Joseph-Michel Montgolfier

26 August 1740 – 26 June 1810

Joseph-Michel Montgolfier was a French paper manufacturer and inventor who, with his younger brother Jacques-Étienne, invented the hot-air balloon. Their 1783 demonstrations led to the first manned free flight in history, and Joseph later invented the hydraulic ram pump.

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Life events

Born in Annonay, Ardèche, France
26 August 1740

Joseph-Michel Montgolfier was born on 26 August 1740, one of sixteen children of a prosperous paper manufacturer.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Worked in the family paper manufacturing business
c. 1760

Joseph worked in the Montgolfier paper mills at Vidalon near Annonay, one of France's leading paper producers.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Began experiments with lighter-than-air flight
November 1782

In late 1782 Joseph conducted his first experiments with small hot-air envelopes, soon joined by his brother Jacques-Étienne.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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First public demonstration of a hot-air balloon at Annonay
4 June 1783

On 4 June 1783 the Montgolfier brothers publicly flew an unmanned hot-air balloon at Annonay, which rose to a great height and travelled about two kilometres.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Balloon flight before the royal court at Versailles carried the first living passengers
19 September 1783

On 19 September 1783 a Montgolfier balloon carrying a sheep, a duck and a rooster flew before King Louis XVI at Versailles.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Montgolfier balloon made the first manned free flight
21 November 1783

On 21 November 1783 Pilâtre de Rozier and the Marquis d'Arlandes made the first untethered manned flight in history aboard a Montgolfier hot-air balloon over Paris.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Invented the hydraulic ram pump
1796

In 1796 Joseph-Michel Montgolfier invented the hydraulic ram, a self-powered pump that uses the energy of flowing water to raise a portion of it to a greater height.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Elected to the French Academy of Sciences
1807

Joseph was appointed to scientific posts under Napoleon, including membership of the Académie des sciences in 1807 and a role at the Conservatoire des arts et métiers.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died at Balaruc-les-Bains, France
26 June 1810

Joseph-Michel Montgolfier died on 26 June 1810 while visiting the spa town of Balaruc-les-Bains.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓