Chapter 23: Hinders the Progress of the Times
Ernst returned to Berlin, leaving the military academy to operate smoothly. The Berlin Energy Dynamics Company had achieved a significant breakthrough with the world's first four-stroke engine prototype. Ernst witnessed the historic moment as the engine roared to life.
He commended the team's success and promised a generous bonus for their efforts, along with technology shares in the company. Despite his satisfaction, Ernst mentioned that the initial engine was still too cumbersome and needed further refinement, especially for use in smaller machines.
Ernst revealed that he planned to implement production around 1870, much later than some had expected. Lenoir, the general manager, questioned the delay, believing that the engine could dominate the market with some improvements. However, Ernst emphasized the importance of preserving the current historical timeline and maintaining control over the industry.
Ernst explained that the current steam and two-stroke engines on the market were sufficient, and he wanted to maximize the benefits of the four-stroke engine in the future. He assured the team that they held the patent and that no one could take it away.
Lenoir expressed concern about potential competitors, but Ernst assured them that their product would be more advanced. He then revealed his grand vision for the four-stroke engine, emphasizing its potential to change the world's transportation methods, hinting at the future invention of the automobile.
Ernst urged them to keep this information confidential, as it was part of the company's future development strategy.
On July 13, 1865, the world's first four-stroke engine was successfully invented. However, these details would only be revealed in declassified documents of the Hechingen Consortium in the future. Some later generations accused Ernst of hindering the development of the times, arguing that the early introduction of the four-stroke engine could have accelerated technological progress.
Regardless of these criticisms, Ernst remained focused on his goals, unaware of the controversies brewing in the future.
(end of Chapter 23)