The History of the Combustion Engine
- The Idea of the combustion engine was first thought up in 1680 by Christian Huygens.
- Working engines weren't successfully developed until 1876.
- The 2-stroke engine was made by Sir Dougald Clerk in 1876. As well, more famously, the 4-stroke engine was made the same year by Nicolaus Otto.
- The 4-stroke engine designed by Otto has become the basis for most modern engines today. It is more commonly known now as the Otto cycle.
- The first modern V-8 engine was first produced in 1914, although it wasn't until later in the 1930's that the V-8 was put into cars.
- The Wright Brothers designed their own version of Otto's 4-stroke engine and used it in their first airplane in 1903.
