Year: 1839

Where: Togo, West Africa

Who: Edmond Berger

Edmond Berger, an inventor believed to be of West African origin, made a pivotal yet often overlooked contribution to the development of internal combustion engines. On February 2, 1839, Berger is credited with creating an early version of the spark plug—a device that would later become essential to modern automotive technology. Despite not patenting his invention, Berger's work marked an important step toward improving engine efficiency and reliability.

The spark plug Berger developed utilized an electric spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture in internal combustion engines, solving a key problem in engine functionality during the 19th century. Though rudimentary by today’s standards, his device laid the groundwork for future refinements. By the early 20th century, more sophisticated spark plugs were patented, such as Gottlob Honold's in 1902, which became indispensable in automotive engineering. Berger's inventive insight provided a crucial foundation for these advancements, showcasing the significance of early innovation in shaping modern technology.

Although Edmond Berger did not patent his spark plug, his contribution holds historical importance as a precursor to modern ignition systems. His invention underscores the creativity and ingenuity of Black inventors during a time when systemic barriers often prevented them from gaining recognition or financial reward. Berger’s work exemplifies how unpatented or uncredited inventions can still influence technological progress, reminding us of the diverse contributions to global innovation.

Sources:

Websites:

• Corey, B. (2022, February 2). February 2, 1839 – Edmond Berger invents the spark plug. Automotive History.

• Tangie’s Blog. (2024, July 27). Edmond Berger invented spark plugs? [Blog post]. Tangie Woods. https://tangietwoods.blog/2024/07/27/edmond-berger-invented-spark-plugs/