The World’s First Paddle Steamers

Although Denis Papin (from Chitenay in the Centre region) developed and built a prototype steam-powered paddle boat in 1704, it wasn’t until June 1776 that the world’s first paddle steamer proper – the Palmipède*, created by Claude-François-Dorothée, marquis de Jouffroy d’Abbans – was actually launched, and sailed upon the river Doubs.

Papin’s engine was based on his 1679 steam digester, the forerunner of the modern autoclave and pressure cooker.

~~~

*Palmipède is a term used to refer to birds with webbed feet, particularly geese, ducks, and swans. It was first used by Pierre Belon in his 1555 classification, ‘Nature of Birds’. The word itself literally means ‘broad-footed’ – a foot like a palm.