[a][2] He was orphaned at a young age, and became an apprentice with Achille Colas and with Jecker, an expert maker of precision instruments.
[3] In 1836 Marie-Joseph Farcot patented the first method of steam distribution that gave almost complete variability to the regulator.
[4] In 1839 he had transferred his workshop to the rue Moreau, and that year received another silver medal for an innovative steam engine with variable power.
[3] In 1846 he transferred his metallurgical factory to Saint-Ouen, Seine-Saint-Denis, where he purchased land covering 4 hectares (9.9 acres).
[6] In 1857 Marie-Joseph Farcot proposed a number of improvements to steam hammer design, including an arrangement so the steam acted from above, increasing the striking force, improved valve arrangements and the use of springs and material to absorb the shock and prevent breakage.