Léon Serpollet (4 October 1858 – 1 February 1907) was a French engineer and developer of flash steam boilers and steam automobiles.
Léon Serpollet was born in Culoz, in the Ain department of France in 1859, son of the carpenter Auguste Serpollet. He went into the family business with his brother Henri (1848-1915) producing circular saws and wood working machines. It was when seeking to power their workshops that Henri came up with the idea of flash steam generation, with a patent applied for on 25 October 1879.
Leon went to Paris to study engineering at the Conservatoire national des arts et métiers, and at the same time he continued to develop the flash steam concept with his brother by post. In 1886 the two brothers arrived at their best design of flash steam boiler, and then shortly afterwards they went into business building flash steam boilers, initially small scale to power lighting systems and pumps, but soon to power tricycles and steam boats, and eventually to cars, trams, and buses.
Not only was Léon Serpollet a talented engineer, but he also drove his own cars in various races and rallies, for in the first years of the 20th century his steam cars were faster than any internal combustion engine cars, as he proved when he took the world land speed record in 1902 at Nice promenade at 120.80 km/h. This was the first time a car had been timed at over 100 km/h.
Serpollet's steam cars meant he had contact with many distinguished customers, including the future King Edward VII, the Maharajah of Mysore, and the Shah of Persia - Mozaffar ad-Din Shah Qajar, who in 1900 conferred on him the Order of the Lion and the Sun. In 1900 he was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour.
Leon Serpollet died aged 48 of a 'malignant disease', and with his passing the interest in steam cars seemed to wane, especially in France, there were no steam cars on show at the Paris Salon automobile show of 1908. His influence on the automotive industry had been substantial as stated in many obituaries, for example "The death of M. Leon Serpollet has removed from our midst a pioneer in the motor industry, whose genius in the cause of automobilism can only be compared to that of Stephenson for the locomotive"...."The death of M. Serpollet is a heavy loss to the industry." In another obituary "M. Serpollet's name has been for a score of years as well known in the world of the steam motor-car as is that of Marquis de Dion in the region of internal combustion vehicles".
Léon Serpollet is commemorated by a statue by Jean Boucher at the Place Saint-Ferdinand (48.877969°N 2.288112°E / 48.877969; 2.288112) in Paris' 17th arrondissement, and the Parc Léon Serpollet (48.89228°N 2.33831°E / 48.89228; 2.33831) in its 18th arrondissement.
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Some of their strengths
Léon Serpollet has many admirable traits.
Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Intelligent, Sophisticated, Organized, Passionate, Curious, Confident, and Brave.
Intelligent and Inquisitive
According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, Léon Serpollet is someone who is an intelligent, inquisitive, and imaginative person, who is practical, considerate, kind, and diplomatic in dealings with others. A person who looks for jobs that tend to reflect their identity.
Constant and Serious
Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know Léon Serpollet well know them as someone who can be determined, unmoving, and firm, like a rock or a high mountain.
Independent and Organized
According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe Léon Serpollet as someone who is independent, organized, inventive, and generous.
A person who is curious and a loves learning, who seems to always know what to say, who has an optimism that can overcome any difficult situation, and who seems to be able to master almost any skill.
Intelligent and Leadership-oriented
Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, Léon Serpollet is someone who is able to see things that others don't, and who can be an effective guide or mentor to others.
They are also someone who is reflective, mysterious, and purposeful, who enjoys quiet and solo work, and who thrives in positions where there is no need to report to someone else.
Justice-seeking and Peaceful
According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, Léon Serpollet tends to be someone who loves peace and is ready to go to any costs to achieve it. Who has a taste for the good things in life, tends to be a good organizer, has a thirst for knowledge, and who tends to have the respect of friends and acquaintances.
Some of Léon Serpollet's challenges
While Léon Serpollet has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.
For example, Léon Serpollet can be Hesitant, Narcissistic, Difficult, Perfectionist, Domineering, Impatient, and Temperamental.
Hesitant and Narcissistic
One of Léon Serpollet's key challenges is that they are someone who can be hesitant and narcissistic.
Léon Serpollet must also exercise caution as they can be short-tempered and aggressive.
Domineering and Impatient
Léon Serpollet is someone who can be demanding, egotistical, and controlling, can have a lack of judgment regarding personal finances, be argumentative and stubborn, and who can have a tendency to be withdrawn and spend time in self-imposed isolation.
Pleasure-seeking and Indecisive
Finally, Léon Serpollet also can put others first too much, and hem-and-haw too much when making a decision.
