Arthur Scherbius (30 October 1878 – 13 May 1929) was a German electrical engineer who invented the mechanical cipher Enigma machine.

Scherbius offered unequalled opportunities and showed the importance of cryptography to both military and civil intelligence.

The next year he completed a dissertation entitled "Proposal for the Construction of an Indirect Water Turbine Governor" and was awarded a doctorate in engineering (Dr.-Eng.).

He made a number of inventions including asynchronous motors, electric pillows and ceramic heating parts.

Scherbius initially had to contend with the lack of interest in his invention, but he was convinced that his Enigma would be marketable.

Scherbius' Enigma provided the German Army with one of the strongest cryptographic ciphers at the time.