Why are inventive people called "Kulibins"? Find out who Ivan Petrovich Kulibin was, what inventions he created, and why his name became a symbol of folk genius and technical ingenuity.

The phrase has become firmly established in the Russian language: "He's our very own Kulibin!" - this is what they say about a person who can craft, repair, and invent without a formal education. But who was the real Kulibin, and why did his name become a symbol of inventiveness?

Who was Ivan Petrovich Kulibin

Ivan Kulibin (1735-1818) was an outstanding Russian self-taught mechanic, a native of Nizhny Novgorod. Despite having no engineering education, his technical genius was recognized at the court of Catherine the Great.

In his youth, he assembled unusual clocks with multiple functions, which so impressed his contemporaries that he became the talk of St. Petersburg. The Empress personally invited him to the capital, and soon Kulibin began working at the Academy of Sciences.

"He is not an engineer - he is a magician!"

— a contemporary of Kulibin, Academician Euler.

What did Kulibin invent?

Here are just a few of his projects:

• Multi-functional clocks - with chimes, a calendar, and miniature scenes.
• Project for a bridge across the Neva River - a unique arch construction without supports.
• A self-propelled carriage - transportation without horses, a prototype of the automobile.
• Optical instruments, searchlights, lifting mechanisms, water pumps, and even prosthetics.

A model of Kulibin's self-propelled carriage:

Why Kulibin's name became a household word

Kulibin is a symbol of folk genius. His inventions were not only technically complex but also practical, and he created them literally "on his knees" (with makeshift tools), without laboratories or drafting offices.

Over time, the expression "Kulibin" began to be used to mean: a person with golden hands, a self-taught inventor. In this sense, it is still alive in colloquial speech and culture.

"A Russian, if necessary, will even assemble a TV from scrap materials. A real Kulibin!"

— from a discussion on a radio enthusiasts' forum.

Legacy

Today, streets, schools, technical colleges, and even engineering prizes are named after Kulibin. A monument to Ivan Petrovich has been erected in Nizhny Novgorod, and his figure remains an inspiring example for everyone interested in technology and science.

Monument to Kulibin in Nizhny Novgorod:

Conclusion

Ivan Petrovich Kulibin is more than just a name. It is a symbol of an engineering mind, resourcefulness, and a thirst for knowledge. And every time someone creates something new with their own hands, the spirit of Kulibin lives on in their actions.

Useful links:
Kulibin, Ivan Petrovich. Wikipedia.