Note 1099 — CHARLES I 1625-1649 PART II—ROYAL AND MERCHANT SHIPPING
Reading edition
The Dutchman was probably Cornelius Drebbel, who claimed to have solved the secret of perpetual motion, and to have invented a submarine boat. His name occurs several times in the State Papers as receiving rewards for various inventions and appliances, and in 1628 he was employed in the preparation of some especial fireships and ‘engines for fireworks.’