Chapter 0034: Diesel
In the realm of internal combustion engines, Rudolf Diesel is undoubtedly one of the greatest inventors. His invention of the diesel engine has had a profound impact on society. By bringing Diesel under his wing, Qin Tian hopes to secure a significant advantage in the field of diesel technology for the future.
The applications of the diesel engine are extensive, yet Qin Tian places particular emphasis on its use in tanks, armored vehicles, heavy trucks, and submarines, all of which are intrinsically linked to the military domain.
Rudolf Diesel was born in March 1858 in Paris, France, to German workers laboring there. Following the deterioration of Franco-German relations, the Diesel family was expelled back to Germany, leading to considerable hardships.
In 1879, at the age of 21, Diesel graduated from university and became a refrigeration engineer. During his work, he became acutely aware of the inefficiency of steam engines and conceived the idea of designing a new type of engine. After saving some funds, Diesel resigned from his position and established an engine laboratory.
After numerous failures, Diesel's experiments finally succeeded. In 1892, he was able to unveil a practical diesel-powered compression ignition engine to the world. This engine, powerful and fuel-efficient, could utilize inferior quality fuels, demonstrating remarkable potential for development. Diesel then plunged into the commercial venture of diesel engine production. Unfortunately, despite his brilliance as an engineer, Diesel lacked business acumen, gradually falling into financial turmoil. By 1913, he teetered on the brink of bankruptcy. That summer, Diesel mysteriously vanished while aboard a ferry crossing the English Channel, believed to have committed suicide.
Qin Tian's journey to Augsburg was driven by the hope of rescuing Diesel and altering his fate, while simultaneously preserving a national treasure of a scientist for Germany.
As the third-largest city in Bavaria, Augsburg boasts a degree of prosperity. Following the leads he had previously gathered, Qin Tian made his way to Diesel's office.
Located on the outskirts to save on rent, Diesel's office was essentially an abandoned factory, where he had conducted countless experiments leading to the invention of the diesel engine.
However, despite Diesel's success, the commercialization of his diesel engine faced significant challenges; the market was unwelcoming, and potential buyers were scarce. As a result, investors who had previously funded Diesel's research withdrew their support due to the lack of profit prospects, pushing Diesel toward the precipice of bankruptcy.
"Is Mr. Diesel in?" Qin Tian inquired, a frown creasing his brow upon arrival. He understood the man's plight—Diesel's life had been fraught with adversity, and such a precarious situation was perhaps inevitable.
Moments later, the door opened, revealing a middle-aged man clad in grimy work attire.
"I am he. Who are you?" the man asked, furrowing his brow as he regarded the unfamiliar youth.
"Mr. Diesel, greetings. I have come upon hearing of your invention—a powerful, fuel-efficient engine capable of utilizing inferior fuels," Qin Tian said.
Diesel nodded; it was no secret.
"Come in!"
Upon entering the premises, Qin Tian was met with further disarray. Engine parts were strewn everywhere, and the air was thick with the pungent odor of oil, revealing the rudimentary working conditions.
"That is the diesel engine I developed, but sadly, it has not gained much acceptance in the market," Diesel's eyes dimmed with despondency.
Qin Tian acknowledged the grim reality of Diesel's situation. Despite the engine being a revolutionary product, it faced criticism and exclusion from competitors. Coupled with Diesel's lack of business acumen and substantial financial losses in the stock market, he found himself ensnared in dire straits.
Qin Tian gazed at the rudimentary diesel engine before him, fully aware that every invention in its infancy lacks aesthetic appeal. With ongoing advancements in technology, improvements would inevitably follow.
"Mr. Diesel, this is a remarkable invention, and I firmly believe in its promising applications," Qin Tian affirmed.
"I too have faith, but alas, I may not live to see that day," Diesel's eyes reflected a profound despair.
"No, Mr. Diesel, I am confident you will overcome these challenges," Qin Tian replied, resolute.
Diesel was taken aback, evidently surprised by Qin Tian's unwavering confidence.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Oscar, the fifth son of Kaiser Wilhelm II of the German Empire. I also own the German Lottery Company and the German Shipyard. Furthermore, I have recently registered a company named German Engine Manufacturing and hope you will consider joining us," Qin Tian stated earnestly.
"What? Prince Oscar?" Diesel was taken aback.
The German Lottery Company was widely recognized for its high profits, and while Diesel was unfamiliar with the shipyard, it was clear that if it were indeed under the purview of Prince Oscar, its scale would be considerable.
"Your Highness, greetings!" Diesel attempted to extend his hand for a handshake, but recoiled upon realizing it was covered in oil.
"Hello, Mr. Diesel. Would you be willing to join my company? I can acquire your technical patents and provide ample funding for your research to continue! The initial offer is set at five million marks, though we can certainly negotiate if that does not meet your satisfaction," Qin Tian said generously. Despite his considerable debts, the backing of the German Lottery Company alleviated his financial pressures.
"Five million marks?" Diesel was astonished. To him, it was an astronomical sum. At his peak, his net worth had never exceeded one hundred thousand marks.
"If you agree, I can establish a research center in Augsburg, with future factories located here as well. You need not uproot your life. However, I hope you will continue your research on diesel engines, developing a more reliable, powerful, and compact model. I am convinced that the future of such engines will be exceptionally bright!"