Encyclopedias: Spartacus Educational: First World War: Sir Hiram Maxim

Description: Inventor of machine-gun that could fire 500 rounds per minute and therefore had the firepower of about 100 rifles. He also a pneumatic gun, the gun silencer (subsequently adapted for car exhausts), a smokeless gunpowder, a mouse trap, carbon filaments for light bulbs and a flying machine. (1840-1916)