Paul-Gustave Froment

Paul-Gustave Froment (born 3 March 1815 in Paris; died 1865) was a French mechanic, instrument maker and inventor.

Having demonstrated from childhood talent for technology, his father decided to let him study at the Ecole Polytechnique in Paris.

On his return to France, his intention was to build steam engines but he was prevented from doing so by lack of funds.

[4] He is best known for designing early electric motors for industrial use, for which he was awarded the valuable Volta Prize in 1857.

In his design electromagnets were energized to attract iron rods attached to a rotating flywheel.