Birth and Early Education
On January 10, 1799, Petrache Poenaru was born in Bănești, Vâlcea County, Romania. A remarkable Romanian inventor and Enlightenment-era teacher, Poenaru was a student of Gheorghe Lazăr and would later become known for his invention of the world’s first fountain pen.
Studies in Vienna and Paris
Poenaru pursued philology in Vienna and later studied at polytechnics in both Vienna and Paris. Although less known, Poenaru's invention foreshadowed the later 1884 development by American Lewis Waterman, who revolutionized the writing instrument with an ink tank supplying the nib.
Invention and Patent of the "Endless Movable Pen"
In 1827, decades before Waterman’s version, Poenaru independently invented and patented the “endless movable pen” that continuously supplied ink. To supplement his income, Poenaru handcrafted this pen and received a patent for his invention in Paris, awarded by the French government.
First Romanian to Travel by Train
In 1831, Poenaru traveled by train in England, just a year after the world’s first railroad launch. He marveled at the new transportation technology, describing the 20-carriage train pulled by a single steam engine as one of the wonders of the century. The former “Semănătoarea” subway station in Romania was later named in his honor.
Return to Romania and Contributions to Education
Returning to Romania in 1832, Poenaru dedicated himself to education, playing a key role in organizing national schooling. He also took part in the 1848 revolution led by Tudor Vladimirescu, serving as his secretary.
Legacy and Later Life
Petrache Poenaru passed away in 1875, but his contributions live on. He was named a member of the Romanian Academy towards the end of his life. Today, while fountain pens are less common, they remain a testament to his ingenuity. The fountain pen's importance waned after the invention of the ballpoint pen by Hungarian journalist László Bíró in 1938.
