautiful engraving which he created.

Additionally, he advanced his interest in alchemy from his mentor and gained tremendous knowledge about it.

He was responsible for the construction of the first operational submarine in 1620 and his innovation contributed to the development of optics, chemistry, and control systems.

Below are the top ten fascinating facts about Cornelis Drebbel

1. Cornelis Drebbel Lived a Prodigal Lifestyle

Cornelis Drebbel. Photo courtesy of Cornelis Jacobsz Drebbel.

Cornelis Drebbel married Sophia Jansdochter Goltzius in 1595, who was the younger sister to Hendrick and together they settled in Alkmaar.

Cornelis Drebbel was constantly in need of money due to the prodigal lifestyle of his wife. Together the couple had six children but only four of them survived.

During his early life, Cornelis Drebbel worked as an engraver, cartographer, and painter. After the marriage, he developed a passion for mechanical inventions and later obtained a patent for a water-supply system.

2. His Mechanical Inventions Appealed to King James 1 of England

After the magnificent works by Cornelis Drebbel, he was finally recognized by king James1 of England. His great works appealed to the king and soon Cornelis Drebbel moved together with his family to England. This was after the special invitation from the king who placed him under the special service of Henry, Prince of Wales.

While in England, he surprised many people with his creativity which included; optical instruments, Perpetuum mobile, automatic and hydraulic organs.

3. Cornelis Drebbel Faced Imprisonment for Some Time

Cornelis Drebbel received an invitation from Emperor Rudolf 2 in 1610 and he and his family moved to Prague. While in Prague, he demonstrated his great innovations which took many by surprise.

Emperor Rudolf 2 was later overthrown by Matthias his brother and Cornelis Drebbel was imprisoned for some time. Following the intervention by Prince Henry, he was released and permitted to return to England in 1613.

4. He Devoted his Life to the Construction of Submarine and Manufacturing of Microscopes

Drebbel’s first submarine. 17th century. Author is unknown.

After Cornelis Drebbel returned from Prague where he was imprisoned and came to England, he focused on the construction of the submarine. Along with the construction he also got involved with the manufacturing of microscopes.

He manufactured compound microscopes that contained two convex lenses that became very famous in different scientific research. He manufactured optical instruments and managed to construct the first navigable submarine.

For four years he managed to construct two more submarines that were bigger than its predecessor.

5. Cornelis Drebbel faced Tremendous Financial Challenges

Although Cornelis Drebbel was a very prominent person during his era he faced tremendous financial challenges. He had a rare opportunity where he received several invitations from prominent kings.

He however lived a needy life as a result of the dissolute lifestyle of his wife. In his later years, he lived at a near-poverty level where he made his living by running an alehouse. Until the time he met his death in London, he lived a very poor life.

6. He Built a Fountain for the City of Middelburg

Photo by John Wilson on

Cornelis Drebbel constructed the fountain for the city of Middelburg in Zeeland province in 1601. This was after he had received the patent for the water-supply system.

In the following year, he was also granted a patent for the chimney that he had designed. It is believed that it is in that spectacle-making center where he might have acquired the knowledge in the art of lens grinding and then later developed a camera obscura and a magic lantern.

7. Cornelis Drebbel Invented the First Thermostat

The first ever thermostat was invented by Cornelis Drebbel which used a column of mercury. It contained levers that were used to maintain a steady temperature within the furnace and a system of floats as well.

Through his inventions, he developed a process for manufacturing sulfuric acid from saltpeter and sulfur. He also discovered a permanent scarlet fabric dye which was the first of its kind.

8. He was involved in the Plans to Build a New Theater in London

Photo by Erik Mclean on

Cornelis Drebbel was involved in several activities in London due to his creativity and innovations. While in London, he was involved in the plans to build a new theater, moving statues and making theater props.

He also worked on several projects which included, fulminating gold as an explosive, the production of torpedoes, and the manufacturing of detonators that used glass Batavian tears.

9. Cornelis Drebbel took King James on a Test Dive

After the construction of the submarine, it stayed submerged for about three hours and traveled from Westminster to Greenwich and back. For test dive, Cornelis Drebbel took along King James 1 who was the first monarch to travel underwater.

The submarine was tested several times in the Thames and also in presence of several Londoners. The submarine was able to travel a depth of about 4 to 5 meters.

10. He Invented the World’s First Air Conditioner

Cornelis Drebbel developed the first air conditioner in 1620 which he referred to as a cooling machine. The invention was demonstrated to a royal audience in the Hall of Westminster Abbey which was the largest room in the entire British Isles. He was able to chill the air using some artificial means.

Cornelis Drebbel was a very popular inventor who was admired for his creativity. His inventions allowed him to meet with great people including the King of England.

He invented very many things including the world’s first air conditioner. He however died very poor as his wife lived a prodigal lifestyle.