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Today in History: French Brothers Patent Early Internal Combustion Engine

7/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On July 20, 1807, French inventors Claude and Nicéphore Niépce received a patent from Napoleon Bonaparte for their Pyréolophore, one of the earliest internal combustion engines. This groundbreaking invention successfully powered a boat upstream on the Saône River, marking a significant advancement in engine technology and paving the way for future innovations in transportation.

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Story summary

On July 20, 1807, French inventors Claude and Nicéphore Niépce received a patent from Napoleon Bonaparte for their Pyréolophore, one of the earliest internal combustion engines. This groundbreaking invention successfully powered a boat upstream on the Saône River, marking a significant advancement in engine technology and paving the way for future innovations in transportation.