LETHBRIDGE 1715 (UK)

The earliest recorded attempt at protecting a diver in rigid armor was made by John Lethbridge of Devonshire, England in 1715. The oak suit had a viewing port and holes for the diver’s arms to protrude. Water was kept out of the suit by means of greased leather cuffs, which sealed around the operator’s arms. The device was reported to have made many working dives to 60ft/18m. Lethbridge’s device probably performed as claimed. We know this from the painstaking work of Belgian expert, Robert Stenuit. Working under the aegis of Comex with assistance from Comex’s founder, Henri Delauze, Stenuit replicated and operated the "Lethbridge Engine," using only materials and techniques available in the day.