Jean-Baptiste de La Chapelle facts for kids

This picture shows the "scaphandre" designed by La Chapelle.

Jean-Baptiste de La Chapelle (born around 1710, died 1792 in Paris) was a French priest, mathematician, and inventor. He was known for his smart ideas and his work in different fields.

He wrote many articles for a famous book called the Encyclopédie. He wrote about 270 articles on subjects like arithmetic (which is about numbers) and geometry (which is about shapes). In 1747, he became a member of the Royal Society in London. This was a big honor for scientists and thinkers.

The "Scaphandre" Invention

In 1775, Jean-Baptiste de La Chapelle invented something he called a "scaphandre." This name comes from two Greek words: skaphe, meaning "boat," and andros, meaning "man." So, it was like a "man-boat."

What Was the Scaphandre?

The "scaphandre" was a special suit made of cork. Cork is a light material that floats. This suit was designed to help people, especially soldiers, float and swim easily in water.

Flotation Device, Not Diving Suit

Even though the name sounds like "diving suit," La Chapelle's invention was actually more like a flotation suit. It helped people stay on top of the water, not go deep under it. It was a clever way to help people move safely across water.

This is the cover of a German book from 1776 about the "scaphandre."