Wilhelm Schmidt

Wilhelm Schmidt, known as Hot Steam Schmidt (German: Heißdampf-Schmidt) (1858–1924) was a German engineer and inventor who achieved the breakthrough in the development of superheated steam technology for steam engines. Wilhelm Schmidt was born in Wegeleben in the Prussian Province of Saxony on 18 February 1858. Education At school Wilhelm Schmidt had difficulties with reading, writing and arithmetic, a case of dyslexia. For example, he was unable to recite the alphabet without hesitation all his life. Nor could he memorise poetry or prose. He developed a passion for drawing, however, and for machines. Career Schmidt began his professional career as a machine fitter. He studied at the technical high school in Dresden under Gustav Zeuner.