Staislas Charles Henri Laurent,Dupuy de Lome (1816-1885),French marine engineer. Dupuy de Lome played a critical role in converting the French navy to steam power. From 1847,he oversaw the construction of 'Le Napoleon',the first steam-powered battleship. From 1870,he worked on balloons,attempting to develop a navigable balloon. The 'Dupuy de Lome',launched in 1872,was the first operational airship. Other work included an electric submarine and railway ships. Artwork from 'Aerostation - Aviation' (1911) by French civil engineer Max de Nansouty (1854-1913),part of the 'Les merveilles de la science' series of 1867-1891 by Louis Figuier |