BENZ, KARL German engineer, was born at Karlsruhe Nov. 26 1844. In 1879 he constructed a two-stroke engine model of his own, and founded an engine factory. As, however, the group financing him would only deal with fixed engines, he left it. He founded the firm Benz and Co., Rhein ische Gasmotorenfabrik, and began to construct fixed engines; then developed a light high-speed four-stroke engine (30o revo lutions, H.P.). He discovered the differential, special electrical battery ignition with spark induction, surface carburettor. He completed his first car in 1885, speed Io-16km. per hour, and took out the patent in 1886 (D.R.P. 37435). He sold the first car to the Frenchman, Roger, and then joined the firm of Panhard and Levassor. In England he encountered difficulties owing to the Locomotives Act (not abolished till I $96) ; and in 1893 he took out a patent for steering gear with triple axle and steering rods tangential to the wheels. Later, he took up his residence in Mannheim. He died on April 3, 1929.