11 Facts About Arthur Scherbius

Arthur Scherbius was a German electrical engineer who invented the mechanical cipher Enigma machine.

Arthur Scherbius patented the invention and later sold the machine under the brand name Enigma.

Arthur Scherbius studied electrical engineering at the Technical University Munich and then went on to study at the Leibniz University Hannover, finishing in March 1903.

Arthur Scherbius subsequently worked for a number of electrical firms in Germany and Switzerland.

Arthur Scherbius made a number of inventions including asynchronous motors, electric pillows and ceramic heating parts.

Arthur Scherbius applied for a patent for a cipher machine based on rotating wired wheels that is known as a rotor machine.

Arthur Scherbius called his machine Enigma which is the Greek word for "riddle".

Arthur Scherbius initially had to contend with the lack of interest in his invention, but he was convinced that his Enigma would be marketable.

Arthur Scherbius' Enigma provided the German Army with one of the strongest cryptographic ciphers at the time.

Arthur Scherbius however did not live to see the widespread use of his machine.

In 1929, Arthur Scherbius died in a horse carriage accident in Berlin-Wannsee, where he had lived since 1924.