Henry Fleuss (inventor)

Henry Fleuss was a pioneering engineer and inventor known for developing the first practical self-contained breathing apparatus (scuba gear) in the late 19th century. His device allowed divers and rescue workers to breathe underwater or in hazardous environments by using a sealed helmet connected to a compressed oxygen supply. Fleuss's invention improved safety for underwater work and laid the foundation for modern scuba diving equipment, contributing significantly to both rescue operations and underwater exploration. His work combined principles of engineering and chemistry to create a reliable system for breathing in environments otherwise inhospitable to humans.