Cornelis Drebbel was born in the Netherland during 1572 where he was apprenticed to a painter and engraver under whom he learned the art of alchemy. In 1595 Drebbel married Sophia Jansdocther and settled down to publish maps and pictures. Eventual he began creating mechanical devices including a pump and clock that attempted perpetual motion. Cornelis also designed a fountain for the main city and a chimney. Cornelis continued to gain fame and in 1604 James I invited him to England. James I was interested in gathering explorers, economists, and alchemists in court, and during Drebbel's time there he invented a perpetual motion machine. This invention resulted in two invitations from the Holy Roman Emperor, however both times was arrested and only released due to his position with the British King. Cornelis likely began building a submarine based off of a rowing boat during his time working for the navy. After the first was built, Cornelis made two more submarines, each increasing in size. The final submarine was demonstrated in the Thames in front of the King and thousands of citizens. After James's death Charles the first became king and employed Drebbel in the Office of Ordance to make secret weapons before his death in 1633. After his death few written works were left behind along with his main inventions: perpetuum mobile, thermostats, optics (microscope lenses), submarines, and chemistry break-throughs.