Henry Fleuss

Henry Fleuss (1851–1932) was a pioneering diving engineer and inventor of the first practical rebreather, a type of diving equipment that recycles the user's exhaled gas. His invention was a significant development in the field of underwater diving and has had a lasting impact on the industry.

Early Life

Henry Fleuss was born in 1851 in London, England. Little is known about his early life, but it is known that he had a keen interest in engineering from a young age.

Career

Fleuss began his career as a civil engineer, but his interest in diving led him to join the Siebe Gorman company in 1878. Siebe Gorman was a leading manufacturer of diving equipment, and Fleuss quickly rose through the ranks to become a key member of the team.

In 1879, Fleuss invented the first practical rebreather. This device was designed to recycle the user's exhaled gas, removing the carbon dioxide and adding fresh oxygen. This allowed divers to stay underwater for longer periods of time, and without the need for a surface-supplied air hose.

Fleuss's rebreather was initially used for mine rescue and other industrial applications, but it was soon adopted by the Royal Navy for use in underwater salvage operations. The device was also used in the construction of the Severn Tunnel, a major engineering project in the UK.

Fleuss continued to work on improving his rebreather design throughout his career. He also made significant contributions to the development of other diving equipment, including diving helmets and suits.

Legacy

Henry Fleuss's contributions to the field of underwater diving have had a lasting impact. His rebreather design is still used in modern diving equipment, and his work has influenced many subsequent developments in the industry.

Fleuss was awarded the Royal Humane Society's bronze medal in 1880 for his work on the Severn Tunnel project. He is also commemorated by the Historical Diving Society, which awards the Henry Fleuss Trophy to individuals who have made significant contributions to diving history.

See Also

• Siebe Gorman
• Rebreather
• Underwater diving