Henry Bessemer

Date of Birth: January 19, 1813

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: March 15, 1898

Biography

Sir Henry Bessemer was an English inventor and engineer whose steelmaking process would become the most important technique for making steel in the nineteenth century. Born in Charlton, Hertfordshire, England, Bessemer was largely self-taught and developed an interest in metallurgy at an early age. His revolutionary Bessemer process, patented in 1856, involved blowing air through molten pig iron to remove impurities. This method dramatically lowered the cost of steel production and contributed significantly to the expansion of the railways and other industries dependent on steel. Bessemer’s innovations extended beyond metallurgy; he held over 100 patents in various fields, including the manufacture of glass and sugar. He was knighted in 1879 for his contributions to science and industry.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Bessemer

1. Henry Bessemer invented the Bessemer process, which revolutionized the steel industry.

2. He held over 100 patents in various fields.

3. Bessemer was knighted in 1879 for his contributions to science and industry.

4. His process for making steel was crucial for the development of railways and other infrastructure.

5. Bessemer was largely self-taught and began his career as an inventor at a young age.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Bessemer

1. “I had an immense advantage over many others dealing with the problem inasmuch as I had no fixed ideas derived from long-established practice to control and bias my mind, and did not suffer from the general belief that whatever is, is right.”

2. “The inventor is a man who looks around upon the world and is not contented with things as they are. He wants to improve whatever he sees; he wants to benefit the world; he is haunted by an idea.”

3. “If my claim is denied, I must submit to it, but I will not for a moment allow that the process is a failure.”

4. “It is a great source of happiness to me to know that my inventions have proved services to my country.”

5. “I had the happiness to witness the success of my invention.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Sir Henry Bessemer’s net worth was estimated to be around £3 million, equivalent to approximately £350 million ($450 million) today when adjusted for inflation.