1669 - obtained MD from University of Angers. 1675 - moved to London and worked closely with Robert Boyle. 1679 - first demonstrated his 'digester'. 1687 - appointed professor of mathematics at the University of Marburg, Germany. 1690 - designed simple one-cylinder atmospheric steam engine. 1707 - returned to London. 1711 - demonstrated 'hessian bellows, a forerunner of the blast furnace.