Blasco de Garay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Blasco de Garay
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|---|---|
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| Born | 1500 |
| Died | 1552 (aged 51–52) |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Service/ |
Navy of Spain |
| Rank | Captain |
| Other work | Inventor |
Blasco de Garay (born 1500, died 1552) was a Spanish navy captain and a clever inventor. He lived during the time of Emperor Charles V.
De Garay created many important inventions. These included equipment for diving underwater. He also introduced the paddle wheel to replace oars on ships. There was a story in the 1800s that he tested a steam-powered ship in 1543. However, Spanish officials later said these claims were not true.
Who Was Blasco de Garay?
We don't know much about Blasco de Garay's early life or family. We only know he had an older brother named Diego de Alarcon. His brother was an army captain who died in Italy.
Many people named Garay were important writers and soldiers in Spain. They often came from noble families in the city of Toledo. Blasco de Garay was likely a nobleman who wasn't very rich. He studied a lot and then joined the King's service. He wrote that he loved science and inventing new things.
Amazing Inventions
Blasco de Garay sent a list of eight inventions to the Emperor himself. Here are some of his most interesting ideas:
- Recovering Sunken Ships: He found a way to bring sunken ships back to the surface. He claimed it could be done even if they were 100 fathoms (about 600 feet) deep. Only two men were needed for this task.
- Underwater Breathing: He invented a special device that let a person stay underwater for a very long time.
- Seeing Underwater: Another invention helped people see objects on the seabed clearly with their own eyes.
- Underwater Light: He created a method to keep a light burning even when it was underwater.
- Fresh Water from Salt Water: He also found a way to make salty water taste fresh and drinkable.
See also
In Spanish: Blasco de Garay para niños
