1834-1900

German Mechanical Engineer

German mechanical engineer Gottlieb Wilhelm Daimler was born on March 17, 1834, in Schorndorf, Wurttemberg, Germany. He was an obviously gifted youngster, and his father arranged for him to enter into a prestigious, classical education. His report cards soon showed that he was little attracted to such subjects as Latin but showed great aptitude for subjects like geometry. He persuaded his parents to let him change his scholastic endeavors toward the technical side.

Young Daimler's first job was in the foundry of a gunsmith's factory. He was very proficient at this hot, dirty work but soon found it lacking. He enrolled at a technical institute. While most engineering students were then busy trying to exploit and improve the power of steam engines, Daimler was looking for a different type of engine all together.

Gottlieb Daimler. (The Library of Congress. Reproduced by permission...